January 1, 2007
Presiding at a national founding memorial and New Year's Day ceremony, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan is a part of the world, not a part of China. Taiwan's overall national goals must not become dislocated from the world's development and transformation. The formulation of national policies in Taiwan must rise above the cramped framework of "one China" and cross-strait relations. Taiwan must keep an expansive vision and understand issues in their broader context, so that the nation may affirm its rightful status and unique persona in the global political and economic arenas, and vigorously pursue the creation of a sound foundation for Taiwan's sustainable development.
January 1, 2007
In response to questions from the media during a test ride on the Taiwan high-speed train, President Chen Shui-bian states that "proactive management and effective liberalization" remains the highest guiding principle in the government's consideration of cross-strait economic and trade policy. This is the route to "Taiwan First" and "Taiwan-centric consciousness."
January 2, 2007
Regarding the statement by President Chen Shui-bian in his New Year's Day message that the right of the Taiwanese people to decide Taiwan's future and to choose how to develop cross-strait relations should be the respected, the MAC issues a press release indicating that this position is based on the principle of "sovereignty of the people." It also accords with the core values of democracy. Any unreasonable and malicious criticism clearly shows a lack of basic democratic cultivation and ignores the trend of mainstream public opinion in Taiwan.
January 4, 2007
In a meeting with a delegation of British parliamentarians, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the Beijing authorities have declared their intention to make Hong Kong a successful model for showcasing the Beijing-proposed "one country, two systems" formula. However, over the past ten years, China has in fact widely curtailed Hong Kong's autonomy and freedom of the press through various means, including the manner of electing the chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR government, the formulation of the Basic Law, and the massive invasion of Chinese capital in Hong Kong's newspaper and television media. Seventy percent of the Taiwanese people are unable to identify with this kind of system. Cross-strait differences can only be resolved if China truly moves toward democracy and respects the free will of the Taiwanese people.
January 4, 2007
The Immigration Office of the National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior, issues a press release on the "New Measures on Care and Assistance for Foreign and Mainland Spouses after the Establishment of the National Immigration Agency." The press release states that regarding care and assistance for new immigrants to Taiwan, the government has already drafted the "Foreign and Mainland Spouses Care and Assistance Measures." In accordance with the new measures, specific work items will be formulated and carried out by related agencies in order to provide foreign and Mainland spouses with a variety of assistance, ranging from adaption to life in Taiwan, medical eugenic healthcare, protection of employment rights, educational and cultural improvement, assistance with child education, protection of personal safety, formulation of a sound legal system and the promotion of related concepts. The government will also conduct regular reviews of the status of implementation by involved agencies.
January 5, 2007
In an address at the 2007 New Year's Press Conference, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that 2006 was a year full of challenges and opportunities for cross-strait relations. Under the shadow of the "anti-separation law," China has not only continued to escalate its military deployment against Taiwan, but has also intensified its suppression against Taiwan in the international arena using every conceivable means. Over the past year, Taiwan has faced a complex international situation and domestic political and economic climate. Yet the Taiwanese government has steadfastly adhered to the principles of "goodwill, active cooperation, and permanent peace" as a guiding force in handling cross-strait policies. It has also continued to actively seek cross-strait dialogue and negotiations under the principles of "sovereignty, parity, democracy and peace."
January 5, 2007
In a meeting with Belgian parliamentarian Willy Cortois, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that due to suppression by the Beijing authorities, the Chinese people are unable to enjoy freedom of religion and freedom of speech, and the media in China are unable to enjoy freedom of the press. Taiwan is willing to cooperate with other democratic countries to jointly assist the Chinese people in their struggle for freedom and human rights.
January 8, 2007
In a speech delivered before embarking on a trip, labeled as a journey of "Joint Prosperity and Continued Friendship" to Central America, President Chen Shui-bian states that pressure by China has long made it quite difficult for Taiwan to carry out its diplomatic agenda, especially in recent years as China has adopted a "three outs" strategy to "dig out Taiwan's diplomatic allies, block out Taiwan's routes for international political survival, and squeeze out Taiwan's bargaining chips in reciprocal negotiations." China has attempted through a combination of carrot and stick means to completely smother the space for Taiwan's survival in the international community.
January 9, 2007
In a letter responding to Pope Benedict XVI's message for the 40th World Day of Peace, President Chen Shui-bian expresses his fervent desire that leaders of all nations will be inspired and encouraged by the Pope's message, and grasp fully the importance contained within the message. He also appeals to the Pope to maintain his concerns for human rights and religious freedom in China, to urge China to dismantle the missiles it has aimed at Taiwan, and to renounce the use of force, thus giving peace and stability in Taiwan, and the Asia-Pacific region, a chance. He expresses hope that the tree of peace that the Pope has planted may grow strong and sturdy on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
January 9, 2007
The Ministry of Education (MOE) issues a press release entitled, "Due to the need for verification, education personnel that go to the Mainland Area to reside there for a long term will have their monthly retirement benefit payments temporarily suspended but will not forfeit their right to receive such payments." According to the press release, the "Measures for Handling the Suspension and Resumption of Retirement Benefit Payments to Public School Teaching and Administrative Personnel Residing Long-term in the Mainland Area and Receiving Monthly Retirement Benefit Payments" drafted by the MOE is accordance with stipulations in Paragraph 5 of Article 26 under the "Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" governing civil servants, military personnel, and public officials. The main reason for this measure is that the government agencies of Taiwan are unable to verify if the retirement benefit payments of recipients residing in China have had been forfeited or suspended. Therefore, such agencies must, according to the authorities of their office, suspend payment until the recipient returns to the Taiwan Area to apply for back payment in accordance with regulatory procedures.
January 10, 2007
In a meeting with Taiwan's media reporters traveling with him to Nicaragua, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Taiwan is a country of 23 million people and a territory of 36,000 square kilometers. Taiwan and the People's Republic of China have no jurisdiction over each other. Taiwan is a part of the world and not a part of China.
January 10, 2007
In an interview with reporters, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that if both sides of the Taiwan Strait can reach a consensus on opening up tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists, the current system of categorizing Chinese tourists into three different groups will naturally be cancelled and the same regulations will apply to all Chinese tourists. He also indicates that the absconding of many perpetrators of major economic crimes from Taiwan to China in recent years has created a negative image of China as a criminal harbor. It is hoped that the Chinese authorities can promptly establish a systematic cooperation mechanism to resume cross-strait negotiations on joint crackdowns on crime.
January 11, 2007
In a meeting with Spanish parliamentarians Jordi Xucla I Costa and Aitor Esteban Bravo, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that China insists on a one-party authoritarian system and is unwilling to move toward true democratic freedom. This is one of the main reasons that the majority of the Taiwanese people are unwilling to accept unification with China or the "one country, two systems" formula. However, in recent years there has been a change of public mood in China. Taiwan is willing to cooperate hand in hand with other advanced democratic countries to work wholeheartedly to hasten democratic reform in China.
January 11, 2007
In a meeting with Italian senator Mr. Alfredo Mantica, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the future of cross-strait relations will hinge on internal changes in China. If in the future China is able to develop in a more rational and democratic direction, there will be an opportunity for both sides across the Strait to resolve the cross-strait stalemate and improve cross-strait relations.
January 12, 2007
In a meeting with members of a visiting delegation from the U.S. Democratic National Committee, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that intellectual property right (IPR) infringement is a serious problem in China and has attracted intense concerns among countries around the world. Taiwan is willing to cooperate hand in hand with other advanced countries to cooperatively urge China to respect and protect IPR.
January 17, 2007
In a meeting with Irish parliamentarian Michael Finneran, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the recent absconding to China of Wang You-theng, the fugitive chairman of the Rebar Group, highlights the importance of cross-strait cooperation in jointly cracking down on crime. Although both sides currently have liaison channels for engaging in cooperation on a case-by-case basis, Taiwan hopes that both sides can continue the negotiations held between the Straits Exchange Foundation and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait on establishing a systematic cooperation mechanism to jointly crack down on crime and protect the welfare of the people on both sides.
January 17, 2007
In a press release, the MAC emphasizes that whether or not both sides of the Taiwan Strait can jointly crack down on crime in a truly effective manner is an issue of high concern to all parties. Moreover, in order to truly achieve the effect of fighting and deterring crime, it is imperative that the responsible agencies with government authority on both sides should substantively engage in the process and play the leading role. The MAC indicates that both sides can achieve the objective of joint crackdowns on crime, and not disappoint the expectations of various sectors, only if the Beijing authorities are able to show sincerity and actively face up to this issue by holding discussions with Taiwan on replacing the current approach to handling issues of liaison and assistance on a case-by-case basis with an approach based on an institutionalized mechanism.
January 18, 2007
The MAC issues a "Statement of Clarification on the Suspension of Monthly Retirement Benefit Payments," indicating that there are no issues of constitutional violation in Article 26 of the "Act Governing Relations Between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area." Paragraph 3 under Article 26 of the Act stipulates that personnel who receive monthly retirement benefits and have a household registration in the Mainland Area or holds a passport issued by the Mainland Area shall have their entitlement to the retirement benefits suspended. The law is clear in the granting of authority and there is no issue of constitutional violation.
January 19, 2007
The MAC issues a press release stating that some parts in China can now gain access to the news websites of the China Times and the United Daily News, which have long been blocked by the Chinese authorities. The MAC welcomes China's adoption of measures to positively respond to Taiwan's more than one-year appeals for the lifting of bans. However, Taiwan still hopes that this partial relaxation of the internet ban will lead to a thorough deregulation and lifting of internet access in the shortest time possible, so that Chinese netizens will be able to directly and freely gain access to every news resource available on Taiwanese websites, thus gaining a real understanding of Taiwan.
