2007

 W T O Issue 

Three Links and Cross-Strait Contacts

 "One Country on Each Side" Statement

Anti-Secession Law

Opposition Visit to China

 [PRC Policy] [Taiwan Policy] [News] [Papers]

~ 2001 ; 2002 ; 2003 ; 2004 ; 2005 ; 2006

PRC: Policy and Documents

Text: 'The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue'
(New China News Agency, Feb. 21, 2000)

China Releases White Paper on Taiwan Issue
(People's Daily, Feb. 21, 2000)

Taiwan: Policy and Documents

Mainland Affairs Council mainland affairs documents, statistics on cross-strait exchange, cross-strait dialogue and negotiation, public opinion surveys

MOFA Appeals to U.S. over China Air Routes
(China Post, Dec. 19, 2007) Taiwan has conveyed its deep concern to the U.S. State Department and relevant agencies regarding China's planned flight path close to the median of the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan Lifts Objections to Chinese Judge at WTO
(AFP, Nov. 28, 2007) Taiwan on Tuesday lifted its objections to the appointment of a Chinese judge to the World Trade Organization’s top court, ending a row that threatened to paralyze the institution, trade sources said.

Taiwan Wants PRC Nominee to WTO to Vow Fair Treatment
(Taipei Times, Nov. 27, 2007) Taiwan will continue to object to the appointment of a Chinese judge to the WTO's top legal panel unless the judge makes a clear statement assuring fair treatment and that statement is recognized by the world trade body, government spokesman Shieh Jhy-wey said.

WTO Warns Taiwan Risks Institutional Crisis over Judge Dispute
(AFP, Nov. 24, 2007) Taiwan's decision to block the appointment of a Chinese judge to the World Trade Organization’s top court risks causing an institutional crisis. "I'm extremely concerned that if the situation persists much longer we will have a crisis in this organization," the chairman of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body Bruce Gosper told journalists.

Taiwan Blocks China's WTO Nominee
(China Post, Nov. 20, 2007) Taiwan blocked the appointment of China's first judge on the World Trade Organization's highest court. The WTO's dispute settlement body had been due to consider the appointment of members of the WTO's appellate body, but Taiwan asked for that item to be removed from the agenda.

Chen Calls Tsao's Plan a 'Surrender'
(Taiwan News, Nov. 14, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian referred to the "peaceful coexistence law across the Taiwan Strait" proposed by United Microelectronics Corp. honorary chairman Robert Tsao as an attempt to obstruct Taiwan's independence movement and promote unification with China under the cover of peace.

UMC's Tsao Urges Law on Peaceful Co-Existence
(China Post, Nov. 13, 2007) In a half-page advertisement run in three mass-circulation dailies, the chairman emeritus of United Microelectronics Corporation said he expects the presidential candidates of the two parties to give up their U.N. bids, saying they are an exercise in futility. "If Taiwan adopts a cross-strait peaceful co-existence law, relations between the two sides of the Strait can begin to develop in the right direction," said Tsao.

Taiwan to Keep China Investment Cap
(AP, Nov. 7, 2007 ) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said that the island should maintain restrictions on investment in rival China until his term ends. Chen, who steps down in May 2008, spoke a day after presidential candidate Frank Hsieh of his Democratic Progressive Party announced plans to review a cap on Taiwanese investment in the mainland if he is elected.

Cross-Strait Ties Growing: Taiwan Affairs Office
(Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Nov. 5, 2007) Nearly 400,000 Taiwanese currently live on the Chinese mainland at the end of September this year, including more than 18,000 who have settled down, according to the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of the State Council. There have been about 270,000 cross-strait marriages between people from the mainland and Taiwan.

Ma Ying-jeou Reiterates Support for '92 Consensus'
(Taiwan News, Nov. 2, 2007) An alleged policy shift from the 1992 Consensus by the Kuomintang caused panic among its supporters. But the KMT's presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou said that the document was not an official policy-statement, and that there was no need for a fuss to be made over it. Ma reiterated that he had always advocated the 92 Consensus as part of the party's policy.

