Opposition Visit to China

[ News ] [ Papers ] 

Beijing to Make It Easier for Taiwan Residents to Study and Work on Mainland (China Post, May 14, 2005) Chairman James Soong brought home three major gifts from Beijing that announced relaxation of the rules governing visits and employment of Taiwanese people on the mainland and a reduction in the tuition for Taiwanese students studying there.

Taiwan Rejects China Offers As Hopes For Talks Dim
(Reuters, May 13, 2005) Taiwan rejected Chinese offers of fresh economic sweeteners and a new formula to describe relations, dashing hopes for fresh talks between the foes and prolonging a dangerous stalemate.

New Maxim From Beijing, '2 Sides of Strait,' Is Met With a Yawn From Taiwan's President  (NYT, May 13, 2005) President Hu Jintao of China met with the head of a Taiwan opposition party and agreed to a new, slightly altered linguistic framework as a potential vehicle for starting negotiations with Taiwan's government.

'Two Sides, One China' Formula for Taiwan Ties
(Straits Times, May 13, 2005) China agreed to a new formula for its relations with rival Taiwan, hoping to kickstart stalled talks and bring about economic incentives to the island.

Presidential Office Backs Away from Soong
(TT, May 12, 2005) The Presidential Office  said that People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong's speech in Beijing condemning Taiwan independence only represented his personal stance.

Taiwan's Soong Says Peace with China Only Choice
(Reuters, May 11, 2005) Taiwan opposition leader James Soong told university students in Beijing that slogans and guns were not the way ahead for Taiwan and China.

PFP Chairman Denies Making Deal with China
(CNA, May 11, 2005) People First Party Chairman James Soong denied in Hunan, central China, that he made a deal with Beijing in exchange for permission to visit China.

China Trying to Scupper Referendum Plan, Chen Says
(Straits Times, May 10, 2005) While Taiwan's opposition leader James Soong is trying to build 'a bridge over troubled waters' with China, President Chen Shui-bian has been busy burning this very same bridge.

Taiwan Opposition Leader Flies to Beijing for Talks
(Reuters, May 10, 2005) Taiwan opposition leader James Soong flies to Beijing on Tuesday for bridge-building talks with the island's nemesis, the Chinese Communist Party.

Taiwan Opposition Politician Pledges Opposition to Independence (AFP, May 8, 2005) Visiting Taiwan opposition politician James Soong pledged that his party opposed the island declaring independence and supported the idea that China and Taiwan both belong to "one China."

Taiwan Opposition Leader Visits Monument (AP, May 6, 2005) A Taiwanese opposition leader made a pilgrimage Friday to a monument honoring China's legendary founder, calling for reconciliation between Taipei and Beijing based on their common cultural roots.

Second Taiwan Opposition Leader Goes to China (Reuters, May 5, 2005) A second Taiwan opposition leader began a bridge-building visit to China on Thursday, in a trip seen to mount more pressure on independence-minded President Chen Shui-bian to reconcile with the island's political arch-rival.

Second Leading Taiwanese Opposition Figure Heads to China (AFP, May 4, 2005) A second leading Taiwanese opposition figure heads to China for what is being billed as a "bridge-building" visit to ease tensions between Beijing and the independence-leaning government in Taipei.

China to Lift Ban on Tourists Going to Taiwan
(Reuters, May 3, 2005) Beijing offered Taiwan a pair of giant pandas and lifted a ban on Chinese tourists visiting the island as goodwill gestures at the end of a historic trip to the mainland by Taiwan opposition leader Lien Chan.

Chen Stresses All Avenues Open to PRC
(Taiwan News, May 3, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian called for military confidence building measures to enhance security and mutual trust across the Taiwan Strait and invited China to talks under the principles of peace, democracy and parity.

Taiwan Opposition Leader Urges Chen to Grasp Chance for Peace with China (AFP, May 2, 2005) Taiwan opposition leader Lien Chan said peace with China was within reach and he urged the island's government to grasp the opportunity to end 56 years of hostility.