January 23, 2007
Speaking at a meeting of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the incident of China's destruction of an orbiting satellite in an anti-satellite weapon test poses a threat to the rights and interests not only of Taiwan, but of other countries as well. The international community should pay close attention to and contain China's actions.
January 25, 2007
In a meeting with Former President of the Republic of Korea Kim Young Sam, President Chen Shui-bian states that South Korea's decision to stamp "China, Taiwan" on the visas granted to Taiwan students studying in South Korea does not reflect the actual situation, since Taiwan is Taiwan and China is China.
January 26, 2007
Attending the Opening Ceremony of the Preparatory Conference to Establish the Global Forum on New Democracies, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan hopes to apply for membership in the United Nations (U.N.) under the name of "Taiwan." The reason is that U.N. Resolution No. 2758 only resolves the issue of China's representation and does not resolve the issue of the collective rights and U.N. representation rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan. Participation in the U.N. is both an obligation and right of Taiwan. Applying for U.N. membership under the name of Taiwan not only does not go against the "four noes" pledge, but also does not involve a change in the so-called national moniker. Therefore, an application for U.N. membership under the name of Taiwan is a major course in which Taiwan can devote effort.
January 26, 2007
In a press release entitled "The international community should face up to the Chinese authorities' suppression of thought, speech and press," the MAC states that China's General Administration of Press and Publication recently has banned eight books, including Zhang Yihe's new book Past Histories of Peking Opera Stars, for "content that crossed the line." The move has shocked the global overseas Chinese community and sparked widespread expression of strong support for the banned authors. The MAC also severely denounces the Chinese government for suppressing the basic human rights of freedom of speech through purges, shut outs, and other brutal methods.
January 27, 2007
In an interview with the Anjali Rao, host of the "Talk Asia" program on the international channel of the Cable News Network (CNNI), President Chen Shui-bian states that in the world at present only Taiwan is unable to join the big family of the United Nations (U.N.) as a member. According to the U.N. Charter regarding universality of membership and the collective human rights of Taiwan's 23 million people, Taiwan should be allowed to join the U.N. To do otherwise would be to violate the Charter and spirit of the U.N. Regarding U.N. Resolution 2758, it has only dealt with the representation of China, but it has not dealt with the representation of the 23 million people of Taiwan. Between 70 to 80 percent of Taiwan's people are in support of Taiwan joining the U.N. under the name "Taiwan." Such support represents the collective and loud voice of Taiwan's people that should be heard by the world community.
January 30, 2007
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates in an interview that the implementation of cargo and passenger charter flights and the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists are issues of different tracks in cross-strait negotiations. Once both negotiations are completed, so-called "tourism charter flights," by which Chinese tourists take charter flights to Taiwan, will happen in due course when the time is right. Regarding the frequency and routes of charter flights, Chairman Wu notes that the government adopts an open stance.
January 30, 2007
In a meeting with Robert Menard, secretary-general of Reporters Without Borders, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that a grassroots change in the public mood has been steadily gaining strength in China. This is also the most opportune moment for seeking to breach gaps in the news controls imposed by the Chinese authorities. Taiwan can provide assistance to Chinese intellectuals, lawyers and non-governmental organizations through various channels to enable them to help China move towards democracy and realize freedom of the press and freedom of speech.
January 31, 2007
In a press release aimed at urging that "the Chinese authorities should not only face up to the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait have no jurisdiction over each other, but should also improve freedom of the press," the MAC solemnly indicates that the Chinese authorities have recently heightened political pressures on Taiwan. With regard to internal developments in Taiwan, including the promotion of democracy, development of national identity and Taiwan-centric consciousness, and the revision of Taiwan's history textbooks based on the reality, the Chinese authorities have not only intentionally and maliciously distorted the facts, but have also unilaterally interpreted and criticized these developments. This amply shows that the Chinese authorities are unwilling to face up to and respect the existence of the Republic of China and that they have fully ignored the historical fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait have no jurisdiction over each other. The Chinese authorities have unremittingly attempted to unilaterally impose a political framework on Taiwan, and they have even used military means to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. This exposes their consistent disrespect for historical reality, disregard for Taiwan's mainstream public opinion, as well as their fear and rejection of democratic thinking. This is undoubtedly the greatest obstacle to the development of current cross-strait relations.
February 2, 2007
At a press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu states that China is currently ruled under the one-party dictatorship of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and everything is done to serve the party. Under such circumstances, it will be difficult to fully convey the people's opinions through the CPC. It will be just like "seeking a hare in a hen's nest" by trying to join the CPC to fully express the will of the people. Second, China has failed to comprehend the true meaning of Taiwan's democracy. A Taiwanese national serving on the CPC will only mislead the international community into believing that after many years of democratic development in Taiwan, Taiwan will in the end still belong to a Chinese-style representative system; this is certainly unacceptable to us. Therefore, there are related restrictions stipulated in the "Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" regarding Taiwanese nationals assuming positions in agencies or organizations in China which relate to matters of political parties, the military, the administration or of any political nature.
February 6, 2007
In a meeting with a visiting delegation from Britain's Royal United Services Institute for Defense Studies (RUSI), President Chen Shui-bian states that it is the duty and obligation of the government to defend Taiwan's national sovereignty, dignity, and security and uphold Taiwan's democracy and freedom. Moreover, it is the government's aspiration to maintain permanent peace in the Taiwan Strait. Maintaining permanent peace in the Taiwan Strait is the only way to ensure Taiwan's hard-earned democratic achievements. Taiwan does not wish to see the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait unilaterally sabotaged or changed. However, China's non-peaceful military rise is definitely of major concern to peace in the Taiwan Strait, one that Taiwan cannot but heed more closely.
February 7, 2007
During an interview in Washington, D.C., MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu notes that China now has over 900 short-range missiles aimed at Taiwan, as well as medium-range missiles and cruise missiles that can easily be directed at Taiwan. In addition to missiles, China has deployed submarines and warships against Taiwan. These actions have all intensified the status quo of the military face-off between both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Chairman Wu also states that the Chinese government has been using its increasingly diplomatic capabilities to suppress Taiwan in the international arena. In addition to its intense competition with Taiwan to win diplomatic recognition from other countries, China has unscrupulously used every opportunity to suppress Taiwan's participation in the activities of international non-governmental organizations.
February 7, 2007
At a press conference with the Chinese-language media in Twin Oaks, Washington, D.C., MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that recently China has clearly relaxed controls on news coverage in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The Chinese authorities have also allowed the domestic media to publish opinions on public affairs. At the same time, however, there have been no reforms in the area of human rights, and there has even been a further tightening of restrictions on human rights. Therefore, Taiwan should stand together with the international community in keeping a watch on China and urging Beijing to make concrete reforms on human rights issues.
February 8, 2007
In an interview with the U.S. Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network (C-SPAN), MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that for a long time, the international community has been perplexed by the similarity or overlap of certain names in Taiwan and China. Moreover, Taiwan is a democratic country, and the aspiration of the Taiwanese people for self-identity is growing stronger. To accord with the popular will, the Taiwanese government would changes the names of some organizations to more appropriately represent what they are. This is an inevitable trend.
February 12, 2007
In a speech at the opening ceremony of the Taiwan Post Co., Ltd., President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes that "Taiwan Post" and "Taiwan stamps" are only a small step in Taiwan's positive efforts to establish Taiwan as a normal and complete country. In the future, name rectification work, applications to join the United Nations in the name of Taiwan, and active participation in the international community in the name of Taiwan will still require the support and participation of the entire citizenry.
February 13, 2007
In a meeting with U.K. parliamentarian Lord Howell of Guildford, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that China has employed every conceivable means over the past 10 years to curtail Hong Kong's autonomy and freedom of the press at every turn, as evident in the manner of the election of the chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR government, implementation of the Basic Law, and the large inflow of Chinese capital in Hong Kong's media. At the same time, China has adeptly used a two-handed strategy, on the one hand conveying so-called goodwill to the Taiwanese people, while in fact covertly dwarfing Taiwan and attempting to deprive Taiwan of its sovereignty. China has also step-by-step heightened its military preparations against Taiwan and relentlessly suppressed Taiwan's space for participation in the international community.
February 14, 2007
The MAC issues a press release emphasizing that on the matter of the "rectification of names," this action is aimed at respecting history, the status quo, and the will of the Taiwanese people. It is also a necessary stage for the democratic transformation in Taiwan as well as for the strengthening of Taiwan-centric consciousness and the consolidation of Taiwan's national identity. The government has promoted the pragmatic adjustment of the names used by these units with a view to truly "reflecting in name the reality" of the status quo, as well as presenting a true face that accords with historical views and world trends by adopting a more pragmatic, diverse and open position. Moreover, the pragmatic adjustment of the names used by Taiwanese national corporations and agencies is an internal affair of Taiwan, and the Taiwanese people have the right to discuss this issue. The government has also handled this issue in an absolutely legitimate and rational manner. It will not tolerate interference by the Chinese authorities.
February 15, 2007
The MAC announces a "Combined Analysis Report on Public Opinion Surveys on Cross-Strait Relations in 2006." The results of the related surveys indicate that the public believes that Taiwan's over-concentration of investments in China is having a negative impact on Taiwan. The majority of the public also supports the view that the government should slightly tighten restrictions on China-bound investments by Taiwanese businesspeople. Moreover, approval of the government's economic and trade policy based on the principle of "proactive management and effective liberalization" is higher than disapproval of this policy. This indicates that the public supports the government in strengthening management of cross-strait economic and trade exchanges and promoting such exchanges under the principles of "Taiwan first" and "overall national interests." Furthermore, the majority of the public expresses support for Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan."
