|
Referendum Issue
Major Clauses of
Taiwan's Referendum Bill
[ News ] [ Papers ]
Revising Referendum Law Is Necessary,
DPP Claims
(CNA, July 1, 2005) The Executive Yuan's approval to amend the Referendum Law
will greatly improve the government's policy-making quality and its competitiveness,
a Democratic Progressive Party official said.
Cabinet OKs Referendum Law
Overhaul
(Taiwan News, June 30, 2005)
The Cabinet approved a package of revisions to the Referendum Law that would
lower the thresholds for citizen initiatives and the passage of referendums
that do not impinge on the Constitution or the definition of the national
territory.
Cabinet OKs Referendum Law
Changes
(Taipei Times, Jan. 6, 2005) The
revisions will mandate a plebiscite on any change to the nation's boundaries,
but the Taipei mayor says the measure is unconstitutional.
Chen Warns of Future
Referendum
(Taiwan News, Nov. 21, 2004)
President Chen Shui-bian declared that if China put excessive pressure
on Taiwan to accept Beijing's "one China" principle or its "
one country, two systems" unification formula, he "would not
exclude" holding citizen referendums on those topics.
Chen Proposes Two New
Referendums
(Taipei Times, Apr. 12, 2004) The president
blasted the pan-blue camp and called for year-end referendums on shrinking
the Legislative Yuan and reviewing the KMT's assets.
China: Referendum a Tool to
'Kidnap People's Will'
(Straits Times, Mar. 24, 2004) China issued its
strongest response yet on Taiwan when national newspapers accused President
Chen Shui-bian of 'kidnapping the people's will' and committing 'political
fraud'.
China Accuses Taiwan of
Threatening Stability
(Reuters, Mar. 14, 2004) Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao accused Taiwan's leaders of using democracy as a pretext to push for a
referendum aimed at independence and threatening stability in the region.
Germany Urges Taiwan to
Rethink on Referendum
(Reuters, Mar. 14, 2004) The German government
urged Taiwan to think again about holding a referendum next week on boosting
anti-missile defenses against mainland China.
China Urges U.S. Congress to
Stay Out of Taiwan Row
(Reuters, Mar. 13, 2004) Beijing urged members of
the U.S. Congress not to sign a statement supporting a controversial Taiwan
referendum.
Debate on March 20
Referendum Goes On, and On
(China Post, Mar. 8, 2004) Debaters representing
the opposition camp continued criticizing the legality of holding a national
referendum on March 20, while those of the government strongly defended Chen's
stand.
South Korea Concerned over
Taiwan's Referendum Plan
(AP, Feb. 28, 2004) "Our government has
concerns over the recent moves by Taiwan that can cause tensions,'' the Foreign
Ministry said.
Powell Stresses US
Opposition to Taiwan Changing Status Quo
(AFP, Feb. 24, 2004) US Secretary of State Colin
Powell told Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in a phone call that
Washington's position on any plans by Taiwan to alter the status quo remained
"firm and unchanged.”
Chinese President Takes Part
in War Plans
(Straits Times, Feb. 22, 2004) Chinese President
Hu Jintao has recently set up office at the military command headquarters at
Yuquanshan, on Beijing's western outskirts, to familiarise himself with war
command operations.
Lien Vows Not to Vote in
March 'Illegal' Referendum
(Taiwan News, Feb. 22, 2004) Lien Chan declared
that he would not vote in the referendum to be held in tandem with the March
20 presidential election.
Taiwan's Chen Says Ballot
Won't Affect Missile Deal
(Reuters, Feb. 19, 2004) Taiwan will
press ahead with plans to buy advanced weaponry from the United States even
if a referendum on boosting anti-missile capabilities is rejected next month,
President Chen Shui-bian said.
PFP Tells Backers to Boycott
Referendum
(Taiwan News, Feb. 19, 2004) The uproar over the
March 20 referendum continued unabated as more opposition officials urged
voters to abstain from the ballot they branded illegitimate and unnecessary.