Siew Touts 'Cross-Strait Common Market' as Protective Measure (Central News Agency, Oct. 21, 2007) The main opposition Kuomintang vice presidential candidate said that although a cross-Taiwan Strait common market is a "goal" that cannot be achieved at this point in time, such a market nevertheless represents a "protective shield for Taiwan's future."

Hsieh Welcomes Chinese Investment
(China Post, Oct. 19, 2007) Frank Hsieh, Democratic Progressive Party standard bearer, is distancing himself from President Chen Shui-bian, who is calling the shots in the campaign for 2008.

Taiwan's Chen Says No Peace Deal with China
(AFP, Oct. 16, 2007) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian snubbed a peace overture made by China, saying Taipei would never sign what he called a "surrender agreement" based on Beijing's "one-China" principle.

Ma Declares Future of Taiwan Should Not Be Decided by China
(Taiwan News, Oct. 16, 2007) It is up to the people of Taiwan - and not China - to decide the island's future, opposition Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou said.

Taiwan Angered by Intimidation of Top Gamers
(Taiwan News, Oct. 10, 2007) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed support for a Taiwanese participant at the World Cyber Games who was threatened by Chinese players after he unfurled a ROC flag at awards ceremony in Seattle.

Olympic Torch Won't Enter Taiwan
(AP, Sep. 21, 2007) The International Olympic Committee said that negotiations between Taiwan and China on the torch relay route for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games are at a dead end, and the torch will not be coming to Taiwan.

China's Trade with Taiwan Up 13 Percent
(AP, Sep. 20, 2007) China's trade with Taiwan rose 13 percent to US$77.5 billion  the first eight months of this year compared with the same period a year ago. China's exports to Taiwan rose 14.4 percent to US$15.2 billion, while imports rose 12.6 percent to US$62.4 billion.

Taiwan and China Squabble over Olympic Torch By David Lague
(IHT, Sep. 17, 2007) After a month of talks in which both sides made important concessions, Tsai Chen-wei, chairman of the Taiwanese Olympic committee, flew to Beijing on Sept. 6 to sign an accord on the matter. But within 24 hours, he returned to Taipei empty-handed.

Taiwan Asks Businessmen To Be Cautious in Investing in China
(Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Sep. 3, 2007) Taiwan urged local businessmen to be cautious in investing in rival China following a dispute between the island's biggest retail chain and its Chinese venture partner.

Chen Departs for Alaska en route to Central America
(AP, Aug. 21, 2007) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian pledged to make an all-out effort to counter China's offensive to isolate the self-ruled island as he left Tuesday for a summit with Central American leaders.

China More Hostile Toward Taiwan: Survey
(Central News Agency, Aug. 20, 2007) A majority of respondents of a recent survey said China has become more hostile toward the Taiwanese government and people than before, according to a senior official of the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).

Taiwan Must Stress Trade Contribution to Win Friends: Ex-Premier
(Straits Times, Aug. 8, 2007) Taiwan must let the leaders of South-east Asia know the contribution Taiwan makes to regional trade and economics. Doing so could help the island overcome the difficulties it faced in deepening economic ties with the region, including signing free trade agreements, said Mr Vincent Siew.

Fishing Dispute Sparks Taiwan Strait Stand-Off
(China Post, July 30, 2007) Six Taiwanese fishing vessels accused of drifting illegally into Chinese territory in the Taiwan Strait have been released following a tense stand-off. Three Chinese fishing authority patrol boats intercepted the Taiwanese vessels in the strait early Saturday morning.

KMT Protests Textbook Changes
(Taipei Times, July 22, 2007) The Kuomintang (KMT) protested the Ministry of Education's plan to revise some 5,000 terms in school textbooks relating to the nation's ties with China. "Cross-strait relations" could be changed to "nation-to-nation relations" and Sun Yat-sen's title as the Republic of China's (ROC) founding father could be removed.

President Firm on Refusing to Recognize PRC Diplomas
(Taiwan News, July 22, 2007) Taiwan would be shooting itself in the foot if it allows Chinese nationals to attend Taiwan colleges, said President Chen Shui-bian, reiterating that diplomas earned in China will remain unrecognized in Taiwan as long as he is president.