February 15, 2007
During a MAC Council Meeting, the MAC approves draft revisions to sections of the "Permit Regulations Governing the Entry of Mainland Area Professionals into Taiwan for Professional Activities." The revisions would relax restrictions on visits to Taiwan by Chinese professionals in the fields of religion, industrial technology, sports, and mass media, as well as related regulations on dependents accompanying such visitors to Taiwan. The revised regulations also stipulate several effective measures to heighten management of the movement of Chinese professionals after their arrival in Taiwan. It is hoped that the changes will promote the continued normalized development of cross-strait professional exchanges.
February 15, 2007
During a MAC Council Meeting, the MAC approves draft revisions to the "Regulations Governing Hong Kong and Macao Residents Studying in Taiwan." The revisions include a reduction of qualifications and age restrictions for Hong Kong and Macao residents to study at universities in Taiwan.
February 16, 2007
At a regular news briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu re-emphasizes that on the matter of the "rectification of names," this action is aimed at respecting history, the status quo, and the will of the Taiwanese people. It is also a necessary stage for the democratic transformation in Taiwan as well as for the strengthening of Taiwan-centric consciousness and the consolidation of Taiwan's national identity. For a long time the Chinese authorities have deliberately ignored the status quo in which China and Taiwan have no jurisdiction over each other. They have concocted the rigid thinking of "one China" to groundlessly attack Taiwan's every action. This amply reveals that the Chinese authorities' narrow-minded and biased thinking makes them unable to understand democratic values and unwilling to face historical realities and the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan. This type of dereistic behavior is entirely unhelpful to the improvement of cross-strait relations.
February 21, 2007
In a meeting with U.S. Congressman Steve Chabot, who is also Co-Chairman of the House Congressional Taiwan Caucus, President Chen Shui-bian states that based on the democratic principles and that power be in the hands of the people, no one has the right to presume that the ultimate and only goal of the Taiwanese people is unification with China. The future between both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the road to be pursued by Taiwan are issues that only the 23 million Taiwanese people have the right to decide. This is also the main reason that the government decided that the National Unification Guidelines would cease to apply.
February 21, 2007
In a meeting with U.S. Congressman Steve Chabot, who is also Co-Chairman of the House Congressional Taiwan Caucus, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that in recent years the MAC has consistently and actively made efforts to relax tensions across the Taiwan Strait and to promote cross-strait negotiations and exchanges. Recently both sides have been in contact and have made good progress on issues of passenger and cargo charter flights and the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. It is hoped that the Chinese people will soon be able to make tourism visits to Taiwan and experience in person Taiwan's democratic society. Such visits can also promote mutual understanding and create more peaceful and stable cross-strait relations.
February 26, 2007
In a speech at the 2007 Lunar New Year gathering of "Taiwanese businessmen's associations in China," President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan's overall national goals cannot depart from developments and changes in the world. The formulation of the nation's guiding principles and policies must move beyond the narrow frameworks of thinking such as "one China" and "both sides of the Taiwan Strait." In other words, Taiwan cannot deal with cross-strait relations just from the perspective of both sides of the Strait. Rather, it must comprehend cross-strait relations under the framework of the global political economic system.
February 26, 2007
At the 2007 Lunar New Year gathering of "Taiwanese businessmen's associations in China," MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that at present passengers qualified to take cross-strait charter flights are limited to Taiwanese travelers. In the future, such flights also should be opened to passengers of all nationalities. At the same time, future facilitation of cross-strait transportation links will include not only passengers but also cargo.
February 28, 2007
In a press release entitled "China should respect Taiwan's identification with history and Taiwan-centric values," the MAC indicates that the process of Taiwan's democratization and human rights development constitutes an important page in Taiwan's history. Moreover, the Taiwanese government respects the aspiration of the Taiwanese people to restore historical truth and to seek fairness and justice. The MAC solemnly states that in their pursuit of restoring historical truth, the Taiwanese people will not identify with any unrelated persons or foreign governments that make irresponsible remarks and hold views intentionally distorting the facts. On the contrary, such actions will only further alienate the sentiments of the Taiwanese people toward them.
March 1, 2007
In a meeting with Deutsche Presse Agentur (dpa) President Malte von Trotha and Beijing Bureau Chief Andreas Landwehr, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that negotiations on opening up tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists are entering the final stages. Taiwan has approached the negotiations with an extremely sincere attitude and hopes that the objectives of the negotiations can be achieved soon.
March 2, 2007
In an interview with Deutsche Presse Agentur (dpa) President Malte von Trotha and Beijing Bureau Chief Andreas Landwehr, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the actions taken by the Beijing authorities are diametrically opposed to the principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity. Such actions will make unification across the Strait impossible in the short term and will force the 23 million Taiwanese people to take more actions toward further independence.
March 2, 2007
MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu states at a regular press briefing that were Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-pyng to have the opportunity under four ripe conditions to be the "highest-ranking elected ROC government official" to visit China, the MAC believes that this would have a very positive effect on cross-strait exchanges. The MAC has not set any conditions and will extend its best wishes for the success of such a visit. Chairman Liu also stated that in accordance with the "Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area," both sides of the Strait should establish a currency clearance mechanism to implement the conversion between renminbi and NT dollars in Taiwan.
March 4, 2007
Attending the 25th anniversary celebration of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), President Chen Shui-bian makes a statement about his pursuit and position on the "four imperatives and one non-issue."
March 5, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that the international community should respect the Taiwanese people's insistence on national identity. The MAC emphasizes that the important statement made on March 4, 2007
by President Chen Shui-bian on the development of democracy in Taiwan was directed at cross-strait relations and the international situation. It fully explains Taiwan's current national development needs and objectives, as well as the future course of Taiwan's efforts to become a normal country. The MAC states that President Chen's stance and appeal responds to the deepening of democracy in Taiwan. It is also an expression of the Taiwanese people's insistence on national identity and Taiwan-centric consciousness. The international community should fully respect and support this.
March 6, 2007
Premier Su Tseng-chang states at the Legislative Yuan that President Chen Shui-bian's "four imperatives and one non-issue" position that "Taiwan needs to be independent" means Taiwan is an independent sovereign country and should be independent of the People's Republic of China. This is a description of the status quo and does not run counter to the "four noes" principle.
March 6, 2007
During a media interview at the Legislative Yuan, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that there are no contradictions between President Chen Shui-bian's "four noes" and "four imperatives" position. The "four noes" states that, so long as China has no intention to use force against Taiwan, Taiwan will not declare independence, not change the national title, and not promote a referendum on independence vs. unification. The "four imperatives" are that Taiwan needs to protect the status quo in which Taiwan is independent of China, needs a timely, relevant and viable new constitution, and needs to let everyone in the international community know that the nation's name is "Taiwan." This formulation and approach is aimed at maintaining the status quo and does not conflict with the "four noes" principle.
March 6, 2007
Attending the 2007 Lunar New Year Gathering for Industrial and Commercial Groups with Vice President Annette Lu, President Chen Shui-bian delivers a speech emphasizing that the "four imperatives and one non-issue" is fully interlinked with the two previously stated main pillars of governance-insisting on Taiwan-centric consciousness and achieving social equity and justice.
March 6, 2007
Executive Yuan Spokesman Cheng Wen-tsang states that China claims on the one hand that it is rising peacefully, while on the other hand it has been rapidly increasing military spending. This demonstrates that the Beijing authorities say one thing and do another. The international community should pay closer attention to the military threat posed by China and also demand greater transparency in China's military affairs.
March 7, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that countless human rights violations by the Chinese authorities make the holding of the Fifth Session of China's 10th National People's Congress (NPC) and the Fifth Session of of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) a mere formality. The MAC emphasizes that on the eve of the NPC and CPPCC sessions, the Chinese authorities strictly deployed various security measures and intensified overall social controls. This year, Beijing mobilized more than 500,000 public security personnel to comprehensively stop and search as well as expel petitioners from various places. At the same time, China prohibited dissidents and human rights activists from going outside during the NPC and CPPCC sessions, and in some cases it even forced them to leave Beijing. Moreover, before the NPC and CPPCC sessions, the Chinese authorities further tightened controls over public discussions in the media. These measures not only expose the totalitarian attitude of Beijing's one-party dictatorship, but, more seriously, also infringe on the basic human rights of the Chinese people. The international community should face up to this situation and urge China to make improvements in this regard.
March 9, 2007
At a regular press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that China's full implementation of the "anti-separation law"(ASL) over the past two years has undoubtedly had a structural impact on security in the Taiwan Strait and the region. It has not only constrained and undermined the development of cross-strait relations, but has also gradually brought to the surface and increased the negative effects on East Asian and global peace.
March 12, 2007
In a meeting with a delegation of Italian parliamentarians, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the international community often remains silent in the face of China's actions to suppress Taiwan and force Taiwan to change its name. However, when Taiwan moves to rectify the names of national corporations, many questions are raised. This is extremely unfair to Taiwan.
March 13, 2007
In a meeting with John Hamre, president and chief executive officer of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), President Chen Shui-bian urges that as long as China's human rights record has not improved and so long as China refuses to renounce its threat of the use of force against Taiwan, all countries, including those in the European Union, should continue to maintain an arms embargo against China. Secondly, he calls for joint management of peace, security and stability in the Taiwan Strait by Taiwan, the United States and China, while opposing U.S.-China management of Taiwan. Thirdly, China should learn from Taiwan's policy of developing a neutral military. He said China's People's Liberation Army should serve as China's national army rather than serving the Communist Party of China. Fourthly, China should carry out fair and open democratic elections, thoroughly implement fair competition among political parties, and recognize and give opposition parties a fair chance to become the ruling party. China also should learn from Taiwan and let the people of China directly elect their own leader and parliamentarians.
