Three Links and Cross-Strait
Contacts
"One Country on Each
Side" Statement
[PRC Policy] [Taiwan Policy] [News]
[Papers]
~
2001 ; 2002
Taipei Opens Door to
China Property Investment
(AP, Dec. 21, 2002) Taiwan has eased a ban on real-estate investment in
China, opening the door for Taiwanese firms to the huge property market for
the first time in decades.
Koo Lands
Another Term as SEF Head, Urges Negotiations
(TT, Dec. 3, 2002) Straits Exchange Foundation Chairman Koo Chen-fu was
re-elected yesterday to a fifth three-year term. "I hope that the two
sides of the Taiwan Strait can restart talks as soon as possible," Koo
told reporters.
China Says
Policy Towards Taiwan Will Not Change with Hu Jintao
(AFP, Nov. 27, 2002) China said that its policy towards Taiwan would not
change with a new leader, Hu Jintao, taking over the head of the ruling
Communist Party from President Jiang Zemin.
China's Policy
Hasn't Changed, Says Taiwan
(Straits Times, Nov. 14, 2002) Jiang's speech was just rhetoric but there has
been no breakthrough as the 'one-China' policy and military threat remain,
says Taipei Premier.
Indirect Charter
Flights Possible, Say Officials
(Taiwan News, Nov. 13, 2002) Premier Yu Shyi-kun disclosed that the
government had finalized its evaluation of the possibility of allowing
special cross-strait charter flights over the Lunar New Year.
China-born Taiwanese
Face Crisis of Identity
(Straits Times, Nov. 12, 2002) The growing trend of Taiwan businessmen
settling in China has produced a new breed of Taiwanese born or raised on the
mainland, dubbed the 'China-born Taiwanese' (CBT).
Taiwan
Welcomes China Proposal on "Cross-Strait" Links
(Reuters, Oct. 17, 2002) Taiwan officials gave a cautious welcome to a
reported move by China to de-politicise direct transport links between the island
and the mainland by labelling routes as "cross-strait" rather than
"domestic".
China's Qian:
Links Talks With Taiwan Purely Econ Issue
(AP, Oct. 17, 2002) China's vice premier has said the establishment of direct
air and shipping links with Taiwan is a purely economic issue that wouldn't
require the island to first recognize Beijing's "one-China"
principle.
Chinese Premier
Warns Taiwan Anew of Separatism
(AP, Oct. 1, 2002) China's premier warned Taiwan's leadership again that talk
of the island's independence is dangerous, counterproductive and ultimately
futile.
Cross-Strait Legal
Changes to Usher in Whole New Era
(Taipei Times, Sep. 30, 2002) The significance of the amendments is turning
thoughts behind the legislation from "viewing China as a rival" to
"a normal country" when it comes to civil exchanges.
Taiwan Asks
China to Avoid Miscalculation over Sect
(Reuters, Sep. 28, 2002) Taiwan urged China to resume stalled dialogue to
avoid "miscalculation" over Chinese accusations of satellite
interference by Falun Gong followers based in Taiwan.
Taiwanese
Charged as Chinese Spies
(BBC, Sep. 26, 2002) Taiwanese officials say that espionage charges have been
filed against a retired air force officer, his wife, and their son, who are
accused of spying for China.
Taiwan
Says China TV Hijack Charge 'Far-Fetched'
(Reuters, Sep. 25, 2002) A Taiwan official dismissed as “far-fetched''
China's accusation that followers of the Falun Gong spiritual group had
hacked into state satellite television signals from the island.
Beijing Says Falun's
TV Piracy Came From Taiwan
(WP, Sep. 25, 2002) The banned Falun Gong spiritual movement hijacked one of
China's main television satellites again this month, and technicians have
traced the pirate transmissions to rival Taiwan, state media reported.
Taiwan Asks
Chinese Business Group to Leave
(Reuters, Sep. 20, 2002) In an unprecedented move, Taiwan has asked a
visiting Chinese business delegation to leave for trying to drum up
investment, an apparent sign of the island's anxiety over the economic threat
posed by China.
China Says
Taiwan's Investment In Mainland Rose 47% In 1st Half
(Dow Jones, Sep. 16, 2002) While about three-quarters of existing Taiwanese
investment is in manufacturing, Taiwanese companies are starting to invest in
a broader range of industries, including financial services and retailing.
