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Toward Peaceful Relations Across the Taiwan Strait: Taiwan's Perspective

Joseph Wu, chairman, Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan

Date & Time

Monday
Sep. 4, 2006
4:00pm – 5:30pm ET

Overview

Joseph Wu, chairman of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, offered a spirited presentation of the Chen Shui-bian government's views on the dangerous China-Taiwan rivalry. He stated that public opinion polls have shown that the majority of Taiwan's people, approximately 80 percent, are in favor of the political status quo. Accordingly, the democratically elected government of President Chen, respecting the views of the majority, has no plans to push for independence. Therefore, asserted Wu, there is no need for China to fear a radical change of the status quo on Taiwan. He called on China to reverse its policy of refusing to enter into dialogue with the Chen regime.

Wu cited several difficulties confronting Taiwan today in regards to China. The first, and most serious, is the military situation. There are approximately 800 short-range missiles being deployed from China and aimed at Taiwan. They are increasing at a rate of 100 per year. Additionally, said Wu, China is trying to "suffocate" Taiwan internationally. Both these military and diplomatic efforts on the part of the mainland generate negative emotions among the people of Taiwan, and therefore, raise cross-Strait tensions.

Wu asserted that Taiwan's moves toward greater democracy are misunderstood by China. He claimed every move that Taiwan makes toward government reform is interpreted by China as a move toward independence. This is not true, he said. As an example, he cited reform of Taiwan's constitution. He noted it was promulgated in 1947 and certainly needs to be amended. He categorically denied that any sovereignty issues are included in the Chen administration's proposals to amend the constitution.

Overall, Wu said, the people of Taiwan sense hostility from China, even though China's stated policy is to do what is good for the people of Taiwan. He described the current attitude of China toward Taiwan as "confrontational," and stated the solution to the problem is more dialogue. Toward that end, the Taiwan government is trying to get more Chinese to visit Taiwan, both in the form of tourism and cultural exchange. Last year, he said, 173,000 Chinese tourists visited Taiwan. "We want more," stated Wu, because tourists will be exposed to the reality of Taiwan and will realize that Chinese propaganda about Taiwan is "wrong."

Wu also said that Taiwan needs help from the United States. He called on Washington to make it clear to China never to use force to resolve the Taiwan situation; to urge China to reach out to the elected government on Taiwan, and not just to the opposition parties; to encourage China to negotiate with Taiwan on practical issues; to encourage China to negotiate with Taiwan without preconditions; and to urge China to respect the fact that Taiwan is a democracy.

Drafted by Mark Mohr, Asia Program Associate
Robert M. Hathaway, Director, Asia Program. Ph: (202) 691-4020

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Indo-Pacific Program

The Indo-Pacific Program promotes policy debate and intellectual discussions on US interests in the Asia-Pacific as well as political, economic, security, and social issues relating to the world’s most populous and economically dynamic region.   Read more

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