March 15, 2007
In a meeting with Dr. Jan Grotheer, president of the Tax High Court of Hamburg, Germany, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that in recent years, China's human rights record has gotten progressively worse and China's military deployment has continued to expand. This poses a threat to Taiwan and is having a serious impact on security in the Asia-Pacific region. All the countries in the world should express high levels of concern about these trends. On the basis of the fundamental values of democracy, human rights and peace, the European Union should continue to maintain an arms embargo against China.
March 15, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that China intentionally ignores Taiwan's right to democracy and free choice. The MAC emphasizes that the so-called "political resolution" reached by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) establishes again a political framework for cross-strait "unification" and unilaterally defines the so-called "de jure Taiwan independence." These absurd acts show that the Chinese authorities have indeed intentionally ignored Taiwan's right to democracy and free choice. The future of Taiwan should be decided by the 23 million Taiwanese people. The results of recent public opinion surveys show that nearly 80 percent of the people surveyed support this view. On this position, there is an unshakable and firm consensus in Taiwan's democratic society. The Beijing authorities have absolutely no grounds to determine the future of Taiwan and the ultimate course of cross-strait relations.
March 16, 2007
In a meeting with foreign scholars attending a symposium on "Constitutional Transition and Reengineering," President Chen Shui-bian indicates that one of the "imperatives" in the "four imperatives and one non-issue" position is that "Taiwan needs a new constitution." Although Taiwan is an independent sovereign country, it is not a normal or complete country since it does not have a constitution jointly established by its 23 million people. The people of Taiwan therefore need a timely, relevant and viable new constitution.
March 16, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that the Chinese leadership refuses to face the historical reality and democratic values. The MAC solemnly indicates that Taiwan is a democratic, independent sovereign country with sovereignty completely independent of China. Only the 23 million Taiwanese people have the right to decide the future of Taiwan; and the Chinese authorities have no right to interfere in this decision.
March 17, 2007
Speaking at a symposium on "Democratization in Hong Kong as Viewed from the Chief Executive Election," MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the recent Chief Executive election in Hong Kong was more democratically competitive than prior elections, but Hong Kong's democracy is still a "birdcage democracy." The people of Hong Kong do not have the right to determine their own Chief Executive. That right is still tightly held by Beijing.
March 23, 2007
At a regular press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that there is still room for improvement in Taiwan-Hong Kong exchanges. It is hoped that in the future the Hong Kong SAR government will hold a more active attitude toward dealing with the issue of visits to Hong Kong by MAC officials for exchanges. This will be conducive to the positive development of mutual interactions, thereby laying a foundation for further bilateral exchanges in the future.
March 23, 2007
The MAC issues a press release expressing deep regret and intense dissatisfaction over the Hong Kong SAR Government's refusal to allow James Chih-yu Chang, senior executive officer of the MAC's Department of Information and Liaison, to enter Hong Kong. Senior Executive Officer Chang was accompanying a group of Taiwanese journalists to observe the electoral process of the Third-Term Chief Executive Election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The MAC also indicates that Taiwan is also likely to adopt countermeasures if needed. At the same time, the MAC appeals to the Hong Kong SAR government to pragmatically handle Taiwan-Hong Kong issues and avoid taking actions that will be detrimental to Taiwan-Hong Kong relations.
March 28, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that the highest objective of Taiwan's cross-strait policy has always been to pursue cross-strait peace and stability. The MAC emphasizes that Taiwan's promotion of constitutional reengineering project is a concrete characteristic and process of the deepening of democracy. It enjoys high expectations and high support among the Taiwanese people. The Chinese authorities have unremittingly sought to suppress and threaten Taiwan by pre-imposing a political framework and through military means. This totally ignores the historic reality that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. It is an attempt to constrain Taiwan's national development and the development of the Taiwanese people's democratic consciousness. This sufficiently and clearly demonstrates to the people of the world that China's so-called "peaceful rise" is simply a cloak to hide Beijing's unhealthy motives.
April 2, 2007
In a meeting with a visiting delegation of leaders of the California State Assembly, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu notes that the rectification of the names used by Taiwan!|s state-run corporations has attracted international concern. Yet the international community has remained silent when, at many international occasions, China regularly forces the sponsor to make unauthorized changes to Taiwan's national name. This is extremely unfair to democratic Taiwan.
April 7, 2007
During an inspection tour of the Chingchuangang Airport (officially known as the Taichung Airport located in central Taiwan), President Chen Shui-bian states that the Taichung Airport will not only become an international airport, but will also serve as a port for direct cross-strait charter flights. Regarding the upcoming opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists, the Taichung Airport should also be included in planning considerations.
April 11, 2007
The MAC issues a press release on China's establishment of a nation-wide organization for the Taiwanese businesspeople and the upcoming "Third Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum" held by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC). It emphasizes that the main mission of establishing a nation-wide organization for the Taiwanese businesspeople in China should be to protect the legitimate investment rights and interests of the Taiwanese businesspeople in China. The Chinese authorities must respect the purity and autonomy of this organization. They should practically, comprehensively and truly implement measures and regulations to protect the investments of Taiwanese businesspeople; and they should not engage in political manipulation and interference. If China is sincere about implementing protections for the rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople, the most important task for China is to promptly conduct negotiations with the Taiwanese government. Moreover, any political party or civilian group that goes to China for exchanges must respect the relevant laws and regulations in Taiwan. If exchange issues involve the exercise of government authority, they should be conducted under the government's approval and authorization with the government taking initiative. The MAC also urges that in the current phase the Chinese authorities should promptly engage in cross-strait negotiations with Taiwan on the issues of tourism and charter flights so that related policies can be concretely implemented at an early date.
April 12, 2007
Newly appointed MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that it is the MAC chairman!|s duty to safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty and dignity and ensure the security of the life and property of the 23 million Taiwanese people. At the same time, the MAC chairman should actively promote cross-strait economic, trade, cultural, educational and social exchanges under the precondition of ensuring the proper management of national security.
April 14, 2007
The MAC issues a press release stating its basic position on China's establishment of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland (ATIEM). The statement indicates that the ATIEM is clearly tinged with the influence of the "Taiwan Affairs Office" and subject to certain interference by the Chinese authorities in its composition and personnel arrangements. The MAC and related agencies will therefore continue to have concerns and understanding about the ATIEM's operations. In the future, if the ATIEM does not represent the autonomous will of the Taiwanese businesspeople or if it develops in the direction of China's united front campaign against Taiwan, the Taiwanese government will adopt necessary measures to handle the matter according to the laws.
April 17, 2007
In a meeting with Henry Hyde, former chairman of the U.S. House International Relations Committee, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that directly applying for membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) under the name of "Taiwan" does not involve any change in Taiwan's national moniker, nor does it run counter to the "five noes" pledge in any way. In order to participate in the international community, Taiwan often uses many different names in international organizations. For example, it uses "Chinese Taipei" for its participation in the Olympic Games and the "Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu" for participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The use of the name "Taiwan" for WHO membership would be the name that is most favorable and beautiful and which has won the majority support from the public.
April 20, 2007
In a press release on "Joining the WHO under the name of 'Taiwan' is fully consistent with the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan," the MAC emphasizes that China is afraid to face up to the fact that the Republic of China (ROC) is an independent sovereign country, and that Beijing has repeatedly sought in the international arena to pressure other countries to deny the sovereign status of the ROC, completely ignoring the factual status quo in which Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other and are independent of each other. China has also intentionally treated with indifference the basic human right of the 23 million Taiwanese people to seek participation in the international community on an equal basis.
April 23, 2007
In a meeting with a "Homecoming Delegation of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce," President Chen Shui-bian states that in his capacity as president, he has sent a formal letter to Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), expressing Taiwan!|s request to become a formal member of the WHO using the name of "Taiwan." This is Taiwan!|s due right and definitely is by no means presumptuous demand. President Chen also states that the government is now actively studying and formulating various plans to achieve its objective of applying in the future for membership in the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan."
April 23, 2007
MAC spokesperson Johnnason Liu states that from the "Beijing-Taipei expressway" to the "Taiwan Strait passage" projects, it is apparent that the Beijing authorities have been incessantly scheming to include Taiwan in China's various long-term domestic plans. However, there are many substantive issues that both sides need to negotiate. It is hopes that China can be "a bit more pragmatic" and not waste time on these issues for propaganda and political effect.
April 25, 2007
Attending a "Videoconference with Berlin, Germany," President Chen Shui-bian states that China has never given up its goal of swallowing up Taiwan by military force. Taiwan is the victim of China's military threats and diplomatic suppression.
April 25, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that the Chinese authorities recently used technical gimmicks to intentionally suppress the attendance of officials of Kaohsiung City Government in an international conference. China has sought to obstruct Taiwan's participation in the normal exchanges of international activities and pushed responsibility onto the sponsors. The MAC solemnly appeals to the international community to face up to the Beijing authorities' deception of the world and their malicious attempts and maneuvers to irrationally persecute Taiwan.
April 27, 2007
Premier Su Tseng-chang indicates that in statements on the route of the Olympic torch in the overall international community, China speaks of the route from Taipei to Hong Kong as a domestic route. Taiwan will not allow its sovereignty and equal rights as a member of the Olympic Committee to be infringed, and it will not allow this major principle to be undermined.
April 27, 2007
In a formal statement on the "Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum" held by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC), the MAC indicates that the so-called results of the KMT-CPC forum are merely empty promises and propagandas without any substantial benefits. Nevertheless, the Chinese authorities have repeatedly used these forums to declare their position toward Taiwan and employ their divisive strategy against Taiwan. If the Chinese authorities intend to engage in political manipulation of the relevant issues under negotiation by taking advantage of Taiwan's opposition parties, then their attempts will complicate the cross-strait negotiations as well as delay the timetable for promoting related issues; in the end, it will not be of any help to normalizing interactions between both sides of the Strait.