President Asks Soong to Relay Message to Hu
(China Post, May 2, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian said he had asked opposition People First Party leader James Soong to relay a message to Beijing during his visit next week and openly urged China to talk directly to the ruling party.

Taiwan's Chen Tries to Regain Initiative on China with Message to Beijing (AFP, May 1, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian said he would ask an opposition leader to relay a message to Beijing during a visit next week, the first time Taiwan has publicly announced such a direct approach to rival China.

Taiwan's President Calls for Talks with China
(AFP, May 1, 2005) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has urged China to open dialogue with his Government after Beijing held talks with an opposition leader.

China Should Talk with DPP Leaders, Says U.S.
(AP, May 1, 2005) The United States said dialogue among leaders of China and Taiwan is important to a peaceful resolution of their 56-year-old estrangement, but spokesmen said that China should bring the leaders of Taiwan's ruling separatist party into the conversation.

Taiwan Criticizes Hu-Lien Talks; Public Supports Them
(Bloomberg, Apr. 30, 2005) Taiwan's government criticized yesterday's meeting in Beijing between the heads of both parties, even as a new poll shows the Taiwanese public is positive on the overtures.

Chen Rejects CEPA Accord with China
(China Post, Apr. 30, 2005) President Chen rejected outright the signing of a Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) pact with China, saying that such a move would downgrade Taiwan sovereign status and make it a "second Hong Kong."

Taiwan Calls China Meeting Insincere
(AP, Apr. 29, 2005) The Taiwanese government criticized the talks, calling Beijing insincere and saying they would do nothing to improve frosty relations.

Taiwan KMT, China End Civil War Hostilities
(Reuters, Apr. 29, 2005)The civil war enemies agreed in a two-hour meeting that they described as frank and friendly to work to end enmity between the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party and avoid military conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

China's Hu, Taiwan Opposition Leader Meet Taiwan
(AP, Apr. 29, 2005)Taiwan's opposition leader met with Chinese President Hu Jintao, capping a historic reconciliation between his party and mainland communists whose civil war split China in 1949.

Ahead of Lien-Hu Meeting, US Urges China to Open Dialogue with Taiwan (AFP, Apr. 28, 2005) Taiwan's opposition leader was to meet with senior Communist Party officials to prepare for historic and highly-symbolic talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Lien Calls for Peace with China
(Reuters, Apr. 27, 2005) Taiwan opposition leader Lien Chan called for peace with China as he toured historic mainland sites.

Lien Pays Homage to Sun Yat-sen
(BBC, Apr. 27, 2005) The leader of Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party Lien Chan has visited the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, regarded as the father of modern China, in Nanjing.

Taiwan Opposition Chief Visits to China, Hundreds Protest
(Reuters, Apr. 26, 2005) Taiwan opposition leader Lien Chan began a historic ''journey of peace'' to China, seeking to reconcile with an old enemy even as hundreds of pro-independence supporters staged angry protests at the airport.

President Chen Blesses Lien for Visit to China
(China Post, Apr. 26, 2005) In an 11-minute telephone conversation, the president, whom Lien addressed as "Brother Shui-bian," told the opposition party leader the weeklong tour "is of significance."

Taiwan Opposition Leader Calls for New Approach to China
(AFP, Apr. 25, 2005) Taiwan opposition leader Lien Chan said the island should adopt a fresh approach to relations with China and turn its back on half a century of conflict.

Taiwan KMT Trip to Boost Ties, Says China Media
(Reuters, Apr. 25, 2005) Chinese commentators welcomed this week's visit by Taiwan opposition leader Lien Chan and warned Taiwan's ruling party it risked redundancy by pursuing formal independence for an island China considers its own.

Chen Accepts China Visits as Civilian Trips
(China Post, Apr. 24, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian reportedly has accepted opposition leaders' upcoming politically charged visits to China as only "civilian trips" that do not need government authorization.

KMT Chief Holds Talks with US Envoy Ahead of China Trip
(Straits Times, Apr. 23, 2005) KMT chairman Lien Chan held secret talks with the top US diplomat in Taiwan over his ground-breaking trip to the mainland next week, party officials said.