Beijing Now Thinks
Time on Its Side, Report Says
(Taipei Times, Sep. 6, 2002) Beijing has concluded that the current rush by
Taiwan businessmen to invest in the mainland could be the first step in the
eventual unification of the island with China, and thus has adopted a
"patient" attitude toward the use of force against Taiwan.
Investors Flock
from Taiwan to China
(Straits Times, Aug. 22, 2002) Taiwan sees investments plummeting and factory
closures rising sharply, as 'China magnet' demonstrates its appeal.
Chen Keeps the
Pressure on Beijing
(Taipei Times, July 31, 2002) President Chen Shui-bian yesterday urged China to forsake its
ambition to attack Taiwan by force, saying Taiwan will not change the status
quo if China ceases its threats.
Chen Repeats
Call for Taiwan to Take 'Own Road'
(China Post, July 30, 2002) President Chen Shui-bian reiterated that Taiwan
should ponder "walking down its own Road" if mainland China fails
to respond to the island's goodwill gestures and urged Asia-based Taiwan
businessmen to not overly depend on the mainland market.
Taiwan Firms
Ordered to Quit China Chip Ventures
(Reuters, July 24, 2002) Taiwan has ordered local firms to withdraw
unapproved investments in computer chip companies in China, threatening
violators with imprisonment of up to five years.
Taiwan Might
"Walk Down Our Own Taiwanese Road"
(AP, July 22, 2002) Taiwan's president voiced impatience with Beijing's refusal
to answer his calls for top-level talks to improve relations and said the
island nation might "walk down our own Taiwanese road."
China Puts Politics in
Banking Deal
(Taipei Times, July 12, 2002) China is attempting to trap Taiwan into
accepting its "one China" policy by asking Taiwanese banks to sign
cross-strait remittance agreements that include this policy.
Chen Stresses
Changes to Cross-Strait Relations
(Taiwan News, July 11, 2002) President Chen Shui-bian raised the possibility
of overhauling the framework of government departments in charge of mainland
affairs, noting that cross-strait relations underwent significant changes
during the past decade.
President Chen
Rejects Qian's Suggestion
(China Post, July 8, 2002) President Chen Shui-bian rejected a Beijing
suggestion that the issue of cross-strait air and shipping links be treated
as a domestic affair on the grounds that the mainland had assumed that Taiwan
was a part of mainland China.
China:
Cross-Strait Exchanges Must Be Treated as Domestic Affair
(People’s Daily, June 28, 2002) The "three direct links" across the
Taiwan Strait must be treated as a domestic issue and direct transportation
routes must be treated as internal routes, a Chinese mainland spokesman said.
Cross-Strait
Peace Just an 'Illusion,' Chen Says
(Taiwan News, June 27, 2002) Current cross-strait peace is only an
"illusion," intentionally created by Beijing in an attempt to lull
the people of Taiwan into a false sense of security, President Chen Shui-bian
warned.
China Urges
Taiwan to Lift Ban on Direct Transport
(Reuters, June 25, 2002) Beijing has renewed a call for private businesses to
spearhead talks on ending a five-decade ban on direct air and shipping links
between China and rival Taiwan.
Taiwan
Legislators Flock to Beijing to Discuss Cross-Strait Affairs
(CNA, June 22, 2002) Three groups of Taiwan legislators and their supporters
are expected to arrive in Beijing Sunday for visits aimed at facilitating
political and business exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.
More Taiwan
Investment For High Tech on Mainland
(People’s Daily, June 15, 2002) The high-tech sector is replacing the textile
and foodstuff sectors in attracting the most Taiwan investment on the Chinese
mainland.
EU Model for
Cross-Strait Ties: Chen
(China Post, June 1, 2002) President Chen Shui-bian said that the European
Union's experience of integrating economic and trade prior to tackling more
complicated issues can be a valuable reference for Taiwan in the handling of
cross-strait affairs.
Taiwan President
Gets Low Marks from China
(AFP, May 29, 2002) China gave Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian low marks for
his performance as leader of the island over the past two years, saying it
had been disappointed by his words and deeds.
Taiwan's China
Investments Up 1% in 1st Quarter
(CNA, May 21, 2002) Taiwan's indirect investment in mainland China in April
totaled US$248 million. This brings Taiwan's total investment in mainland
China in the first four months of the year to US$816 million, a 1.02 percent
increase over the corresponding period of 2001.