April 27, 2007
At a regular press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu emphasizes that the document on a four-point consensus reached between the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee (CTOC) does not contain any reference to the plan for the Olympic torch relay route nor any mention of the relay route map. Rather, the matter of the torch traveling from Taipei to Hong Kong was addressed in the summarized briefing material provided by the COC to the CTOC in the appendix of the document. However, such an arrangement would not have granted due treatment to CTOC. Taiwan found that the Chinese authorities' dwarfing of Taiwan is progressively taking shape, and a letter was sent to the other side on April 20, 2007, reflecting this perplexing matter. The Chinese side's May 26 announcement therefore comes as a surprise to Taiwan.
April 28, 2007
The MAC Vice Chairman Tung Chen-yuan indicates that the "Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum" held by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC) is part of exchange activities between civilian organizations across the Strait. The government will not interfere in this exchange. However, cross-strait civilian exchanges must be conducted according to relevant laws and regulations in Taiwan. Issues involving the exercise of government authority are the responsibility of the government and must be handled with the government taking initiative.
April 29, 2007
Attending a World Health Organization (WHO) symposium, President Chen Shui-bian states that, in applying for WHO membership under the name of "Taiwan," the government has absolutely no intention to challenge the WHO Constitution or the Rules of Procedure of the World Health Assembly (WHA). To the contrary, Taiwan merely hopes that the WHO Secretariat and director-general will justly handle this matter in accordance with the relevant WHO and WHA rules.
April 29, 2007
In a five-point statement on the "Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum" held by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC), the MAC indicates that China used the occasion of the KMT-CPC forum to present the so-called "four-point opinion," "six-point consensus" and various "authorization policy measures," the content of which included no specific breakthroughs. The only true objective of the forum was to conduct propaganda against Taiwan. During the forum, the Chinese leaders made slanderous and untruthful criticism of Taiwan's democracy, which shows that they have not only completely ignored the political reality that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other, but have also lacked the slightest respect for the right of the Taiwanese people to choose their future. This is the most fundamental obstacle to cross-strait relations.
April 30, 2007
Attending a banquet of the Taiwan Agricultural Academia-Industry Alliance, President Chen Shui-bian states that China's bundling of the two distinct issues of the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists and national sovereignty demonstrates that China is utterly insincere about promoting this matter. Any attempts to dwarf Taiwan's government or disrespect the choice of public opinion will only create further distance and separation in cross-strait relations and will never win the support or recognition of the vast majority of the Taiwanese people.
April 30, 2007
At a symposium on "Ushering in a New Era of Peace, Moving toward Peace," MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that the biggest difficulty for contacts between the two governments across the Taiwan Strait is the inability of the Beijing authorities to face up to the fact of the existence of the Republic of China. If China can face up to this fact and open dialogue with Taiwan on maintaining long-term stability in the Taiwan Strait, cross-strait relations could be normalized and both sides could move forward on the right path to peaceful development.
May 2, 2007
At an Executive Yuan meeting, Premier Su Tseng-chang states that China is using the Olympic Games as an opportunity to intentionally change the name "Chinese Taipei" to "China Taipei." It has also intentionally described Taiwan as the first stop on China's domestic route of the Olympic torch. Taiwan will not tolerate this, and it will never allow its sovereignty to be encroached upon nor its national dignity to be degraded.
May 3, 2007
At the Central Standing Committee of the Democratic Progressive Party, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong presents a written report indicating that there is a need to review the restrictions on Chinese students studying in Taiwan. He proposes that the government first implement three plans, one of which includes extending to one year the allowable period of stay for Chinese students visiting Taiwan for cultural and education exchange activities. The other two plans include allowing Chinese students to enroll in for-credit promotional education classes organized by Taiwanese colleges and universities in China and the Kinmen area.
May 3, 2007
Reference material issued at the 181st Council Meeting of the MAC indicates that China is closely monitoring the constitutional reform issue in Taiwan. Beijing has designated 2007 as a key year in opposing Taiwan independence and intends to link "constitutional reform" to "de jure independence" in its propaganda. In the diplomatic and international arenas, China has constantly operated under the "one China" policy to downgrade Taiwan's position, to obstruct high-level Taiwanese government officials from visiting overseas, and to shut Taiwan out of various international organizations and activities. It also has never reduced its pressure on Taiwan's national sovereignty and political position in the international arena. Through engaging in exchanges with Taiwan's political parties, China has continued its united front tactics against Taiwan by focusing on "direct links, education and tourism" issues in the name of promoting cross-strait exchanges in the educational, trade, and cultural spheres.
May 3, 2007
MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates at the Legislative Yuan that recruiting Chinese students to study in Taiwan entails not only academic issues, but also those concerning a wide range of living logistics, laws and regulations, status and employment. Creating a feasible policy will require making great breakthroughs in current laws and regulations as well as interagency coordination.
May 4, 2007
In a dinner banquet address for "Europe Day," President Chen Shui-bian states that over the past half-century-plus, China's relentless oppression combined with realpolitik in global affairs have perpetuated the international community's ostracism of Taiwan. Taiwan has been barred from participation in the activities of the United Nations and its agencies, including the World Health Organization. Such rejection has not only denied Taiwan's 23 million people their collective human rights, but has also violated the EU's long-cherished principle of putting the individual first.
May 4, 2007
In an interview on Sanlih E-Television's "Hot Topic News" program, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan cannot accept being downgraded by China. Beijing's statement that Taiwan is "China Taipei" is absolutely unacceptable to Taiwan. Taiwan's name is "Chinese Taipei", not "China Taipei." To change it to "China Taipei" would represent be tampering with Taiwan's name. This is totally unacceptable and represents another attempt to downgrade Taiwan.
May 4, 2007
The MAC releases the results of a public opinion survey, showing that the overwhelming majority (77.3%) of the Taiwanese people agree that Taiwan should apply for World Health Organization (WHO) membership under the name of "Taiwan." This shows that, in the face of China's suppression, the Taiwanese people have not wavered from their aspirations to join the WHO. The survey results also indicate the respondents believe that "developing diplomatic relations with other countries" is as equally important as "developing cross-strait relations." Moreover, on the issue of relations between Taiwan and China, over 80% of the public (80.1%) still advocate maintaining the status quo defined in a broader sense. Regarding China's stance on developing cross-strait relations under the "one country, two systems" formula, the vast majority (72.2%) of the public disapprove. Furthermore, nearly 65% of the public find unacceptable both Beijing's treatment of Taiwan as the first stop on China's Olympic torch relay's "domestic route" and its use of name of "China Taipei" for Taiwan.
May 9, 2007
The National Council on Physical Fitness and Sports of the Executive Yuan issues a "Position Paper on the Issue of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch Route and Taiwan's Participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games." The position paper indicates that the Olympic torch route announced by the Beijing Olympics Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) is far from Taiwan's wish for the torch to "enter Taiwan from a third country and depart to a fourth country." This is a conspicuous example of China's tactics to use this matter to "downgrade the sovereignty" of Taiwan. This is the reason why Taiwan rejects the Beijing-proposed torch relay route.
May 10, 2007
In an interview with Rich Jaroslovsky, executive editor of the Bloomberg News, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan hopes one day that direct cross-strait transportation links will be possible. However, it will not happen now and is even unlikely to occur before 2008. This is because the direct cross-strait charter flights that Taiwan is currently promoting are still yet to be realized. In addition, although Taiwan long ago agreed to open Taiwan to Chinese tourists, such expectations also have yet to be realized due to China's insincerity and its intention to ideologize and politicize this issue. If China were sincere, and if Chinese President Hu Jintao demonstrates an interest, President Chen would be very willing to invite Hu to visit Taiwan on behalf of the Taiwanese government and people.
May 11, 2007
At a MAC regular press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu explains that President Chen Shui-bian expressed a willingness to invite Hu Jintao to visit Taiwan is mainly to facilitate Hu's understanding of Taiwan's pluralistic democratic culture. It is believed that such an effort will bear a positive significance to the stable development of cross-strait relations in the future. If there is the possibility of inviting Hu Jintao to visit Taiwan, then there should be no obstacles to the executive agencies planning relevant accompanying measures.
On the issue of recruiting Chinese students to study in Taiwan, Vice Chairman Liu says that such a matter would involve adjustment to existing regulations, including those concerning the change of status of Chinese students studying in Taiwan, and their employment. Because the existing regulations are unequipped to accommodate these prospects, the Ministry of Education will need to coordinate with the relevant agencies to formulate overall accompanying measures.
Regarding the authorization of a local government or civilian associations to carry out a second "Kinmen Accord" with China to enable more comprehensive repatriation of criminals, Vice Chairman Liu indicates that, in accordance with the "Kinmen Accord," central government agencies will be responsible for handling repatriation-related matters because these matters involve the exercise of government authority.
May 11, 2007
The Cabinet-level Department of Health issues a press release stating Taiwan's willingness to help China upgrade its health and medical care standards and urging China not to put pressure on Taiwan's participation in the International Health Regulations (IHR). It indicates that China currently faces a lack of health and medical care human resources. There are wide gaps in medical standards and resources between China's urban and rural areas, as well as a shortage of grassroots medical resources. Taiwan, by comparison has an integral medical system and superior medical management. Taiwan is now planning to use these advantages to help China improve its medical and health care standards. Taiwan appeals to China to keep the safety of all humanity in mind and not obstruct Taiwan's participation in the IHR.