Cross-Strait Dialogue Helpful for Peace, Says White House
(CNA, Apr. 22, 2005) White House spokesman Scott McClellan said that the United States believes dialogue between Taiwan and China would help resolve cross-strait issues and reduce the tensions.

Ex-President Calls for Multi-lateral Talks between Taiwan, China, U.S. and Japan (TN, Apr. 22, 2005) Lee declared that the "status, timing and principles" of the planned visits by opposition KMT (Kuomintang) Chairman Lien Chan and People First Party Chairman James Soong to the PRC "were entirely wrong."

Taiwan Nationalist to Meet Chinese Leader
(AP, Apr. 21, 2005) The leader of Taiwan's opposition Nationalists will travel to China later this month for the first encounter with a leader of China's Communists in more than five decades.

Chinese Prez Invites Taiwan Oppn Soong to Mainland
(AFP, Apr. 18, 2005) Chinese President Hu Jintao invited Taiwan opposition leader James Soong to visit the mainland, just weeks after Beijing feted a high-level Kuomintang party (KMT) delegation.

Chen Warns Lien against Signing Treaty
(China Post, Apr. 17, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian warned Kuomintang Chairman Lien Chan against signing a cross-strait "peace agreement" with Beijing.

MAC Rules Out Economic Exchanges with PRC
(Taiwan News, Apr. 14, 2005) Taiwan would not welcome any Chinese delegations visiting for the purpose of economic exchanges, in view of the currently tense state of cross-strait relations.

Taiwan Bans Chinese Journalists
(BBC, Apr. 11, 2005) Taiwanese officials have ordered journalists from two of mainland China's largest official media groups to stop working on the island. Reporters from the two official Chinese media organisations had been based in Taiwan since 2001. 

Taiwan Probes Politicians over Links with China
(Financial Times, Apr. 7, 2005) Taiwan prosecutors are investigating whether opposition politicians are guilty of treason by agreeing with Beijing to work towards closer cross-Strait ties.

Chen Dismisses China-KMT Talks as Meaningless Gesture
(China Post, Apr. 2, 20050 President Chen Shui-bian dismissed the Kuomintang's talks with the Chinese communists as a "wishful" meaningless promotion of cross-strait ties lacking the support of a domestic consensus.

China Offers Taipei Incentives
(Reuters, Mar. 31, 2005) Beijing proposed economic sweeteners for Taiwan last night in a meeting with the island's opposition Nationalist Party.

Chen Blasts KMT's Trip
(Taipei Times, Mar 30, 2005) The president said that Chiang Pin-kun's visit to China was a foolish move that was out of place and that only serves the KMT.

China Embraces Taiwan Opposition's Visit as Move Towards Easing Tensions (AFP, Mar. 29, 2005) Chinese state media welcomed the first ever official visit to China by Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), as a step towards easing tensions as it moved into a second day.

Taiwan's KMT Leaves for Historic China Visit
(Reuters, Mar. 28, 2005) A delegation of Taiwan's main opposition party began its first official visit to mainland China since the civil war ended, but refused to say who it will meet in Beijing.

China Leader Mixes Rhetoric on Taiwan
(NYT, Mar. 5, 2005) Hu Jintao, China's Communist Party chief, took a militant stance against what he called "secessionist forces" in Taiwan, but also cited "new and positive factors" that could reduce cross-strait tensions.

Chen, Soong Sign 10-point Consensus
(Taipei Times, Feb. 25, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian and People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong reached a consensus to acknowledge and respect the current definition of Taiwan's status, create a legal basis for cross-strait peace, and reiterated their support for the Republic of China.

Never-Ending Story of Never-Never Land By Frank Ching
(Japan Times, July 21, 2005) The recent visits by three Taiwan opposition leaders to mainland China illustrates the new policy of Chinese President Hu Jintao, which is a marked departure from that of his predecessor, Jiang Zemin.

Two Visits, Many Interpretations By Shelley Rigger
(Far Eastern Economic Review, May 2005) The recent visits of Taiwanese opposition party leaders Lien Chan and James Soong to mainland China have elicited a wide range of reactions from observers in the P.R.C., Taiwan and elsewhere.