Chen Reaffirms
Backing 'Open Door' Investment Policy
(Taiwan News, May 15, 2002) Regarding trade and economic exchanges between
the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, President Chen Shui-bian said: "We
must stick to our cardinal principles of 'Taiwan first, global planning,
reciprocity and risk management.'"
China Blocks
Taiwan's WHO Bid
(BBC, May 14, 2002) China has blocked Taiwan's sixth attempt to join the
World Health Organisation (WHO) but Taiwan has said it will try again next
year .
Opposition Says
Chen Must Take Action
(Taiwan News, May 10, 2002) In the wake of President Chen Shui-bian's
ambitious statements yesterday about sending members from his own party to
negotiate with Chinese officials, KMT remains suspicious of Chen's goodwill;
PFP lauds president's gesture toward Beijing.
Chen Ready to
Sip Tea with China's Leaders
(AFP, May 9, 2002) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said on Thursday that he
would send a delegation to China to seek reconciliation between his
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Communist Party. 'If mainland
leaders wish, I would like to invite them for tea at this tea house for a
chat...to open a window for cross-strait reconciliation.'
Taiwan
President to Send Negotiators to China
(Reuters, May 9, 2002) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said on Thursday he
will send a delegation of officials from his party to China in August to get
negotiations between Taiwan and the mainland going again.
Taiwan
President Sees No Breakthrough in China Ties
(Reuters, May 7, 2002) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said he does not
expect a breakthrough in relations with Beijing if China's heir apparent Hu
Jintao assumes power. "Of course, some things change." "But
it's very difficult to have excessive expectations that there'll be a breakthrough
in bilateral relations after he takes over."
Taiwan Is Trying
to Limit Its Engineers' Work in China
(New York Times, April 26, 2002) Worried about losing its technological
edge over China, the government here intends to require some Taiwan engineers
to get permission before accepting jobs in China.
Big Taiwan Firms
Look Across Strait
(CNA, April 18, 2002) Nearly half of Taiwan's large firms are planning to
launch market deployment in mainland China in the coming year, with 90
percent of them mulling recruitment of talent from the mainland market, according to the results of a
recent poll.
Taiwan and China
Tie Up on Oil and Gas Deal
(AFP, April 18, 2002) Taiwan's state-owned Chinese Petroleum Corp (CPC) has
received government approval to team up with a leading oil firm from mainland
China to jointly explore oil and natural gas in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan Opens
China to Chip Investment
(Taiwan News, March 30, 2002) After 11 months of bitter controversy between the
ruling and opposition parties, Premier Yu Shyi-kun finally announced that
under a "effective management" mechanism a conditional and
small-scale policy will be adopted by the Taiwan government allowing local
foundries to relocate 8-inch wafer plants to China.
Taiwan Proposes
Lifting Restrictions on Investors from China
(Taipei Times, March 28, 2002) The Cabinet approved draft amendments to the
Statute Governing the Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the
Mainland Area and the Statute Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macau to
allow Chinese investment into Taiwan and high schools to be established in
China for the children of Taiwanese living there.
China Willing to
Work with Taiwan to Solve Fishing Row
(AFP, March 28, 2002) China said it was willing to set up a
non-governmental mechanism with Taiwan to enable 30,000 mainland Chinese
laborers to return to work for Taiwanese fishing companies.
Beijing's Threat to
Use Force Unchanged, Says China's Zhu
(AFP, March 16, 2002) Beijing has not changed its policy on Taiwan despite a
recent speech characterized by many observers as surprisingly mild, Chinese
Premier Zhu Rongji said. He also stressed that a pledge to use force to
reunite the island with China still stood.
Beijing's Main
Stance Toward Taiwan Unchanged: MAC
(United Daily News, March 14, 2002) Although Beijing's recent public remarks
on Taiwan have appeared more pragmatic, the mainland government presents a
different face in private on fundamental issues, and the thrust of its policy
remains largely unchanged.
Taipei to Scrap
Ban on China Chip Plants
(Reuters, March 9, 2002) Taiwan said yesterday it would make good on a
promise to scrap a ban on local firms building microchip plants in China to
take advantage of the world's fastest-growing chip market, but added a string
of conditions.