Powell Sees No Need for
Taiwan to Hold Referenda
(China Post, Feb. 13, 2004) U.S. Secretary of State
Colin Powell told a U.S. Congressional committee that he sees no need for
Taiwan to hold a referendum. As a democracy, though, Taiwan has every right
to hold a referendum, according to Powell.
U.S. Asks China to Trim
Threat to Taiwan
(NYT, Feb. 12, 2004) A senior Pentagon official
told Chinese leaders this week that they should withdraw missiles aimed at
Taiwan, stressing that the burden of reducing tensions across the Taiwan
Strait falls heavily on Beijing.
China Warns Taiwan
Referendum Will Endanger Peace
(WP, Feb. 11, 2004) China dismissed a recent
Taiwanese proposal to establish a demilitarized buffer zone as
"deceitful" and warned the island's government that going ahead
with a planned referendum will "endanger peace" and "provoke
confrontation."
China 'Won't Meddle' with
Taiwan
(CNN.com, Feb. 11, 2004) China has denounced
plans by Taiwan's president to push ahead with a poll next month but says it
won't interfere.
Cabinet Passes Motion for
Vote Despite Ma's Dissent
(Taiwan News, Feb. 5, 2004) The DPP-led Cabinet
approved two topics proposed by President Chen Shui-bian for a "peace
referendum" to be held in tandem with the March 20 presidential election
despite objections from Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou.
Chen's Peace Plan Labeled
Trite and Empty by Opposition
(Taiwan News, Feb. 4, 2004) The opposition parties dismissed President Chen's
cross-strait peace plan as both trite and empty and reiterated that holding
the March 20 referendum is bound to strain rather than improve Taiwan's
relations with China.
Taiwan's Leader Proposes DMZ
With China
(WP, Feb. 4, 2004) President Chen offered to exchange
envoys with China and establish a demilitarized zone across the Taiwan
Strait, a proposal apparently aimed at appeasing the Bush administration and
other critics.
Taiwan Brushes Aside Referendum
Doubts
(Taiwan News, Feb. 1, 2004) Taiwan sought to play
down the latest remarks by a U.S. official about the upcoming referendum,
disputing claims by overseas and local media that characterized the comments
as critical of the government's referendum plan.
U.S. Official, in Beijing,
Questions Taiwan's Referendum Plan
(NYT, January 31, 2004) "As much as we respect
Taiwan's democracy, the referendum in question does raise questions," Richard
L. Armitage, the deputy secretary of state, said. “I think this raises
questions about the motives of those who want to put it forward."
Taiwan Accuses Chirac of
Meddling
(AP, Jan. 29, 2004) Taiwan's leader accused
French President Chirac of meddling in the island's affairs after he
criticized Taiwanese plans to hold a referendum, and two Cabinet-level visits
to France were canceled in protest.
French Stance Ups Heat on
Taiwan
(CNN.com, Jan. 28, 2004) Chen responded
to Chirac's statement by stressing the right to hold referendums is a
"universally accepted basic right of a democratic people." The
Taiwan president alleged Paris had misunderstood Taipei's position, which had
nothing to do with disturbing the status quo.
France Backs China Against
Taiwan as It Eyes Trade Deals
(AFP, Jan. 27, 2004) Chirac, speaking late Monday at a
state banquet in honour of Hu who was starting a four-day visit to France,
called the March 20 plebiscite "a grave mistake" that would
destabilise Asia.
Opposition Backs Down from
Boycott
(Taiwan News, Jan. 27, 2004) Opposition
"pan-blue" leaders backed down from threats to boycott the
"peace referendum" but decided to continue questioning the
referendum's legality.
Arms, Taiwan Top
France-China Meet
(CNN.com, Jan. 26, 2004) Chinese President Hu
Jintao is set to arrive in Paris to lobby for sales of weapons to China and
French opposition to "referendum politics" in Taiwan.
Opposition Plans Meeting on
Referendum Boycott
(China Post, Jan. 25, 2004) President Chen's plan
of holding a referendum alongside the presidential election remains a hot
campaign issue as the opposition "pan-blue" alliance plans to take
concrete boycott steps.
Chen Urges Citizens to Write
History with Referendum
(Taiwan News, Jan 21, 2004) President Chen
Shui-bian declared that citizens will write a new chapter in Taiwan's history
March 20 when they cast ballots in both the election for the president and
the first nationwide referendum.