May 14, 2007
In a speech announcing the appointment of the new Premier of Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian states that a "firm position and pragmatic advancement" is at the foundation of the government's position on handling cross-strait relations. He also states that "proactive management and effective liberalization" is the highest guideline in promoting cross-strait economic and trade relations. President Chen hopes soon to complete negotiations to open up tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists, to implement direct cargo charter flights, and to enable the Olympic torch to come to Taiwan on the precondition that Taiwan's sovereign status is not downgraded.
May 14, 2007
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong emphasizes that the three major issues related to cross-strait exchanges now under negotiation and the planned negotiations on the 2008 Beijing Olympic torch relay route have been delayed. The only obstacle to fully opening Taiwan to tourism from China is an epiphany on the part of the Beijing authorities.
May 15, 2007
In a meeting with Ministry of Foreign Affairs diplomats reporting on their overseas assignments, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan will continue to persevere in its endeavor to join the World Health Organization (WHO) under the name of "Taiwan." In so doing!Athat the entire world can sincerely feel that the 23 million people of Taiwan are firm in their will and determination to join the WHO under the name of "Taiwan."
May 15, 2007
The MAC issues a press release strongly protesting China's irrational obstruction to Taiwan's bid to join the World Health Organization (WHO) this year. Such obstruction ignores the wishes of the Taiwanese people and completely disregards the 23 million Taiwanese people's demand for the protection of their basic health and medical rights. Furthermore, in the areas of health and safety, China has disregarded the participation rights of the Taiwanese people and it has intentionally used political excuses to exclude Taiwan from the international health system. Such actions seriously undermine the health rights of the Taiwanese people, and are entirely unhelpful to the improvement of cross-strait relations. They also cause Taiwan to be a loophole in the international disease prevention network.
May 15, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a press release emphasizing that the Taiwanese government's first bid for membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) this year has had major declarative significance. Although Taiwan regrets the result of the World Health Assembly's handling of Taiwan's application, the Taiwanese government and the civilian sector have, through joint efforts, generated in the international community a considerable amount of understanding and support regarding the collective will of the Taiwanese people and the firm resolution of the government. Taiwan has already taken the first step of knocking on the WHO's door. The Taiwanese government will continue to work tirelessly for Taiwan's membership in the WHO to enable the 23 million Taiwanese people to enjoy the same level of health care that is available to the people of other countries.
May 15, 2007
Department of Health Minister Hou Sheng-mao refutes Chinese Health Minister Gao Qiang's claim at the 60th World Health Assembly that China already adequately takes care of health issues in Taiwan. Minister Hou says that due to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Beijing and the World Health Organization (WHO) under the "one China" principle, Taiwan has been allowed to participate in only a very few WHO meetings since 2005. Moreover, according to relevant stipulations in the MOU - which was signed secretly and without Taiwan's consent - Taiwan must apply for access to meetings five weeks in advance, its representatives cannot be officers of higher rank than directors and it must identify itself as "China Taiwan." Yet, because China frequently causes procedural delays, Taiwan's representatives on several occasions did not receive an invitation from the WHO until the day before the meeting. In addition, to date, Taiwanese scholars and experts have been virtually unable to participate in the WHO conference activities and training courses on the International Health Regulations (IHR). China's statements are nothing more than lip service with which China intends to confuse the international community.
May 16, 2007
In a press release entitled, "China should eliminate political obstacles and promptly negotiate with Taiwan," the MAC emphasizes that the government has consistently maintained both a position and an attitude of active goodwill in promoting cross-strait negotiations and normalized interactions. With the intent of ensuring Taiwan's sovereign dignity as well as national security and welfare, the Taiwanese government has adopted a practical and flexible approach to continually negotiating and communicating with China. The Beijing authorities, however, have set political frameworks in the negotiation process. They have also concealed their responsibility in delaying the progress of the negotiation and attempted to put the blame on Taiwan. Such insincere actions not only are unconducive to cross-strait relations, but also prevent both sides from establishing greater mutual trust.
May 16, 2007
Department of Health Minister Hou Sheng-mao issues a stern protest in response to Beijing's untruthful statement regarding China's implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR). He states that China has no jurisdiction over the territory of Taiwan, including Taiwan's sea and air space. China's declaration is a unilateral statement that is inconsistent with the facts. China's Ministry of Health has never contacted or liaised with Taiwan's Department of Health on the IHR issue. On May 4, Minister Hou sent a letter to Chinese Health Minister Gao Qiang regarding cross-strait talks on specialized healthcare issues; however, China has not yet made any goodwill response in this regard.
May 18, 2007
In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), President Chen Shui-bian states that China need not worry that Taiwan will declare independence during next year's presidential election, presidential inauguration, or the Beijing Olympic Games. Taiwan is already an independent sovereign country, so there is no need for it to declare independence.
May 18, 2007
At a regular MAC press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that, although Beijing has made untruthful statements regarding the negotiations on the opening up of tourism to Chinese tourists, in considering benign mutual interaction and follow-up negotiations, Taiwan will continue to make efforts to communicate with China. Taiwan hopes that China will act pragmatically, face reality, and address unresolved issues as soon as possible through continued cross-strait negotiations.
May 19, 2007
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that Taiwan's position on the issue of the Olympic torch relay is very clear. Namely, the torch must come from a third country and leave for a fourth country. China has arranged the torch route to dwarf and pressure Taiwan. Since the problem originates from China, it should demonstrate goodwill and propose a resolution.
May 20, 2007
At a seminar held by the Taiwan New Century Foundation, MAC Vice Chairman Tung Chen-Yuan indicates that the crux of the problem in cross-straight relations is China's unwillingness to acknowledge the fact of Taiwan's sovereignty and independence. Meanwhile, China has been constantly expanding its military force. Once internal problems arise in China, Beijing is likely to try to create a diversion by launching a military attack against Taiwan.
May 21, 2007
In an interview with Channel News Asia (CNA), President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Normally, Taiwan would welcome the Olympic torch. But, if it requires the downgrading of Taiwan's status, or if it requires that sort of concession, then China is mixing sports with politics. China's downgrading of the status of "Chinese Taipei" to "China Taipei" is likewise entirely unacceptable. Taiwan hopes the torch can come, but not if it diminishes the status of Taiwan.
May 21, 2007
Premier Chang Chun-hsiung says that Taiwan will work hard to build cross-strait stability for a future of win-win outcomes and joint prosperity. In a move to protect Taiwan and the status quo of democracy, freedom, and peace, the government is promoting cross-strait consultations on issues such as visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists, the opening of direct cargo and passenger charter flights, and the route of the Olympic torch through Taiwan. With a "proactive management and effective liberalization" policy, the government hopes to achieve its goals of "deeply cultivating Taiwan while reaching out to the world." Since resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue is in the shared interests of both sides, Taiwan is willing to begin dialogue and negotiations with China on any issue and establish an interactive framework for cross-strait peace and stability, so long as such exchanges are free of any political preconditions and based on the principle of mutual respect.
May 22, 2007
In response to China's pressuring of Taiwan in the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the MAC issues a press release stating that China has incessantly engaged in political violence, intensified its ill-intentioned efforts, and made continued demands of international organizations to peremptorily suppress Taiwan's international space. Now, China will not even leave Taiwan's animals alone. Beijing is using the fulfillment of its obligations as a member of the OIE to engage in political blackmailing and bullying on health issues, demanding that the OIE downgrade Taiwan's name and position and to achieve its political objective of eliminating the sovereign status of the Republic of China and downgrading Taiwan to a part of the People's Republic of China.
The MAC appeals to the international community to closely watch and censure China's abuse of political power to interfere in international animal health affairs; to protect Taiwan's legal rights and obligations as a member country; to safeguard international animal health; and to protect human health and life. Beijing's ill-natured methods only further arouse the Taiwanese people's resentment towards China and incur the disfavor of the international community and other OIE members. China's actions have already seriously injured the feelings of the Taiwanese people and the benign development of cross-strait relations.
May 22, 2007
At a press conference, MAC Vice Chairman Tung Chen-Yuan indicates that under pressure from China, the Administrative Commission of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) approved a draft resolution unilaterally proposed by China. The content of the draft resolution seriously downgrades and suppresses Taiwan. The MAC expresses its strong dissatisfaction with and objection to the resolution.
May 23, 2007
In a meeting with a delegation of members of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, President Chen Shui-bian states that in his inauguration address in 2000, he specially made his "Four No's Plus One" pledge, which would remain intact as long as China did not intend to use military force against Taiwan. He says that this pledge remains in effect to this day.
May 24, 2007
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates at the Legislative Yuan that both sides of the Taiwan Strait have reached a consensus on all technical issues related to opening Taiwan to Chinese tourists. Recently, the MAC has again sought to invite China to resume negotiations. He says that if Beijing announces today that it will put aside political consideration, the opening up of tourism can be achieved tomorrow.
May 25, 2007
During a medal presentation ceremony for high-ranking military officers, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan will never engage in an arms race with China and that it is unwilling to become an enemy of the Chinese people. However, if it is to prevent war and ensure a truly permanent peace, Taiwan must constantly upgrade its defensive capabilities and prepare for war.
May 25, 2007
The MAC issues a press release on the mode of negotiations on the Olympic torch relay route, indicating that Taiwan welcomes the arrival of the torch on the condition that the torch's relay does not dwarf Taiwan's sovereignty and is conducive to benign cross-strait interactions. , The Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee is an independent and equal national member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and it has the same rights and obligations as other national committees to participate in IOC activities. Therefore, if the torch route is to pass through Taiwan, the cities on the route must have the approval of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee. The so-called "city-to-city" concept is inconsistent with the operational practices of the IOC.