US Flails as Hu Jintao Gains the Upper Hand By Lai I-chung
(Taipei Times, May 18, 2005) Hu has managed to take the upper hand in cross-strait issues from the US. Washington, whose role no longer appears quite as dominant as it was, is now vying with Beijing for influence over Taiwan.

Beijing Offers a Way Ahead
(Editorial, Straits Times, May 14, 2005) Analysts trying to deconstruct 'two sides, one China' for a clarification of the 1992 consensus between Beijing and Taipei are looking the wrong way. For, in fact, the new formulation injects an element of ambiguity into what 'one China' means.

China Alters Language On Taiwan By Philip P. Pan
(Washington Post, May 13, 2005) Chinese President Hu Jintao proposed new diplomatic language aimed at ending the decades-old state of hostilities between China and Taiwan, in a rare but tentative concession by a Communist leader on one of the most sensitive issues in Chinese politics.

A Step Forward, But No New Cross-Strait Talks Yet By Goh Sui Noi (Straits Times, May 13, 2005) China may have taken a step forward in redefining the 1992 consensus, but it is not enough to bring about a resumption of cross-strait talks, analysts say.

Soong Rejects Moves Toward Independence
(China Post, May 12, 2005) James Soong warned in Beijing that moves by Taiwan toward independence would lead to a "dead end," and said stable relations with China were the only way forward.

Chen Tests Patience of Loyalists in Taiwan By Peter S. Goodman (Washington Post, May 9, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian's new willingness to reconsider his long-standing drive for Taiwanese independence has provoked charges of betrayal and risked alienation of his core supporters.

Taiwan's "Step-by-Step Process" (BusinessWeek, May 9, 2005) BusinessWeek Correspondent Matt Kovac recently spoke with Lien Chan at KMT headquarters in Taipei about the visit to China, Taiwan's prospects, and the KMT's future.

Is Peace 'Within Reach' While China Is Arming? By David Lague (IHT, May 6, 2005) As his historic visit to China drew to a close, Taiwan's opposition leader, Lien Chan, declared on Monday that an end was in sight to more than five decades of hostility across the Taiwan Strait.

Lien's Triumphal PRC Visit May Have Wide Implications (China Post Editorial, May 5, 2005) Lien’s ice-breaking trip will have far-reaching implications for Taiwan's domestic politics, its relations with the mainland and the role Washington plays in cross-strait ties.

A Historic Visit to China (Japan Times Editorial, May 5, 2005) It is tantalizing to think that the visit might herald a breakthrough in cross-strait relations, but it is the product of tactical calculations by both sides. The question now is whether it will increase tensions between Taipei and Beijing.

China Raises Hurdle to Taiwan Negotiations By Joseph Kahn (New York Times, May 4, 2005) Chinese officials said Tuesday that Taiwan's governing party must scrap its party platform and stop its "separatist activities" before Beijing would talk with President Chen Shui-bian, dashing hopes that the recent thaw in relations would lead to two-way negotiations soon.

Taiwan Nationalist Cites 'Consensus' With Chinese on Ending Hostilities By Peter S. Goodman (Washington Post, May 4, 2005) The leader of Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party said he had achieved a "fundamental consensus" with the country's Communist Party leadership to end hostilities that have enveloped the Taiwan Strait for more than half a century.

Taiwan Rejoining China? Not Just Yet By Philip Bowring
(International Herald Tribune, May 3, 2005) Until Beijing shifts its interpretation of One China or Taiwan loses its implicit U.S./Japan security umbrella, cross-strait political relations will probably continue to go round in rhetorical circles.

Lien Trumpets KMT's Role in Possible Peace Accord By Jason Leow (Straits Times, May 3, 2005) Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang leader Lien Chan tried to strengthen his hand by saying that, for the first time, China had responded positively to the idea of a peace accord.

Chinese Hope Lien's Visit Will Boost Bilateral Ties By Goh Sui Noi (Straits Times, May 2, 2005) Taiwan opposition Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Lien Chan's visit to China has raised the Chinese people's expectation that cross-strait ties will improve, although they do not think that reunification will happen anytime soon.