China Still Rejects Taiwan
Referendum
(WP, Jan. 19, 2004) A senior Chinese official
rejected the new wording of a referendum that Taiwan is planning to hold in
March and warned that it would push cross-strait tensions "to the brink
of danger."
Taiwan Divided over Chen's
Controversial Referendum Plan
(AFP, Jan. 18, 2004) The Taiwanese public is
split over whether to go ahead with a March referendum on bolstering its
defence amid fears it would create further rifts with China.
Opposition Criticizes
Referendum as Illegal
(Taiwan News, Jan. 18, 2004) Opposition parties
expressed their objections to President Chen Shui-bian's proposed "peace
referendum," saying the recently passed Referendum Law did not empower
him to call a ballot on issues unrelated to security crises.
Taiwan Alters Arms
Referendum Language
(WP, Jan. 17, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian of
Taiwan changed the wording of a proposed referendum that has angered both the
United States and China, offering to ask voters whether the island should buy
more U.S.-made weapons and try to open talks with Beijing.
Taiwan's Leader Tones Down
Referendum Opposed by Beijing
(New York Times, Jan. 17, 2004) President Chen
Shui-bian of Taiwan toned down the questions he plans to pose in a referendum
on March 20 after criticism from Washington that he was being too confrontational
with Beijing.
Taiwan's Chen Chalks Out
Questions for Referendum
(Reuters, Jan. 16, 2004) In a televised address,
Chen said the first question would be: "If China does not remove
missiles aimed at Taiwan and does not give up the use of force against
Taiwan, do you support the government to increase the purchase of
anti-missile equipment to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capability?"
Chen Says Referendum in
March His No. 1 Concern
(Taipei Times, Jan. 16, 2004) The president said that he was prepared to lose
the election in his quest to promote democracy in the country, calling the
goal a matter of faith.
Chen Says Referendum About
Stability
(Taipei Times, Jan 13, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian assured the
international community yesterday that he will be cautious and steady in carrying
out the March 20 referendum, which he described as a democratic achievement
to stabilize the Asia-Pacific region and bring a lasting peace.
Majority Worried Over
Cross-Strait Tension, Poll Says
(CNA, Jan. 12, 2004) More than half of the
respondents to a recent public opinion poll said they are worried about the
possibility of a military conflict across the Taiwan Strait due to Taiwan's
referendum plan.
U.S. Referendum Delegation
Postponed
(China Post, Jan. 10, 2004) The Presidential
Office abruptly postponed the trip of an "explanation delegation"
to the United States.
Taiwan Suspends Plan to Send
Teams to US to Discuss Referendum Plans (AFP, Jan. 9, 2004) Taiwan's government has
anounced the delaying of a plan to send delegations to the United States to
explain its referendum plan.
Chen 'Hearing' US, Says
Powell
(Reuters, Jan. 9, 2004) Taiwanese leader knows
about strong US opposition, says Secretary of State.
Taiwan Tries to Pacify US
over China Plebiscite
(Financial Times, Jan. 9, 2004) Taiwan's March
referendum will ask whether China should be offered closer links to the
island in exchange for renouncing military force.
Referendum Not Just an
Appeal to China
(TT, Jan. 8, 2004) Secretary General to the
president Chiou I-jen said that the content of President Shui-bian's
defensive referendum will not just be a simple "appeal" to protest
China's military threats, but will propose "concrete" suggestions
to allow the government making policy in the future.
China Warns Taiwan Against
'Playing with Fire'
(Reuters, Jan. 7, 2003) Wang Zaixi, vice-minister
of the Chinese cabinet's Taiwan Affairs Office, said the moves by Taiwan
President Chen Shui-bian posed a great threat.
Chen Tells US Delegation He
Will Not Sway
(Taipei Times, Jan. 7, 2004) President Chen
Shui-bian said that Chinese interference will not stop him from going ahead
with a planned national referendum.