President Chen Says
Open Mainland Policy Fine
(CNA, March 8, 2002) President Chen Shui-bian said that local people need not
overly worry about the government's market-opening and liberalization
measures. Chen was referring to the recent debate over whether the government
should allow Taiwan enterprises to relocate eight inch wafer plants to
mainland China.
Taiwan Exports to
China Up, Investment Down
(CNA, Mar. 5, 2002) Taiwan's reliance on the Chinese market has continued to increase
over the past decade as the island's exports to the mainland as a ratio of
its total exports grew. The value of goods and services that Taiwan exported
to China in 2001 constituted 19.6 percent of the island's total exports for
the year.
First Ship After Ban
Lift Reaches Kinmen
(AP, Feb. 28, 2002) A mainland Chinese cargo ship sailed into a Taiwan harbor
Wednesday, the first such vessel to make the trip since Taiwan lifted a
five-decade ban one year ago on direct shipping between its outlying islands
and the mainland.
China to Push
for Taiwan Dialogue in New Lunar Year
(Reuters, Feb. 11, 2002) Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Beijing would push
to resume dialogue with Taiwan in the Year of the Horse, while trying to
raise incomes and crack down on corruption.
Taiwan Urged to
Relax Mainland Tourist Restrictions
(CNA, Feb. 9, 2002) All 15 members of the first group of mainland Chinese
tourists to visit Taiwan made a common statement near the end of their
four-day visit, saying they would like to visit Taiwan again but only after
the island relaxes its policies toward mainland visitors.
China Says
Policy on Taiwan Unchanged Despite Report
(Reuters, Feb. 7, 2002) China said its policy toward Taiwan has not changed
despite a news report that it has abandoned a key precondition for talks on
establishing direct links with the island. Beijing has insisted its
"one-China" formula, which states that Taiwan and the mainland
belong to a single country, is the only basis for cross-Strait talks.
China Moves to Open '3
Links' With Taiwan
(WP, Feb. 6, 2002) A senior official here said that China is pushing to open
direct shipping, trade and mail links with Taiwan and is ready to do so without
involving the governments of either side. The comments underscored a
significant softening of Beijing's policy toward Taipei in recent weeks.
Chinese Tour Group
Finally Arrives Today
(CNA, Feb. 5, 2002) A 15-member tour group of mainland Chinese nationals
residing in Japan is scheduled to arrive in Taipei today for a four-day
sightseeing trip. It will be the first mainland tour group to visit Taiwan
since the Republic of China government opened the door for overseas mainland
citizens to make group tours of the island at the beginning of this year.
Taipei Denounces
Beijing's Statements on Chen, Lu
(CNA, Jan. 31, 2002) Comments by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office
spokesman Zhang Mingqing against ROC President Chen Shui-bian and Vice
President Annette Lu show no respect toward Taiwan's leaders and do not serve
the interest of cross-strait relations, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council
said.
Beijing Rules Out
Visit by Chen
(CNN.com, Jan. 31, 2002) Beijing has ruled out allowing Taiwan President Chen
Shui-bian to visit the mainland, placing him in the category of
"stubborn separatists."
China Says
Conditions Not Ripe for Taiwan Talks
(Reuters, Jan. 30, 2002) China said conditions are not right to resume talks
with arch rival Taiwan despite an easing of policy toward the island's
pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). But Beijing
supported anything that would be good for trade with Taiwan.
MAC Official Urges More
Cross-Strait Hard Realism
(China Post, Jan. 28, 2002) Mainland Affairs Council chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen
warned against being overly optimistic or pessimistic about a potential thaw
in cross-strait relations in the wake of recent comments made by a senior PRC
official. According to Tsai, it is still to early to tell if the remarks
herald an imminent change in the mainland's approach to Taiwan.
MOEA Applauds
Beijing's Interest in Free Trade Zone
(China Post, Jan. 27, 2002) A mainland Chinese scholar recently indicated
that Beijing is working out concrete measures to promote trade relations
across the Taiwan Strait with the goal of establishing a cross-strait free
trade zone. A ranking official at the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA)
applauded Beijing's reported attempt to create a free trade zone with Taiwan.
Mainland China
Adjusting Attitude toward Taiwan: SEF Chairman
(CNA, Jan. 26, 2002) Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Koo Chen-fu
said that the recent remarks of mainland Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen
indicated that Beijing is adjusting its attitude toward Taiwan.
He said that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should
study how to develop bilateral relations peacefully with a "new
thinking."