May 28, 2007
After a briefing on MAC affairs, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung reiterates that Taiwan should promote cross-strait relations under the principle of "building stability in the Taiwan Strait for a win-win outcome and joint prosperity" in order to protect the status quo of Taiwan, democracy, freedom, and peace. The future administration will also make as its top priorities in cross-strait negotiations the issues of opening Taiwan for Chinese tourists, the implementation of direct cargo and passenger charter flights, and the Olympic torch route through Taiwan.
May 29, 2007
In a videoconference with the National Press Club (NPC) in Washington D.C., President Chen Shui-bian states that it is certainly in the long-term interests of both Taiwan and the U.S. to see a Taiwan that is growing ever-more free and more democratic, a Taiwan that fully protects human rights, whose national sovereignty is independent from the People's Republic of China (PRC), and that is committed to enhancing its self-defense capabilities. Taiwan's sovereignty is independent from the rule of China. Taiwan and China are two independent nations on each side of the Taiwan Strait. Therefore, for China to forcefully include Taiwan as part of the PRC not only ignores a historical fact, but also directly challenges the status quo in the Taiwan Strait by attempting to change and damage that status quo. President Chen also emphasizes that Taiwan certainly will not boycott the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and hopes that the games will be a full success.
May 30, 2007
In a press release entitled, "Taiwan will continue to deepen democracy, undaunted by pressure from China," the MAC indicates that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country, and that Taiwan's future should be jointly decided by the 23 million Taiwanese people. It is in Taiwan's fundamental interests to build a Taiwan-centric consciousness and develop cross-strait relations on this foundation. The MAC earnestly urges the Chinese authorities to promptly remove related obstacles and take action to instantiate its goodwill. The MAC hopes that China will quickly offer its views on the substantive proposals raised by Taiwan during the negotiation process and pragmatically negotiate with Taiwan so that the Chinese people may soon realize their hope to visit Taiwan for sightseeing.
May 31, 2007
The Home and Nations Committee of the Legislative Yuan reviewed draft revisions to Article 35 of the "Act Governing Relations Between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and Mainland Area." In response to a motion put forth by some legislators against the government's prohibition of China-bound Taiwanese businesspeople from investing in technology products already under mass production in China, the MAC indicates that such a proposal fails to consider the overall industrial and economic development needs of Taiwan. The draft revision, if approved, will result in a major outflow of capital and accelerate the transfer of Taiwan's superior management skills in related sectors to China. This would have a long-term negative impact on Taiwan's economy.
June 4, 2007
In an interview with Hong Kong's China News Agency, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that, in his present capacity, he has twice used established negotiation channels to request that China resume negotiations on the three issues of the opening Taiwan to Chinese tourists, passenger charter flights, and cargo charter flights. However, he is still waiting for a reply from China. In addition, Taiwan is willing to resume negotiations with China regarding the 2008 Olympic torch route to Taiwan and is currently waiting for Beijing to present a new plan.
June 4, 2007
In response to Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou's raising of issues like a cross-strait peace accord, the MAC states: unless the Chinese authorities clearly declare that the 1992 Consensus and the "one China" principle are entirely unrelated, endorsing and engaging in peace accord negotiations or establishing confidence building measures based on the 1992 Consensus will lead Taiwan into Beijing's "one China" trap. Such actions would also constitute self-belittlement and seriously undermine the rights and interests of the 23 million Taiwanese people and Taiwan-centric consciousness.
June 6, 2007
In a meeting with professors David M. Lampton, Harry Harding, and David G. Brown, all of whom are U.S. experts on China, President Chen Shui-bian states that China's attempts at belittling and isolating Taiwan are irrespective of the party in power in Taiwan. He says that prior to the alternation of power in 2000, China also put heavy pressure on the then Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) government. Beijing has never changed its fundamental standpoint that "Taiwan is not a sovereign nation," and it continues to look upon Taiwan as a part of the People's Republic of China.
June 7, 2007
In a statement on the severance of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Costa Rica, President Chen Shui-bian states that China is willing to resort to any measure to restrict Taiwan's ability to survive in the international community. China is trying to woo away all of Taiwan's diplomatic allies, obstruct Taiwan's efforts to make political inroads in the international community, and prevent negotiations between both sides to be carried out as equals. China is attempting to obliterate Taiwan's existence in the international community. Most recently, China has unreasonably put up roadblocks to prevent Taiwan from participating in the World Health Organization, depriving the 23 million Taiwanese people of their collective rights to health. At the same time, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), under pressure from China, resolved to downgrade Taiwan's status from a sovereign nation to a "non-sovereign regional member."
June 7, 2007
The MAC issues a press release strongly condemning China's all-out attempts to suffocate Taiwan's international survival and development space. The MAC states that the Chinese government has incessantly acted in hostility and opposition to the people and government of Taiwan. As a result, the 23 million Taiwanese people are even more aware; they clearly recognize that some Taiwanese people's attempts to use vague wordings to resolve the cross-strait conflict (such as "holding negotiations on the basis of the 1992 Consensus" and "engaging in negotiations with China on Taiwan's international space) are but illusions and attempts to get the Taiwanese people to act against their own interests. These could even provide China with a reasonable excuse to threaten and suppress Taiwan.
June 13, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that "the promotion of a public referendum on seeking membership in the United Nations under the name of !￥Taiwan' enjoys strong public support in Taiwan. The Chinese authorities should cease their untruthful tarnishing of Taiwan's democracy as soon as possible." The MAC emphasizes that the Chinese authorities are not only reluctant to face the reality that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other, but have also disregarded the mainstream thinking of the Taiwanese people toward the pursuit of democratic deepening. Moreover, the Chinese authorities have been ignorant of the normal operation of democratic politics. The rigid and closed mindset of the Chinese authorities is the major obstacle that has not only steadily alienated public feelings on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, but has also hindered the normal development of cross-strait relations. Past experience clearly demonstrates that any attempts by China to undermine or interfere with Taiwan's democratic development are ultimately bound to produce an effect opposite to what Beijing desires.
June 14, 2007
In a meeting with American Institute in Taiwan Chairman Raymond Burghardt, President Chen Shui-bian states that the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has downgraded Taiwan's original status as a sovereign country to the status of a "non-sovereign regional member." Taiwan cannot accept this and highly regrets that the U.S. government did not subsequently insist on this point. He asks whether or not the U.S. has changed its position on Taiwan's sovereignty. If there has been no change, it is hoped that the U.S. government will, at an appropriate time, reiterate its six guarantees to Taiwan.
President Chen emphasizes that he believes that the "one China" policy of the U.S., which includes the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act and the six guarantees made in 1982, does not recognize Taiwan as being a part of the People's Republic of China. In addition, Resolution No. 2758 also does not allude to such.
June 15, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a press release stating that Taiwan absolutely will not accept being included under China in the World Health Organization and International Health Regulations (2005).
June 20, 2007
At the Dinner Party hosted for the 2007 Dragon Boat Festival gathering of the Taiwan businessmen's associations, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung indicates that "stability across the Taiwan Strait, mutual benefit and co-prosperity" are the main axes of Taiwan's cross-strait policy. He announces that the government will make every effort to defend the sovereignty of Taiwan and to uphold without change the status quo of Taiwan's democracy, peace and liberty. Moreover, in consideration of the shared interests of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, the government is willing to engage in cross-strait dialogue and negotiations with China on any issue so long as Beijing does not set any preconditions regarding political positions and so long as such exchanges are based on mutual respect.
June 22, 2007
At an informal gathering with members of the Presidential Office press corps at the Fushan Research Station, President Chen Shui-bian expresses hope that a referendum on whether Taiwan should apply to join the UN under the name of "Taiwan" can be held alongside next year's presidential election to show that Taiwan is a peace-loving sovereign country. Under the UN's principle of "universality of membership," Taiwan has the right to its own seat in the UN. Furthermore, applying for UN membership under the name of "Taiwan" does not conflict with Taiwan's pledge to the international community, especially not the commitment made to the U.S. government and President George W. Bush. Rather, it conforms to the mainstream will in Taiwan.
June 22, 2007
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a press release expressing deep regret and discontent over a statement by the spokesperson of Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry indicating that the referendum on whether Taiwan should apply to join the United Nations (UN) under the name of "Taiwan" is "provocative and irresponsible." The press release also emphasizes that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country that is qualified and able to apply for membership in the UN. No other country should interfere in this matter.
June 27, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. Public opinion surveys taken over a long period all show that over 70% of the public in Taiwan do not accept China's "one country, two systems" formula. If the Beijing authorities attempt in vain to forcefully promote this formula, it will only incur the antipathy and resentment of the Taiwanese people. Since Hong Kong's handover, the Hong Kong people's right of political participation has come under continuous pressure. Beijing has also restricted freedom of speech, interfered with judicial autonomy, and forcefully suppressed democratic progress in Hong Kong, to the extent that even Falun Gong practitioners do not enter the region. Over the past 10 years, there have been numerous examples of retrogression in Hong Kong, proving that the Chinese officials' pledge of "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy" was nothing more than empty talk.
June 28, 2007
The MAC issues the "Analysis Report: 10 Years After Hong Kong's Handover." The report indicates that over the past 10 years, China has tightened political control over Hong Kong, continued to strongly interfere in Hong Kong's affairs, and restricted the development of Hong Kong's political system. As such, Hong Kong's "high degree of autonomy" has turned into a "high degree of Chinese political control." Moreover, the power of final interpretation that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress holds over the Basic Law is forceful enough to overrule the Basic Law itself - a serious undermining of Hong Kong's political and judicial independence. "Self-censorship" by the media has also resulted in increasing restrictions on freedom of the press and freedom of speech in Hong Kong.