Chen Affirms Goal of
Enacting New Constitution
(Taiwan News, Jan. 7, 2004) President Chen
Shui-bian affirmed the intention of his Democratic Progressive Party
government to promote the enactment of a new Constitution with ratification
by citizen referendum.
Taiwan Moves to Ease Fears
over China Tensions
(Financial Times, Jan 6, 2004) "We will not
conduct a referendum on March 20 without having reached an understanding with
the US."
'Pan-Blue' Alliance Decides
to Abandon Referendum Plans
(China Post, Jan. 6, 2003) The opposition
"pan-blue" alliance decided not to hold any referendum alongside
the presidential poll at such a sensitive time.
Taiwan to Send Delegations
Abroad Over Referendum
(Reuters, Jan. 5, 2003) Taiwan will send
delegations to the United States, Europe and Japan to try to assure them a
controversial referendum would not change the island's political status quo
with China.
US Says Chen Admin
Inconsistent
(Taipei Times, Jan. 4, 2003) A US State
Department official says the referendum that has been discussed seems to
change every day, which makes comment impossible.
Taiwan's President Ignores
US Pleas over Referendum on China
(Financial Times, Jan. 2, 2004) Chen Shui-bian,
Taiwan's president, restated his determination to hold a referendum in March
demanding that China withdraw its threat of military force against Taiwan.
US Sends New Warning to
Taiwan over Referendum
(AFP, Jan. 1, 2004) Deputy State Department
spokesman Adam Ereli reacted to Chen's move in signing the bill by stressing
that Washington opposed any unilateral measures by either China or Taiwan
that change the status quo in their relationship, "including this
referendum."
Taiwan's President Chen
Signs Landmark Bill on Referendum
(AFP, Dec. 31, 2003) Taiwan President Chen
Shui-bian has signed a historic bill that allows him to stage the referendum.
"This is a historic moment...it enables us to fulfill our dream,"
Chen was quoted by an official.
Taiwan Resists Pressure over
Referendum
(Financial Times, Dec. 31, 2003) Taiwan is
defying increasing international pressure to revise its contentious plans to
hold a "defensive" referendum in March. Japan's unofficial envoy to
Taipei expressed concern over the planned vote in a meeting with Taiwan
government officials.
Penghu Voters Uninspired by
Referendum
(Taiwan News, Dec. 28, 2003) Residents in the outlying
Penghu County gave a cold shoulder to an advisory referendum. Less than 25
percent of the county's eligible voters turned out for the disputed vote on
whether tourist casinos should be allowed to boost local economy.
PRC's Shortcut to Taiwan
(Editorial, China Post, Dec. 24, 2003) The
asymmetric triangle between Taipei, Washington and Beijing seems to have
tilted to Taiwan's disadvantage as a result of President Chen Shui-bian's
China-baiting tactics for re-election.
China Thanks Bush for Taiwan
Stance
(Washington Post, Dec. 22, 2003) China's
president, Hu Jintao, thanked President Bush in a telephone call for opposing
any "words and actions" by Taiwan to alter its status.
Opposition Pushes DPP on
Nuclear Referendum
(Taiwan News, Dec. 21, 2003) Opposition lawmakers
pressed the government to prepare for a vote on the half-built nuclear power
project. Ruling party downplays likelihood of vote before March 20 poll.
Referendum Law: Setback for
Ruling Party
(AP, Dec. 20, 2003) Taiwanese lawmakers rejected a government move to repeal
several provisions of a historic new law that legalises islandwide
referendums.
Chen Accuses Bush of
Double-Standards
(Taipei Times, Dec. 15, 2003) "The US waged
a war in Iraq in order to give the Iraqi people democracy. Why can't the
Taiwanese people vote to ask China to dismantle its missiles?" Chen
asked at a campaign rally. "Why does the US restrict our rights to
pursue democracy?" he said.
Wen: Chen a Risk to Taiwan
Peace
(CNN.com, Dec. 12, 2003) Wen Jiabao has accused
Taiwan's president of using democracy to disguise a push for independence,
which threatens to undermine the peaceful status quo between Taipei and
Beijing.
China Lauds Bush for
Comments On Taiwan
(WP, Dec. 12, 2003) China issued a rare thank you
to the United States on Thursday when it applauded President Bush's strongest
statement yet opposing any moves by Taiwan toward independence.