Taiwan-China Tourism Talks Stalled, Raising Doubts about Parallel Economic Progress (Chin post, July 18, 2007) Negotiations to bring more of China's tourists to Taiwan are not making progress, a senior Taiwanese official said Wednesday, raising doubts for a broad-ranging accord on closer economic ties between the two rivals.

Ma Unveils Plan for Cross-Strait Flights
(China Post, July 12, 2007) Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou mapped out his plan for Taiwan-China direct flights, which designates six international and domestic airports as the local destinations for cross-strait routes.

Taiwan Welcomes Use of 'Chinese Taipei'
(China Post, June 28, 2007) Taiwan welcomes Beijing's move to address it with the official title that it uses in the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It marked a major change in Beijing's references to Taiwan on Olympic affairs. For years, Beijing has addressed Taiwan as "Taipei, China" instead of the IOC-sanctioned designation "Chinese Taipei."

Beijing Stands Firm on Taiwan Torch Relay
(Reuters, June 24, 2007) Beijing insists that Taiwan will only be included in the 2008 Olympic torch relay under the terms of the written agreement reached with the island's Olympic Committee earlier this year. When the route was announced in late April, the Taiwan government said it could not accept the torch because Taipei's position on the relay -- after Ho Chi Minh City and before Hong Kong -- implied it was part of China.

Taiwan Determined Not to Be the Next Hong Kong
(Deutsche Presse-Agentur, June 21, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian has said on several occasions that Taiwan's 23 million people do not want to lose their freedom and democracy by letting Taiwan become the second Hong Kong. Chen's stance is supported by the majority in Taiwan.

Hsieh says Taiwan Must Lead the Way in Direct Links Talks
(Taipei Times, June 19, 2007) Taiwan's values must not be compromised even if direct transport, trade and postal services are opened with China, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh said.

Ma Says Missiles Must Go for China Talks
(Taiwan News, June 17, 2007) Taiwan refuses to hold any dialogue with China until Beijing removes the missiles currently aimed at the island, said Kuomintang presidential nominee Ma Ying-jeou  recalling his conversation with top United States envoy Raymond Burghardt.

Top US Liaison for Taiwan Hopes for Better Mainland Relations after Elections (China Post, June 15, 2007) The top U.S. liaison for relations with Taiwan said he hopes the island's March 2008 presidential elections will bring about improved ties between Taiwan and its rival, China.

Outcry at Plan to Restrict Taiwan-China Marriages
(AFP, June 13, 2007) Taiwan's controversial plans to restrict Chinese women from marrying its men sparked strong criticism from the island's leading opposition party. Taipei's interior ministry is looking at plans to restrict Chinese women from marrying Taiwanese men on the grounds that it is causing hostility across the Strait.

Missiles Must Go Before Talks with China, Ma Says
(Taipei Times, June 5, 2007) The Kuomintang's(KMT) presidential candidate, Ma Ying-jeou, said he would demand that China remove the missiles targeting the nation before Taipei and Beijing can resume negotiations or reach a peace accord.

Taiwan Opposition Leader Vows to End Hostility with China
(AFP, June 5, 2007) The presidential candidate for Taiwan's leading opposition Kuomintang on Monday vowed to end hostility with rival China and inaugurate direct transportation links if elected in the 2008 polls.

Ma Aims to Prevent Isolation: KMT Official
(China Post, June 4, 2007) Ma said in a recent interview that he will open direct transportation between Taiwan and mainland China within one year if he is elected president next year. Ma had originally said that he would open direct cross-strait transportation within two years.

OIE Compromises on Bid by PRC to Absorb Taiwan
(Taiwan News, May 26, 2007) Taiwan refuses to be reduced to a "non-sovereign regional member" but can partially accept being called "Chinese Taipei" in the World Organization of Animal Health, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last night, hours after the organization passed a resolution to change Taiwan's status and membership name in response to China's demand at an assembly in Paris.

Expand Cross-Strait Ties to Enhance U.S.-Taiwan Partnership: AIT Chief (China Post, May 22, 2007) The top U.S. diplomat in Taiwan suggested that Taiwan further open its economic relationship with China as an effective way to help improve the U.S.-Taiwan trade partnership.