Taiwan Welcomes
Beijing's Decision to Invite Govt to Visit
(AFP, Jan. 25, 2002) Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) welcomed
Beijing's move of opening contacts with the pro-independence party. "We
think this is a demonstration of goodwill and we would be happy to see its
progress," DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh told reporters. "It means that
the People's Republic of China has started to understand Taiwan's political
situation."
China Eases Stance on
Taiwan
(Washington Post, Jan. 24, 2002) China announced a significant softening of
its policy toward Taiwan today, released another prisoner with U.S. ties, and
pledged $150 million to the effort to rebuild Afghanistan – moves aimed at
underscoring its desire for good ties with Washington before President Bush
visits next month.
China Softens
Stance on Taiwan Ruling Party
(Reuters, Jan. 24, 2002 ) Vice Premier Qian Qichen said members of Taiwan
President Chen Shui-bian's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were welcome to
visit the mainland and called for renewed dialogue and stronger economic ties
across the Taiwan Strait. "We believe there is a distinction between the
vast majority of DPP members and a very small number of stubborn Taiwan
independence activists."
U.S. Pushes
Beijing-Taipei Dialogue
(Reuters, Jan. 20, 2002) U.S. officials meeting the deputy head of mainland
China's Taiwan Affairs Office this week urged Beijing to hold talks with the
island Beijing regards as a renegade province, the State Department said.
Taiwan to Allow
Travel to China via Offshore Islands
(AFP, Jan. 18, 2002) The Taiwan authorities will allow limited numbers of visitors
from the main island to head to China via outlying islets, officials said.
Currently, only residents of the Taiwanese islets of Kinmen and Matsu are
permitted to sail directly to two selected ports in Fujian province, in
southeastern China, an hour away.
Chen Claims Beijing
Loses over Impasse
(Taipei Times, Jan. 11, 2002) China's refusal to resume dialogue and contacts
with Taiwan is detrimental to cross-strait relations, President Chen
Shui-bian told visiting members of the Atlantic Council. During their meeting
with Chen, the president told the group that it was the mission of leaders
from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to complete the
"normalization" of cross-strait ties.
MAC Disappointed by
China's Remarks on WTO Talks
(Taipei Times, Jan. 10, 2002) Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Vice Chairman
John Deng said that he is disappointed by remarks that were made on Monday by
senior Chinese official Tang Shu-bei. Tang said that China will not discuss
trade and economic issues with Taiwan under the WTO framework.
Taiwan Urged to Ease
Mainland-Trade Policy
(China Daily, Jan. 9, 2002) Tang Shubei -- former executive vice-president of
the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits -- urged Taipei to
further ease its stringent mainland-trade policy in a bid to strengthen
cross-Straits economic ties following the island's entry into the World Trade
Organization (WTO).
Jiang and Chen
Call for Better Relations
(South China Morning Post, Jan. 2, 2002) President Jiang Zemin said economic
co-operation with Taiwan had already been enhanced. World Trade Organisation
membership provided new opportunities for economic and trade relations for
both sides. In Taipei, President Chen Shui-bian pledged to promote a
"constructive co-operative relationship" with the mainland as the
island joined the WTO.
Taiwan Has No Way to
'Insulate' Economy from Mainland
(China Post, Dec. 16, 2002) Taiwan has no way to insulate its economy from
mainland China, a former deputy chairman at the island's mainland policy
making organ said.
Cross-Strait Issue
Should Be About Economics: Siew
(Taipei Times, Dec. 2, 2002) Former premier Vincent Siew said that he expects
direct links to be a hot issue in the run-up to the 2004 presidential
election but he wishes that discussions on cross-strait relations would focus
on economics, not politics.
Taiwan Unmoved
by Chinese Changes By Michael Bristow
(BBC, Nov. 13, 2002) The
relationship between the two sides is the dominant political issue on the
island. It is something which affects so many other policies it just cannot
be ignored.
China's Leadership
Change Presents Opportunity, Says Economist
(Taiwan News, Nov. 6, 2002) A senior economist with a magazine of
international repute suggested that the Taiwan government seize a rare
opportunity to move forward on the cross-strait issue by adopting a more open
China policy.
MAC Chair Spars
with Predecessor over DPP's Links Policy
(Taiwan News, Nov. 4, 2002) In an unusual move, Tsai issued a seven-page
statement that responded to remarks made by Su late last month at a
Kuomintang Central Standing Committee meeting.