Chen Still Defiant After
Bush Rebuke
(Taipei Times, Dec. 11, 2003) A defiant President
Chen Shui-bian reaffirmed his resolution to carry out a "defensive
referendum" on the day of the presidential election -- March 20, next
year.
Taiwan Moves to Reassure
U.S.
(AP, Dec. 11, 2003) Taiwan’s leader assured
Washington he has no plans to provoke China by seeking a permanent split with
the communist giant.
President Warns Taiwan On
Independence Efforts
(WP, Dec. 10, 2003) Bush raised no objection when Wen said Bush had expressed
his "opposition to Taiwan independence," but declared that
"the comments and actions made by the leader of Taiwan indicate that he
may be willing to make decisions unilaterally to change the status quo, which
we oppose."
Taiwan Says Vote Still on
Despite Bush Warning
(Reuters, Dec. 10, 2003) Taiwan's president reiterated
his plan to hold a referendum alongside elections next March, but said
neither independence nor the status quo with China would be at issue.
Taiwan Defends Plans for
Referendum
(Financial Times, Dec. 10, 2003) Taiwan has
defended its controversial referendum plans against strong criticism from US
president George W. Bush and called on the US to recognise China as the one
threatening peace and stability in the Taiwan strait.
U.S. Asks Taiwan to Avoid a
Vote Provoking China
(New York Times, Dec. 9, 2003) The Bush
administration issued an unusually strong warning to Taiwan not to hold a
referendum that could fuel the island's independence movement. But Taiwan
rejected the move hours later.
Cabinet to Reject 12
Provisions in Referendum Law
(Taiwan News, Dec. 9, 2003) The Cabinet resolved
to veto 12 articles of the Referendum Bill by the Legislative Yuan, saying
that the existing bill was difficult to implement and infringed on executive
powers.
China's Wen Warns Taiwan Not
to Misuse Democracy
(Reuters, Dec. 8, 2003)
China's Premier Wen Jiabao, at the start of a four-day visit to the United
States, said Beijing would never allow rival Taiwan to use aspirations for
democracy as a cover for separatism.
Chen to Hold Referendum on
China's Missiles
(AFP, Dec. 7, 2003) Taiwan will hold a referendum
next March to demand that China withdraw ballistic missiles targeting the
island and promise not to use force against it, President Chen Shui-bian
said.
Taiwan's Chen Says
Referendum to Protect Status Quo
(Reuters, Dec. 5, 2003) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian,
under pressure from Washington to ease rising tensions with Beijing, promised
U.S. officials that he would not hold a referendum on independence from
China.
Opposition Alliance to
Demand Missile Withdrawal
(China Post, Dec. 5, 2003) The opposition
alliance is proposing a Legislative Yuan resolution demanding the People's
Republic of China to withdraw 496 missiles targeted at Taiwan.
China's Military Warns Taiwan
(WP, Dec. 4, 2003) China's military warned Taiwan
that any decision to attack the island of 23 million would not be affected by
concerns about China's economic development or that it might prompt a boycott
of the 2008 Olympics.
Taiwan Not to Hold
Referendum on Sovereignty Change
(Central News Agency, Dec. 4, 2003) President
Chen Shui-bian's administration will not hold any referendum that would
involve a change to Taiwan's sovereign status, a Presidential Office
spokesman said.
Beijing Warns That Taiwan
Referendum Could Lead to War
(NYT, Dec. 3, 2003) Chinese military officers
said that Taiwan's leadership had pushed the island toward the "abyss of
war" with its independence drive.
US Official 'Urging
Referendum Caution on Taiwan'
(Financial Times, Dec. 3, 2003) The US has sent a
senior official on a quiet mission to Taiwan to urge President Chen Shui-bian
not to take any action through a referendum that could provoke China.
Chen Mulls National Security
Poll
(Taiwan News, Dec. 3, 2003) President Chen
Shui-bian may call "national security" referendums on topics that
may include a vote on China's proposed "one country, two systems"
unification formula or a demand for China to remove missiles deployed against
Taiwan.