Taiwan Accuses China of Buying Former Ally Senegal
(AFP, May 14, 2007) Taiwan's new de facto envoy to the United States has accused China of using hundreds of millions of dollars to lure a key ally, in the latest round of diplomatic jostling between the two rivals.

Taiwan Rejects China's Offer to Allow Chinese Students to Study
(Deutsche Presse-Agentur, May 1, 2007) Taiwan indirectly rejected an offer by China to allow Chinese students to study on the island, a day after Beijing extended an olive branch to Taipei during a forum to improve cross-strait ties.

China Lets Taiwan Invest in Shipping, Container Firms
(Reuters, Apr. 30, 2007) China said it will let Taiwan invest in wholly owned shipping and container transport firms and operate ports and highways, in Beijing's latest attempt to woo the island with economic sweeteners.

Taiwan's Opposition Eyes Trade Deals with China
(Reuters, Apr. 26, 2007) Taiwan's main opposition party is eyeing closer trade ties with China to boost the island's economy and the party's chances in presidential elections in 2008.

Agencies Angry at Rules on Hosting Chinese
(CNA, Apr. 25, 2007) Scores of representatives of travel service operators rallied in front of the Tourism Bureau yesterday to protest what they called "unreasonable restrictions placed on hosting Chinese tourists." They said that the requirement that operators spend no less than US$80 daily for each member of a Chinese tourist group should be lifted.

Taiwan, China in Spat over Olympic Torch
(AFP, Apr. 24, 2007) An official from Taiwan denied that the country had agreed with political rival China to host a leg of the Olympic torch relay, as Beijing prepared to unveil the torch design and relay route.

DPP Makes Decision on Olympic Torch
(Taipei Times, Apr. 19, 2007) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has said that the Olympic torch for the 2008 Beijing Games must not enter or exit Taiwan via China, Hong Kong or Macau.

China Chamber Takes Aim at Ban on Taiwan Travel
(Reuters, Apr. 16, 2007) A hiking-gear businessman was appointed to head China's first national-level Taiwan chamber of commerce, pledging to lobby for an end to the ban on direct transport between the estranged island and mainland.

Chen Ming-tong Takes Up Post as MAC Head
(Taiwan News, Apr. 13, 2007) The preservation of Taiwan's sovereignty and national dignity will be the foremost priorities of any negotiations with China in the future, said Chen Ming-tong, the new Mainland Affairs Council chairman.

New KMT Leader to Visit China Soon, Official Says
(AP, Apr. 10, 2007) The newly elected leader of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) will visit China by the end of this month, a senior member of the party said.

Cabinet Appoints New MAC Chairman
(China Post, Apr. 10, 2007) Chen Ming-tong, professor of political science at Taiwan University, will succeed Joseph Wu as chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council.

New KMT Chair Vows to Promote Cross-Strait Peace
(TN, Apr. 9, 2007) The newly elected leader of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang Wu Poh-hsiung said that the KMT will continue promoting peace and development on both sides of the Taiwan Strait in a letter in reply to Chinese President Hu Jin-tao.

`Small Three Links' Opened to Penghu County Residents
(Taipei Times, Apr. 1, 2007) Residents of Penghu County will be able to sail to China for sightseeing and trade using the existing "small three links" route via Kinmen and Matsu, President Chen Shui-bian announced.

MAC Says Government Fully Backs Wang's Trip
(TN, Apr. 1, 2007) The Mainland Affairs Council said that President Chen Shui-bian's administration fully supports Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng's plan to visit China and that the related agencies will render whatever assistance Wang needs to facilitate the trip.

Presidential Office Denies Authorizing Speaker’s Planned China Visit (CNA, Mar. 29, 2007) The Presidential Office has discounted as a "groundless rumor" a local newspaper report that Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-pyng may receive an official mandate to visit China to negotiate certain critical issues.

US Envoy Calls for Expanded Taiwan-China Links
(AFP, Mar. 22, 2007) The United States has urged Taiwan to expand economic links with China if it is to be a regional business hub, saying its national interests would not be endangered by closer ties.