Nationalist Chairman's Visit to Mainland Spurs Taiwanese Interest in Accords By Keith Bradsher (NYT, Mya 1, 2005) A visit to Beijing by the chairman of Taiwan's Nationalists seems to have increased public support here for improved relations with China, but may have also damaged the cooperation among political parties needed for an actual shift in policy.

Taiwan's Chen Seen in Dilemma over KMT China Fever By Tiffany Wu (Reuters, May 1, 2005) After a momentous handshake with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Lien has rejuvenated his political career and -- if he plays his cards right -- might even push his nemesis, President Chen Shui-bian, into a quandary over his China policy.

60 Years Later, China Enemies End Their War By Joseph Kahn (New York Times, Apr. 30, 2005) The leaders of China's Communist Party and of Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party formally ended six decades of hostility with a nationally televised handshake and pledged to work together to undermine Taiwan's independence movement.

A Moment That Goes Down in History
(People’s Daily, Apr. 30, 2005) It marks the entry of bilateral party relationship into a new stage of development and is a historic moment bringing springtime information relating to the future of the two sides across the Straits.

Nationalist Returns To Chinese Mainland By Edward Cody
 (Washington Post, April 27, 2005) The arrival of Lien Chan, the party chairman, and his delegation in Nanjing in eastern China marked the start of an eight-day trip designed to foster friendly contacts and lower tensions in the long standoff between Beijing and Taiwan.

China Tries to Isolate Taiwan's President By Joseph Kahn
(New York Times, Apr. 26, 2005) Taiwan's two main opposition leaders will make consecutive visits to mainland China over the next two weeks as Beijing steps up a campaign to isolate the island's independence movement.

Nothing Concrete Expected from Lien's Symbolic Visit By Lawrence Chung (Straits Times, Apr. 26, 2005) Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Lien Chan's landmark trip to China would likely be remembered more for symbolic reasons. Analysts said they don't expect it to produce any concrete measures to ease cross-strait tensions.

PRC Visits by Lien and Soong Reflect Political Sea Change
(Editorial, China Post, Apr. 21, 2005) The scheduled historic visits to Beijing by Lien and Soong reflect a sea change in Taiwan's domestic politics and may pave the way for this island and mainland China to bury the hatchet and move toward political reconciliation.

China's Wooing of Opposition Unpredictable By Jane Rickards (China Post, Apr. 20, 2005) China's wooing of Taiwan's opposition parties is leading the island into unprecedented and uncertain territory, analysts said, questioning if "China fever" would reach epidemic proportions.

Jailing Chiang Is the Priority
(Editorial, Taipei Times, Apr. 9, 2005) How satisfying it was to hear that he is to be investigated for treason -- conviction for which carries a penalty of from seven years to life imprisonment.

DPP Gov't Sees Danger of Being Marginalized
(Editorial, China Post, Apr. 9, 2005) The recent string of remarks and moves made by President Chen Shui-bian and his ruling party leaders suggest that they are deeply worried about developments in local political and business sectors.

Renewed KMT-CCP Ties May Bring Stability By Ching Cheong
(Straits Times, Apr. 2, 2005) The first handshake between officials of the Chinese Communist Party and Taiwan's Kuomintang in 56 years may herald a third round of cooperation between these two archrivals.

China Reaches Out to Taiwanese Opposition Party By Philip P. Pan
(Washington Post, Mar. 31, 2005) A senior Communist Party official called for a resumption of formal talks with Taiwan in a meeting with a leader of the island's opposition Nationalist Party.

Twelve Results Achieved in CPC and KMT Dialogue
(People’s Daily, Mar. 31, 2005) Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, held talks with Kuomintang (KMT) delegation led by vice-chairman Chiang Pin-kung.

KMT Team's China Visit Puts Chen in a Spot By Goh Sui Noi
(Straits Times, Mar. 30, 2005) A high-profile mainland visit by Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) is likely to put pressure on the island's leader Chen Shui-bian to engage Beijing, say analysts.