U.S. Urges Taiwan Leader to
Drop Referendum Plan
(Reuters, Dec. 2, 2003) The United States urged
Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to stick to a previous pledge not to change
the status of the island and to drop moves to hold a referendum on its
sovereignty.
Chen: China Threat Justifies
Referendum
(AP, Dec. 1, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian cited
the hundreds of missiles China has aimed at this island as justification for
a possible independence referendum.
Chen Touts March 'Defensive'
Vote
(Taipei Times, Nov 30, 2003) The president said that
even though the DPP's legislation was watered down by the pan-blues, he was
still entitled to hold a 'defensive referendum.'
Taiwan's Chen Promises to
Hold "Security" Referendum on Election Day (AFP, Nov. 29, 2003) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian was referring
to a clause in the law on the so-called "defensive referendum",
which empowers the president to put to a popular vote "issues of
national security concern" in the case of foreign threats.
Taiwan Vote Met With Caution
(WP, Nov. 29, 2003) China said that it was
"gravely concerned" about legislation passed by Taiwan's parliament
allowing referendums and that it was watching closely for any sign the
measure might lead to a vote on independence.
China Holds Off On
"Strong Response" to Taiwan Bill
(Reuters, Nov. 28, 2003) China held off on its
threatened "strong response" to arch rival Taiwan after the
island's parliament passed a watered-down referendum bill that fell short of
allowing a vote on independence.
Taiwan Acts to Ease Tensions
With China
(Washington Post, Nov. 28, 2003) Taiwan's
legislature stepped back from a confrontation with China, approving a
carefully worded referendum bill that would make it difficult, but not
impossible, to call a vote on the island's independence.
Taiwan Puts Limits in
Referendum Bill
(New York Times, Nov. 27, 2003) Taiwan's
legislature took a half-step back from an immediate confrontation with China,
passing a bill that would allow national referendums on constitutional and
sovereignty issues only under very narrow circumstances.
China Warns Taiwan Again On
Issue of Independence
(WP, Nov. 27, 2003) China warned Taiwan that it
would deliver a "strong reaction" if the island passed a law
allowing its citizens to vote on proposals that could lead to independence.
China Warns Taiwan Again,
But Backs Off War Talk
(Reuters, Nov. 26, 2003) China warned Taiwan it
would respond strongly if the island moved closer to a popular vote on
independence.
'Pan-Blue' Aims for Bolder
Constitutional Reforms
(China Post, Nov. 24, 2003) The opposition
"pan-blue" alliance is taking bolder action to "overhaul"
the Constitution by adopting a three-branch governmental system, making the
president the de facto administrative chief.
Taiwan to China: Stop
Interfering
(CNN.com, Nov. 20, 2003) Taiwan has hit back at
threats by China to use force against its pro-independence moves, telling
Beijing to "mind its own business".
China Threatens Taiwan Anew
With Force
(AP, Nov. 19, 2003) Raising the stakes in an
already tense situation, China threatened in remarks published Wednesday that
``the use of force may become unavoidable'' if Taiwan pursues independence.
Chen Shui-bian Warned Not to
Fuel Separatism
(People’s Daily, Nov. 18, 2003) The Chinese government
strongly warned that Chen's risky activities are gradually dragging 23
million Taiwan compatriots into a dangerous abyss.
Taiwan's Opposition Embraces
New Constitution Plan
(Reuters, Nov. 17, 2003) The leader of Taiwan's
main opposition party has embraced President Chen Shui-bian's call for a
controversial new constitution but with a more aggressive timetable.
Lien Trumpets KMT
Constitutional Plan
(Taipei Times, Nov. 16, 2003) KMT Chairman Lien
Chan mapped out a three-step plan toward constitutional reform, claiming it
was more radical than proposals set down by the Democratic Progress Party.
Beijing Warns Taiwan Against
Independence Bid
(Straits Times, Nov. 13, 2003) China condemned
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and warned the island that any separatist
activity would only lead to 'grave disaster'.
Pan-Blue Turns Around on
Referendum Measure
(Taiwan News, Nov. 13, 2003) In a dramatic
turnabout, pan-blue opposition lawmakers said they would no longer insist on
a referendum measure with restrictions on the issues to be voted on.