MAC Not
Making
Good
on Promises By Kao Koong-lian
(Taipei Times, Oct. 14, 2002) On Sept. 25 the Cabinet passed amendments to
the Statute Governing the Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and
the Mainland Area that will soon be sent to the Legislative Yuan for review.
Taiwan Should
Invest in Mainland: Scholar By Chris Cockel
(China Post, Oct. 6, 2002) According to Boston University's Dr. Joseph
Fewsmith, speaking at the conservative Heritage Foundation, "Taiwan has
no economic future outside of the PRC."
Let Time Bridge
the China-Taiwan Gap By George Sioris
(Japan Times, Sep. 8, 2002) Recent complications with regard to visits, or
planned visits, by Taiwanese politicians to Indonesia and Thailand serve as
new reminders of a most sensitive lingering East Asian issue.
KMT Seeks U.S.
Mediation in Cross-Strait Tug-of-War By Chris Cockel
(China Post, Sep. 8, 2002) In order that a thaw might be precipitated in the
icy cross-strait relations, Kuomintang Legislator John H. Chang is seeking
United States mediation on the path toward restarting institutional dialogue
between Taipei and Beijing.
'Go South', But
do Taiwan Businesses See the Harvests? By Goh Sui Noi
(Straits Times, Aug. 31, 2002) There are several reasons for the revival of
the 'go south' policy, not least of which is the concern over being squeezed
out of the region by the island's political rival across the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan Needs A
Coherent, Consistent Cross-Strait Policy By Raymond Wu
(Straits Times, Aug. 13, 2002) The recent remarks by Taiwan President Chen
Shui-bian again focused world attention on the inherent volatility of
cross-Strait relations.
Why Taiwanese
Businessmen Can't Turn Their Backs on China By Goh
Sui Noi
(Straits Times, Aug. 2, 2002) Analysts warned that Taiwan's economic power
would shrivel and its economy would be marginalised if it were to resist
China economically. This is because the two economies are closely integrated.
Taiwan Won't
Change Mainland Policies
(Agence France Presse, July 23, 2002) Taiwan is not expected to change its
policy towards mainland China, despite off-the-cuff remarks from President
Chen Shui-bian threatening to take the island further towards independence.
Taiwan
'Flexible' on Mainland Issues By Willy Lam
(CNN.com, July 22, 2002) Taipei has said it is willing to talk with the
mainland on "whatever issue" but it hopes Beijing will try to
understand the Taiwan system better.
Lee's `State-to-State'
Policy Endures
(Editorial, Taipei Times, July 9, 2002) Now, as "direct links"
fever rages on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Lee's
"state-to-state" policy is functioning as a central support pillar
for Taiwan. The policy remains a valuable asset from Lee's 12 years in power.
Taiwan
Legislator Urges 'Ambiguity' to Help Direct Links with China
(AFP, June 25, 2002) A senior Taiwan legislator has suggested that a policy
of "creative ambiguity" could remove a main stumbling block to
talks on direct air and shipping links with China.
Cross-Strait Feud
Has No Winners
(Editorial, Taipei Times, June 16, 2002) An alarming cross-strait feud is
intensifying over the recognition of notarized documents. Since the beginning
of this year, more than 5,000 cases have been reported of notarized documents
from Taiwan being rejected by the Chinese authorities.
Consultation Key
to Cross-Strait Peace By Lin Chong-Pin
(Taipei Times, June 14, 2002) Armed conflict failed to materialize because
Beijing was pragmatic and Washington demonstrated its resolve in maintaining
peace across the Taiwan Strait. The critical contribution, however, was
Chen's prudent and practical policy toward China.
US Academic Gives
Ideas for Taiwan's Hold on Democracy
(Taipei Times, June 9, 2002) As integration across the Taiwan Strait
intensifies in non-political fields, a US scholar, Daniel Lynch, envisioned
three possibilities through which Taiwan's democracy could remain without
being threatened by integration with its giant neighbor.
Senior Adviser
Sheds Lights on China Gestures
(Central News Agency, June 7, 2002) Lin Chong-pin says officials
in Beijing have blind spots that prevent them from understanding President
Chen Shui-bian's overtures.