Ma Vows to Relax Investment Rule on China if KMT Wins 2008 Vote
 (Taiwan News, Mar. 21, 2007) If the Kuomintang is returned to power in 2008, it will free up Taiwan's policy on investment in China and will negotiate with China for direct cross-strait flights and with Japan and Korea for aviation rights in order to promote the "dual golden aviation circles", former KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou said.

China-Taiwan Charter Flights to Begin
(AP, Mar. 20, 2007) China announced a new round of charter flights with Taiwan on Monday in an effort to temporarily skirt a ban on direct transport links between the historical rivals.

Chinese Lawmakers Ignore Taiwan Remarks
(AP, Mar. 13, 2007) China's lawmakers are ignoring unusually strong pro-independence remarks from the Taiwanese president, saying that any response will only encourage him.

China Allows SEF Official to Visit
(China Post, Mar. 8, 2007) China allowed an official of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), Taiwan's semi-official organization responsible for negotiations with China, to visit the mainland for the first time in eight years.

China Unblocks Taiwan Newspaper Web Sites
(Reuters, Feb. 5, 2007) China has allowed access to Internet versions of two of Taiwan's top daily newspapers after blocking them for years for fear they would spread anti-Communist propaganda.

Beijing Allegedly Seeking Ties with Ruling DPP
(CNA, Feb. 5, 2007) A local Chinese-language daily reported that Beijing has stepped up contacts with Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), particularly in the wake of the mayoral elections held in Taipei and Kaohsiung late last year.

Beijing Slams Taipei over Changes to Textbooks
(Straits Times, Feb. 1, 2007) China lashed out at Taiwan for dropping phrases from high-school history textbooks that link the two as one country, and said the move was another step towards promoting the island's independence.

China-Taiwan Trade Tops 100 Billion Dollars in 2006
(Agence France Presse, Jan. 18, 2007) Trade between rivals China and Taiwan jumped 18.2 percent last year to exceed 100 billion dollars for the first time. China's exports to Taiwan last year were up 25.3 percent over 2005, while its imports rose 16.6 percent during the period.

Taiwan, China Carriers to Offer 96 Charter Flights for Lunar New Year
(AFP, Jan. 16, 2007) Six airlines each from Taiwan and China are slated to provide a total of 96 cross-strait passenger charter flights during February 13-26 for the Lunar New Year holiday period.

China to Buy 1,200 tons of Surplus Oranges from Taiwan
(China Post, Jan. 13, 2007) After buying 2,000 tons of surplus bananas from Taiwan, China has agreed to buy 1,200 tons of surplus oranges from the island, media reported.

Premier Calls on China to Hand over Rebar Fugitive
(Taipei Times, Jan. 12, 2007) Premier Su Tseng-chang urged China to deport Rebar Asia Pacific Group chairman Wang You-theng. "Many Taiwanese white-collar criminals escape to China. Some of them even make donations to local organizations in China," Su said.

Taiwan Relaxes Regulations for Some 'Chinese' Media
(AFP, Jan. 6, 2007) Taiwan announced that it will allow reporters from Chinese-controlled Hong Kong and Macau media to be stationed in Taipei to promote "balanced coverage" of the island.

China Says Taiwan's Leader Trying to Ruin Ties
(AFP, Jan. 2, 2007) The Chinese government has said Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian is trying to ruin bilateral ties, as it reacted angrily to his New Year message insisting the island was not part of China, according to state media reports.

Taiwan President Denies Rift with Premier on China Policy
(AP, Jan. 1, 2007) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian denied he was at odds with the island's premier on policy toward rival China, days after a government decision on high technology exports to the mainland angered Chen's pro-independence backers.

Cross-Strait Opening 'Stuck' on Sovereignty Issue: Vice Premier
(CNA, Dec. 27, 2007) Vice Premier Chiou I-jen said that it is easy to talk about liberalizing business and trade exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, but difficult to really do it. Chiou said that actually doing so would be a real challenge, as any opening is "stuck" at the thorny issue of sovereignty.