Chen Drafts Timetable on
Constitution
(Taipei Times, Nov. 12, 2003) The president said
the only way to fix the problems with the old constitution was to write a new
one and put it to the public in a referendum.
Chen Wants New Taiwan
Constitution by 2008
(Straits Times, Nov. 12, 2003) President Chen
made it clear he was seeking a brand new Constitution for Taiwan, not just
revisions to the present one. He also spelt out the time-line for the new
charter - a referendum on it on Dec 10, World Human Rights Day, in 2006 and
enactment on May 20, 2008.
Taiwan Leader Pushes
Constitution in NYC
(AP, Nov. 2, 2003) Taiwan's leader took his
campaign for a new constitution to New York. President Chen Shui-bian
described his campaign for a new constitution as an effort to increase
government efficiency.
100,000 March in Taiwan for
Chen's Referendum Call
(Reuters, Oct. 26, 2003) Over 100,000 marched in
Taiwan on Saturday to demand the right to hold referendums. The rally in the
southern city of Kaohsiung was a strong show of support for President Chen
Shui-bian.
Chen Vows to Maintain
Equilibrium
(Taipei Times, Oct. 21, 2003) Chen said that his
recent campaign promises -- legislating a referendum law and writing a new
constitution -- "should not be narrowed to become a conflict between
independence and reunification, and they do not contradict 'five noes.'
DPP Lawmakers Feel Excluded
from Chen's Constitution Drive
(Taiwan
News, Oct. 16, 2003) DPP lawmakers voiced their
dissatisfaction with President Chen Shui-bian for bypassing the party's 80-odd
legislators in his attempt to revamp the nation's political system.
Pushing Referendums
'Immoral', Says China
(Taiwan News, Oct. 9, 2003) A fresh cross-strait
war of words intensified yesterday when China criticized President Chen
Shui-bian as "immoral" for promoting referendums and amending the
Constitution.
US Envoy to Visit Taipei as
Concerns Mount over Talk of New Charter (AFP, Oct. 9, 2003) Top US envoy to Taiwan Therese Shaheen is to
arrive here next week amid concern over controversial statements by President
Chen Shui-bian about a new Constitution.
Lee, Chen Make Firm
Commitment to Constitution
(TT, Oct. 5, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian and former President Lee Teng-hui
yesterday joined together pray for turning the nation into a "normal and
complete" state.
Taiwan Reassures US Over
Plan for New Constitution
(Taipei Times, Oct. 03, 2003) Taiwanese officials
in Taipei and Washington appear to have allayed fears among US officials over
President Chen Shui-bian's weekend announcement that he would plan to write a
new constitution for Taiwan in 2006.
New Constitution Crucial for
Democracy, Chen Says
(Taiwan News, Oct. 1, 2003) Taiwan must
comprehensively re-engineer its Constitutional framework through a democratic
and participatory process for the sake of its stable and long-term
development and progress, declared President Chen Shui-bian.
Taiwan President Eyes Referendum
on Constitution
(Reuters, Sep. 30, 2003) Taiwan should prepare a
new constitution to be put to a public vote in 2006. ''The final version of
the new constitution must be voted on directly by all people in a
referendum.''
Chinese Premier Warns Taiwan
Against Seeking Independence
(AFP, Sep. 30, 2003) Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao
used a National Day address yesterday to warn Taiwan against seeking
independence from the mainland, while saying peaceful reunification remained
his government's preferred solution.
America Doesn't Embrace
Taiwanese President's Call for a New Constitution (AP, Sep. 30, 2003) The top American envoy to Taiwan declined to
endorse the Taiwanese leader's call for a new constitution - a change many
fear will enflame relations with rival China.
U.S. Reminds Taiwan Leader
of Status Quo Pledge
(Reuters, Sep. 29, 2003) The United States reminded President Chen Shui-bian
of Taiwan of his pledges not to change the status quo of the island, after
Chen said he would push for constitutional changes in 2006.