Opposition Hurting
Cross-Strait Ties By Lin Cho-shui
(Taipei Times, June 3, 2002) According to the opposition, raising the issue
of "one China" -- and not raising the issue -- are both expressions
of goodwill. It seems that anytime Beijing brings something up, it becomes a
goodwill gesture, regardless of the inconsistency of the message.
Don't Use
Cross-Strait Ploy for Votes By Emile Sheng
(Taipei Times, May 16, 2002) The ups and downs in cross-strait relations over
the past ten years appear to contain a discernible pattern. When no elections
were being held, everything was tranquil, but the larger an important
election loomed on the horizon, the greater the storm that arose.
Chen Wants
to Keep Mainland at Arm's Length, Says U.S. Ties Best in 30 Years By Eric Hall and Benjamin
Kang Lim
(Reuters, May 8, 2002) In a press interview, President Chen Shui-bian set out
policies on China's imminent leadership change, Taiwan's worst drought for decades,
and domestic infighting and corruption, all of which keep China's aspirations
at a long arm's length.
Who Needs
China? By Terho Uimonen
(Far Eastern Economic Review, April 18, 2002) Finally, Taiwan has opened the
door for investment in China by its chip-making giants. But don't expect an
exodus. Their focus remains firmly at home--refining their cutting-edge
technology and grabbing a bigger chunk of the global market.
Cross-Strait
Investments Test Ruling Party's Mettle By Ko Shu-ling
(Taipei Times, March 30, 2002) The government's relaxation of the ban on
local wafer plants is a true test of the DPP government's political wisdom as
it must exercise the utmost care in balancing national security and economic
development.
Taiwanese
Silicon Chip Debate Arouses Passions By Mure Dickie
(Financial Times, March 25, 2002) In Taiwan, the chipmakers' transition from
200mm to 300mm (8-inch to 12-inch) wafers is hogging newspaper headlines amid
a fierce debate over investment in rival mainland China that has exposed
divisions within the government, threatened the unity of its parliamentary
support and even prompted angry public protests.
Taiwan: What's in a
Name? By Mike Chinoy
(CNN.com, March 22, 2002) At first glimpse, it doesn't seem like much. But
three recent moves by the government of Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian are
threatening new tensions with China. The decisions signal an assertion of a
separate Taiwanese identity, which have already generated strong opposition
from Beijing.
Give Cross-Strait
Peace a Chance By Chien Hsi-chieh
(Taipei Times, Feb. 4, 2002) While the cross-strait relationship may be
warming on the surface, it's hard to be too optimistic about the future,
given China's insistence that the premise for renewed talks between the two
sides is Taiwan's recognition of the "one China" principle and the
"1992 consensus."
Goodbye to The
Mainland By David Lague
(Far Eastern Economic Review, Feb. 7, 2002) A pro-independence drive to
distance the island from the mainland may have helped force Beijing to reach
out toward Taiwan's ruling party. The big risk for Taiwan is that at some
time in the future, the mainland may feel it has no alternative but to crush
Chen's egg before it hatches.
Trade Ties Taiwan to
China's Leash By Willy Wo-Lap Lam
(CNN.com, Jan. 29, 2002) Since early 2001, President Jiang Zemin has asked
his key advisers on Taiwan to come up with "fresh approaches" on
how to speed up reunification, or at least curb the pro-independence
proclivities of Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian.
Taiwan President
Hails Beijing's Olive Branch
(Agence France Presse, Jan. 28, 2002) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian remarks
by Chinese authorities which he said demonstrated Beijing's understanding of
the island's political realities. "We welcome and appreciate any
statement or steps (made by China) which are helpful in improving,
stabilizing and upgrading cross-strait relations."
China Urges Taiwan
to Seize Chance for Talks By Brian Rhoads and Benjamin Kang Lim
(Reuters, Jan. 25, 2002) Analysts said whether talks resumed depended on the
response from Chen, pointedly shunned by Beijing since his election in 2000,
and his government. China is also attempting to smooth over what could be the
thorniest issue between the United States and China.
Taiwan Businessmen
on Mainland More Aware of Political Boundaries
(Central News Agency, Dec. 31, 2001) Beijing's censorship of text books used
in Taiwan's schools in mainland China and the formation of Chinese Communist
cells in Taiwanese corporations in mainland China have driven home to
Taiwanese businessmen the political risk of doing business across the Taiwan
Strait.
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