Presidential Hopefuls Differ on Path to Cross-Strait Peace
(Taiwan News, Nov. 13, 2007) Responding to comments made by honorary United Microelectronics Corp. chairman Robert Tsao, who called for a peace agreement between Taiwan and China. KMT candidate Ma Ying-jeou said if that if elected, he would seek to end the hostile standoff across the Taiwan Strait and sign a peace accord between Taiwan and China. However, China must first remove the missiles targeting Taiwan as a precondition for the deal. Hsieh said he disagreed with Tsao's call for the DPP government to suspend its push for a referendum on Taiwan's entry to the U.N.

Most of Taiwan's Foreign Investment Is in China: Study
(Central News Agency, Nov. 4, 2007) Some 82 percent of Taiwan's overseas investment is in China because of China's location, cheap labor and business potential. A Ministry of Economic Affairs poll of 1,770 Taiwanese manufacturers showed China has become the biggest magnet for investment by the nation's manufacturing industry.

Chronicle of Cross-Strait Exchanges over Past Two Decades
(Xinhua News, Nov. 3, 2007) Friday marked the 20th anniversary of the Taiwan authority lifting its ban on islanders visiting the mainland on Nov. 2, 1987. Following are some major events chronicling exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan over the past two decades: Nov. 2. 1987 - The Taiwan Red Cross Society began to accept visit applications filed by Taiwan residents, and a great number of Taiwan people started their mainland journey the next day, ending nearly 40 years of isolation between the two sides.

Hu Looks for New Taiwan Approach But China's Soft Stance May Change If Moves Toward Independence Continue (Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 27, 2007) During the Congress, Hu revealed China's policy on Taiwan, which took a relatively soft line, as symbolized by his use of the phrase "peaceful development" during his speech. If Taiwan suddenly accelerates its drive toward independence, China might shift its apparently soft stance to a tougher one. Then, Hu's "harmonious world" diplomatic approach will collapse.

For China, How To Manage Taiwan? By Robert Ross
(Forbes, Oct. 22, 2007) One of the most significant developments at China's 17th Party Congress was what did not happen. In contrast to past party congresses, China's Taiwan policy has been a non-issue this year. This moderation in China's Taiwan policy does not suggest that Chinese leaders have moved beyond the Taiwan issue. Chinese party leaders in Beijing remain fixated on Taiwan. Taiwan is the foremost symbol of Chinese nationalism.

Investors Look to Taiwan in Hopes of Cashing in on China Boom By Keith Bradsher (New York Times, Oct. 20, 2007) Investors from professional money managers to small holders of emerging market mutual funds face a volatile ride in the coming months as Taiwan prepares for legislative elections in January and presidential elections in March.

China Call for Taiwan Accord a Bypass
(Associated Press, Oct. 19, 2007) A call by Chinese President Hu Jintao for a peace treaty with Taiwan was not directed at the island's current leader, but at one of the two men who will replace him after next year's elections, Taiwanese analysts said.

Taiwan Leader Dismisses Hu Overture By Keith Bradsher
(New York Times, Oct. 18, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan denounced a peace overture from President Hu Jintao of China that has received a cautious welcome here from both candidates for the presidential election next March.

Failure of Olympic Torch Talks “A Missed Opportunity”
(Straits Times, Sep. 24, 2007) The failure of talks to bring the Olympics torch to Taipei is a missed opportunity for both China and Taiwan. Worse still, it descended into political bickering. This is the first time in the history of the Olympic Games that any city has rejected the torch.

Taiwan and China: The Masochist and the Sadist By Tom Plate
(Straits Times, Aug. 14, 2007) Of all the places of Asia, Taiwan deserves to be near the top of the list in terms of having earned the world's respect. But therein we find the tale. But as a nation-state, it has at least one significant flaw.

China, Taiwan and the Battle for Latin America By Daniel P. Erikson and Janice Chen (Latin Business Chronicle, Aug. 13, 2007) In order to counter Chinese attempts to lure away its few remaining allies, the government of President Chen Shui-bian has sought to broaden and diversify the avenues for interaction between Taiwan and its Central American and Caribbean partners since taking office in 2000.

Stability in Taiwan Straits Vital to Peace in East Asia: Lee Kuan Yew
(Channel News Asia, Aug. 13, 2007) Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has said stability in the Taiwan Straits is vital to US-China relations, and to peace and stability in East Asia. He said the situation must be carefully managed by all sides. Mr Lee said he explained this to visiting Taiwan's politicians, Vincent Siew of the KMT and presidential candidate Frank Hsieh of the ruling DPP.