Taiwan President Calls for
New Constitution
(Financial Times, Sep. 29, 2003) Chen Shui-bian,
Taiwan's president, has provoked a fierce debate with his call to give the
island a new constitution by 2006. The opposition accused him of drawing up a
timeframe for declaring independence.
Chen Hints Referendum Will
Be Held with Election
(Taiwan News, Sep. 28, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian
indicated that his administration will hold proposed advisory citizen
referendums at the same time as the March presidential poll.
President Defends Nation's
Right to Hold Referendums
(Taipei Times, Aug. 15, 2003) Chen Shui-bian says
the US and China have no reason to worry about referendums in Taiwan since
they will not be dealing with sovereignty.
China Warns Taiwan Against
Referendum Plan
(AFP, July 27, 2003) China has warned Taiwan again through the US not to hold
a referendum to seek independence, saying it would trigger a crisis in
cross-Strait ties.
Referendums Are Inevitable,
Chen Said
(Taiwan News, July 26, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian declared that the
holding of referendums on the fate of the controversial fourth nuclear power
plant and other important public policy issues before the March 20 election
is "inevitable."
Cabinet Forms Task Force to
Prepare for Referendums
(CNA, July 22, 2003) If the legislature fails to pass a referendum law, then
a special team will draft a package of rules governing how the public votes
are held.
Cabinet Announces
Enforcement Rules for Referendums
(China Post, July 18, 2003) Premier Yu Shyi-kun approved enforcement measures
for a referendum to allow citizens to express their views on major public
issues.
DPP Wants Referendum on
Assembly
(Taipei Times, July 17, 2003) A referendum on abolishing the National
Assembly should be included on a list of referendums the government is
considering holding on the same day as next year's presidential election, DPP
lawmakers said.
Chen Determined to Call
Popular Vote by Next Presidential Poll
(Taiwan News, July 16, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian said the government
will go ahead and call a direct vote on major policy disputes by the next
presidential election, with or without a referendum law.
Taiwan Fails to Pass
Referendum Bill
(Reuters, July 11, 2003) Taiwan's parliament failed to approve a
controversial new law which would have angered China by allowing the island
to hold referendums.
Taipei's Referendum Bill
'Unlikely to Pass'
(AP, July 8, 2003) The Speaker of Taiwan's legislature said that lawmakers probably
would not pass a hotly debated proposal that would allow the island to hold
its first referendums.
KMT to Seek Referendum on
Direct Cross-Strait Travel
(AP, July 7, 2003) The opposition Kuomintang plans to advocate a referendum
on direct travel across the Taiwan Strait after a referendum bill is passed
in the upcoming special legislative session.
HK Shows Way to Referendum:
Premier
(TT, July 3, 2003) The protest in Hong Kong against the special
administration's planned anti-subversion law highlighted that the "one
country, two systems" policy is unfeasible and that it is necessary and
urgent for Taiwan to enact a referendum law, Premier Yu Shyi-kun said.
Taiwan Already Independent,
Cabinet Says
(Taipei Times, July 1, 2003) "If we have to hold a referendum on the
nation's sovereignty, it'll only be on whether Taiwan wants to unite with
China, not whether Taiwan wants to declare independence, because we're
already an independent sovereignty."
Opposition Opposes Political
Manipulations
(CNA, June 30, 2003) Enactment of a referendum law that allows the public to
decide on public policies directly will inspire the interest of the people,
but any political manipulation of this delicate matter could backfire.
Referendum to Skirt
Sovereignty: DPP
(Taipei Times, June 29, 2003) In a four-point statement, the party said
constitutional changes and national sovereignty should not be dealt with when
the country holds referendums.
Opposition Parties Push for
Introduction of Referendums
(China Post, June 29, 2003) Giving up their resistance to referendums, the
major opposition parties are now pressing the government to hold public votes
as soon as possible to resolve such long-standing controversies as the
nuclear power policy and the island's independence.
U.S. Supports Taiwan But Not
Its Sovereignty
(CNA, June 28, 2003) The United States fully maintains its obligations under
the Taiwan Relations Act, but the U.S. government does not support Taiwan
independence, several U.S. officials reiterated.
Taiwan T | 