Politics Rules as Taiwan Cold Shoulders Olympic Countdown
(Associated Press, Aug. 9, 2007) As China geared up for an elaborate celebration marking the one-year countdown to the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing, rival Taiwan was watching warily from the sidelines — if at all.

Ideological Debate Rages within China's Communist Party
(Agence France Presse, July 18, 2007) A heated ideological debate within China's ruling Communist Party over how to solve the nation's social ills is spilling out into public view ahead of a major political gathering late this year.

China, Taiwan in Battle for Latin American Support
(AFP, July 11, 2007) Bitter rivals China and Taiwan continued to escalate their battle for support in Latin America, with officials from both criss-crossing the region. Latin America has become a major battleground for the two rivals with each accusing the other of luring allies away with "checkbook diplomacy.

China's Diplomatic Gain Is Taiwan's Loss By Edward Cody
(Washington Post, July 9, 2007) As China becomes more integrated into the world's economic and political system -- and increasingly loses its stigma as a Cold War adversary -- the competition in recent years has become increasingly difficult for Taiwanese diplomats. The number of countries recognizing mainland China has risen to 169 while Taiwan's score has declined to 24.

PRC Will Not Hesitate to Go to War over Taiwan, Says French Scholar (Taiwan News, July 4, 2007) The Chinese want peace and will to try avoid conflicts at all cost, except in the case of Taiwan, said Thierry de Montbrail, the founder and the president of the French Institute of International Relations, spoke to the European Chamber of Commerce in Taipei.

China Woos New Generation of Taiwanese with Junkets By Peter Enav (Associated Press, June 23, 2007) Over the past several years, a new generation of Taiwanese has been participating in all-expense-paid Chinese junkets. These events -- seminars, camps, university programs and academic conferences -- are part of a well-coordinated effort to show a kinder, gentler side of China.

Stop Cross-Strait War over Recognition: Ma
(China Post, June 14, 2007) Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou has called for a "cease-fire" across the strait, saying he would not be seeking mutual recognition between Taiwan and China, but "mutual non-denial."

Freedom and Democracy are the Foundation for Cross-Strait Dialogues By Ma Ying-jeou (United Daily, June 4, 2007) On the 18th anniversary of the Tiananmen Incident, we must sincerely note that freedom and democracy must be the common language shared by Taiwan and Mainland China. And freedom and democracy is the only key to establishing effective dialogues and building mutual confidence between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan Alliances Threatened as U.S. Influence Declines
(Agence France Presse, May 30, 2007) China is taking advantage of a declining U.S. influence in Central and Latin America to woo Taiwan's few remaining allies in the region, analysts here say, threatening to further isolate the island.

The Route to Taiwanese Hearts and Minds By Goh Sui Noi
(Straits Times, May 7, 2007) Accusing China of belittling Taiwan is the ruling party's way of reinforcing Taiwan's national identity through building hostility towards China. Not that this is a new game in Taiwan. Pro-independence politicians have long sought to create conditions for the island's formal independence by promoting a distinctive Taiwanese identity.

Chinese Tourists Giving Taiwan a Miss This Year
(Straits Times, May 2, 2007) Cross-strait talks have been stalled by political differences over the lifting of restrictions on mainlanders traveling to Taiwan. Chinese tourists are currently barred from heading directly to the island. Instead, they are required to stop in a third country before they can enter Taiwan.

China's Charm Offensive on Taiwan Is Failing, Say Analysts
(Straits Times, Apr. 30, 2007) China wooed the Taiwanese public with more economic sweeteners unveiled at an annual cross-strait forum in Beijing attended by Taiwan opposition veteran Lien Chan. However, earlier enticements have apparently been dud shells as China has not gotten any nearer to getting Taiwan to open up to big-spending mainland tourists.

From “Twin Circles” to “Twin Centers”: Reviving the Vigor of Taiwan’s Economy By Ying-jeou Ma (Address at the Merrill Lynch Taiwan, Mar. 20, 2007) If the KMT regains power in 2008, our policies include three steps. There will first be a preparatory period when domestic opinions are harmonized. The second step involves the normalization of relations across the Taiwan Strait. The third step is to encourage and assist Taiwanese companies to   compete in the global market.

Beijing Is Failing to Win Hearts and Minds By Lo Chih-cheng
(Taipei Times, Mar. 22, 2007) It has now been two years since China passed its "Anti-Secession" Law. In a recent survey, Taiwan Thinktank found that 73.9 percent of Taiwanese believe that China's enactment of the law constitutes a hostile intent toward Taiwan's government and people.

China to Sustain Soft Line on Taiwan
(Reuters, Mar. 22, 2007) China will continue to speak softly in managing its tricky relations with Taiwan, after brandishing the big stick seemed to backfire on Beijing, analysts said.

Joseph Wu: Political Buffer between US and Taiwan
(Taipei Times, Mar. 20, 2007) Mainland Affairs Council Chairman Joseph Wu, the newly appointed de facto ambassador to the US, will play the role of a political buffer between the US and Taiwan to defuse any diplomatic tension during what remains of President Chen Shui-bian's term in office.

Chen's Remarks Fail to Provoke Response
(Straits Times, Mar. 17, 2007) Provocation was on President Chen Shui-bian's mind when he dropped his recent bombshell that 'Taiwan wants to be independent'. But if he thought his declaration would rile China and the United States the same way his previous remarks had done, he was wrong.

PRC Begins Engaging DPP Officials By Chong-Pin Lin
(Taipei Times, Mar 16, 2007) China's so-far subtle adjustment of its Taiwan policy is significant in three aspects. First, Beijing is beginning to shed its self-imposed taboo of boycotting the DPP administration to prepare for the likelihood of another four -- if not more -- years of DPP rule after President Chen steps down.

China & Taiwan's Running Dispute By Richard Halloran
(RealClearPolitics, Mar. 8, 2007) The verbal shots across the Taiwan Strait were stark. Among the contradictions on Taiwan's side were those in the "Four Wants" proclaimed by President Chen last week. The open question is how long Taiwan or China will refrain from drastic measures to resolve the dispute.

Property Boom in Taiwan 'Hinges on China Ties'
(AFP, Feb. 28, 2007) Taiwan's property market has boomed for almost three years and looks set to continue doing so over the short term. But analysts warn that the bubble could burst if ties with the Chinese mainland fail to deliver anticipated returns.

Taiwan Rankled by China Litter Washing Up on Beaches
(Reuters, Feb. 22, 2007) It's been decades since artillery shells landed on this strategic frontline island at the height of the China-Taiwan civil war, but now a new battle rages as garbage from the Chinese mainland washes up on Kinmen's shore.

Only a Democratic PRC Will Assure Peace, Lu Says
(Reuters, Jan. 19, 2007) Taiwanese Vice President Annette Lu - touted as a possible 2008 presidential contender - said that regional peace and stability could only be achieved with a democratic China.

China-Taiwan Tensions Down: U.S. Spy Chief
(Associated Press, Jan. 13, 2007) Tensions between China and Taiwan have diminished even as Beijing moves rapidly to modernize its military with ballistic missiles capable of striking U.S. naval forces, U.S. intelligence chief John Negroponte said.

China Denies Checkbook Diplomacy in Africa
(Reuters, Jan. 10, 2007) China dismissed a Taiwan accusation of buying diplomatic recognition in Africa with $250 million in aid and loans, saying it was like a burglar shouting 'stop thief!'

Whither Taiwan and Cross-Straits Ties in 2007? By Bonnie S. Glaser
(China Daily, Jan. 9, 2007) Developments in Taiwan are often unpredictable and the past year has been no exception. As the new year begins, a review of developments in 2006 in Taiwan is instructive and may provide useful insights into the course of events in 2007 and beyond.

Taiwan Sees Red over White Paper
(China Post, Jan. 6, 2007) In the best Orwellian tradition, Beijing singles out tiny Taiwan as a major threat! This should serve as a clear warning to Taiwan's ruling DPP that any rhetorical or real change in the de facto status quo could court disaster.