June 29, 2007
The MAC issues a press release strongly condemning the Hong Kong government for undermining human rights and ignoring the personal security, rights and interests of Taiwan nationals during their stays in Hong Kong. The MAC indicates that, recently, over 100 Taiwanese nationals with visas approved and issued by the Hong Kong government have been forcibly detained without cause by personnel of the Hong Kong Immigration Department and subjected to unreasonable treatment. Some were even repatriated in a rough manner - a serious injustice to their rights and interests. If the Hong Kong government continues to act in a passive and conservative manner with no immediate improvements, it will confirm to the international community that Hong Kong's performance has regressed under the "one country, two systems" formula.
July 3, 2007
In an article on "Beijing's 'One China': The Cross-strait Jacket'," published in the Washington Times, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the "two systems" part of the "one country, two systems" formula is a fallacy, but the "one country" aspect is true. The "Hong Kong model" of "one country, two systems" has been repackaged as the "1992 Consensus," characterized as "one China, dual interpretations." At the 1992 meeting in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China did not reach any type of consensus, let alone a so-called "1992 Consensus."
July 6, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issues a press release indicating that Taiwan's Sishankeng Dance Troupe visited Israel to participate in a series of exhibition and performance activities at the 22nd International Folk Dancing Festival. During the festival, members of the Chinese delegation seized the Republic of China flag from among the national flags arrayed on the stage. The MOFA sternly condemns China's peremptory abuse of political power to interfere with cultural exchange activities. The MOFA also expresses deep regret that the event sponsor did not treat Taiwan's dance troupe reasonably under the principles of fairness and justice. China's unreasonable and peremptory suppression of Taiwan in the international arena only hurts the feelings of the people of Taiwan. The MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will never change its determination to expand its international space and seek equal status in the world.
July 8, 2007
In an interview with the U.S.-based Washington Post, President Chen Shui-bian states that democracy is the most important asset for Taiwan, and referendum is the best weapon--the most effective "theater missile defense"--against the totalitarianism of the Communist Party of China. The proposal to conduct a referendum on applying for membership in the United Nations is a mainstream value and the majority opinion in Taiwan's society.
July 11, 2007
In a recorded message presented at the Reception by the European Parliament in Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Lifting of Martial Law in Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian states that the key problem in the Taiwan Strait is the issue of democracy. If China continues to refuse to embrace democracy and to insist on a single-party dictatorship, the potential danger of China's military expansion and invasion will grow. The 23 million Taiwanese people would be most willing to cooperate with the 493 million people of the 27 EU countries to actively guide China down the path to democracy and freedom. Only by doing so can we create a more democratic and peaceful world for all mankind.
July 11, 2007
In an interview with Kyodo News editor Takashi Okada and Taipei Bureau Chief Mori Yasuhiro, President Chen Shui-bian states that, based on the democratic spirit of sovereignty of the people, only the 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to decide the future and fate of Taiwan.
July 11, 2007
At an Executive Yuan meeting, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung announces the promotion of a "Flagship Project for Globalizing Taiwan's Medical Services." The program will focus initially on five areas, including liver transplants, and overseas Chinese and mainland Chinese patients. The Mainland Affairs Council will be requested to complete relevant measures for related matters involving the "Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and Mainland Area." Taiwan will begin accepting applications for mainland tourism groups under the project from August 1 this year. It is hoped the program will help promote policies on cross-strait tourism and charter flights.
July 12, 2007
In a press release on "Seeking membership in the United Nations under the name of 'Taiwan'," the MAC emphasizes that the Chinese government has long tried to sully the reputation of Taiwan's democratic development as "de jure independence." It has also been unwilling to face up to the fact that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other, and it has been ignorant of the normal operation of democratic politics. Beijing has also expanded its military threat, formulated a legal framework to provide a legitimate excuse for using military force against Taiwan, and applied diplomatic pressure to shut out Taiwan from the international community. The government calls on the Chinese authorities to discard their politicized mode of thinking and correctly understand the Taiwanese people's efforts to deepen democracy, so as to avoid misjudging the cross-strait situation. If China attempts to undermine or interfere with Taiwan's democratic development, it is ultimately bound to produce an effect opposite to what Beijing desires.
July 15, 2007
In a speech delivered at the opening ceremony for the "Democracy Movement Photo Exhibition and Stamp Issue for the 20th Anniversary of the Lifting of Martial Law in Taiwan," President Chen Shui-bian states that in 2007 Taiwan will push for membership in the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan" so that the people of Taiwan can participate in the international community in a free and dignified manner and not be isolated from the world.
July 17, 2007
During a medal presentation ceremony for high-ranking military officers, President Chen Shui-bian states that the Japanese government has published a "Defense of Japan 2007" white paper. The white paper expresses stronger concern than in the past over the military threat posed by China, noting that the Chinese military force exceeds what is needed for handling the Taiwan Strait issue. A similar conclusion was reached by the "2007 Report on the Military Power of the People's Republic of China," issued by the United States Department of Defense this May. It is clear that the objective of China's military modernization goes beyond the needs of responding to a cross-strait conflict. It has altered the military balance not only in the Taiwan Strait, but also in the East Asian region. The People's Liberation Army has the ability to conduct military missions beyond the Taiwan Strait, including preemptive strikes against neighboring areas, amply showing that China is aiming for global military hegemony.
July 20, 2007
In a letter to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President Chen Shui-bian formally requests the admission of Taiwan as a member of the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan." The President clearly states that, in accordance with Article 4 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in compliance with rule 58 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council and rule 134 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, he has the honor, on behalf of Taiwan's 23 million people and in his capacity as President, to request the admission of Taiwan as a member of the United Nations.
July 20, 2007
Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-general Chen Chi-mai explains that President Chen Shui-bian sent a letter to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, formally requesting, on behalf of the 23 million people of Taiwan, the admission of Taiwan as a member of the UN under the name of "Taiwan."
July 21, 2007
In a speech delivered at the "2007 National University and Research Institute Fair," President Chen Shui-bian states Taiwan will not recognize educational credentials from Chinese universities and will not allow Taiwanese universities to recruit Chinese students. There will be no change on these two issues during his term in office. Recognizing the academic credentials of Chinese universities is not a simple issue of academic exchanges or school operation. It must be comprehensively considered in terms of overall national security, student employment opportunities, and the allocation of educational resources.
July 24, 2007
At the opening ceremony for the Annual Meeting of the Asian Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, President Chen Shui-bian states that a "cross-strait common market" or "one China market" would absolutely be the first step for Taiwan towards "ultimate unification." The packaging of a "political one China" as an "economic one China" is like a sugarcoated poison pill. If China is allowed to completely control the lifeline of Taiwan's economy and existence, Taiwan will sink to become a second Hong Kong.
July 24, 2007
At a joint regular meeting of the 8th Subdistrict of Rotary International District 3480, President Chen Shui-bian states that United Nations (UN) Resolution 2758 only resolves the issue of China's representation and the representation of the People's Republic of China. It does not resolve the issue of representation of the 23 million people of Taiwan. Taiwan should have appropriate representation in the UN. Taiwan is a sovereign country and cannot become a part of another country. This is a very serious topic.
July 24, 2007
The MAC issues a press release reiterating that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country entitled to participate in the United Nations (UN). The MAC indicates that China's attempts at manipulating the international community to suppress Taiwan only further highlight that Beijing dares not face up to the fact that the Republic of China is an independent sovereign country and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. China's various hegemonic acts have seriously undermined the basic human rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people. These actions have also produced retrogression in cross-strait relations and estranged the feelings between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. China has also imposed a political framework that runs counter to reality on the affairs and operations of the UN. This not only deviates entirely from the UN's long-standing principle of "universality of membership," but also violates the notion put forth by the UN Charter that all people are equal. All of this is highly inconsistent with the UN's long-term call for international peace and equality. This is a grave provocation against the dignity of the UN.
July 25, 2007
In a meeting with a group of visiting elites from the Republican Party of the United States, President Chen Shui-bian states that China's current fundamental position towards Taiwan is that Taiwan is a part of China and a local administrative province of China. However, the people of Taiwan absolutely cannot agree with this, nor can they accept this. China wants Taiwan to surrender and to abandon its sovereignty, return to China like Hong Kong and Macao, and become a local government or special administrative region. This basic difference in opinion makes it even more difficult for the two sides to establish a new political relationship.
July 29, 2007
At the appointment ceremony for the new president of the Hsinchu chapter of the Lions Club, President Chen Shui-bian states that on July 27 he again sent letters to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN Security Council President Wang Guangya reiterating that only the Security Council and the General Assembly have the authority to review and decide on UN membership applications. UN Resolution 2758 neither grants China the right to represent Taiwan's 23 million people at the UN, nor states that Taiwan is either a part of China or the People's Republic of China. Taiwan is an independent sovereign nation. Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other and each is independent of the other. Taiwan absolutely is not a part of the People's Republic of China.
August 1, 2007
In a press release entitled "Taiwan is determined to participate in the international community and is not afraid of China's military suppression," the MAC emphasizes that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Applying to join the United Nations (UN) has been a unanimous consensus and hope of all of the Taiwanese people and of both the ruling and opposition political parties. The collective rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people should be protected under the UN Charter.
August 2, 2007
The MAC lodges a stern protest against Chinese UN Ambassador for having returned Taiwan's application letter for UN membership. The MAC emphasizes that Taiwan has never been a part of the People's Republic of China. China's unwillingness to acknowledge the fact that Taiwan is sovereign and independent and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other is the most fundamental obstacle to cross-strait relations. Recently China has persistently used its interpretation of UN Resolution No. 2758 to fabricate its preposterous "one China principle" with a view to downgrading Taiwan's status and achieving "de jure unification" with Taiwan.
The MAC stresses that China ignores that fact of the existence of the Republic of China. It has always denied Taiwan's legal status and democratic development with a unilateral definition of "de jure Taiwan independence." It has also expanded its military capabilities and deployed missiles to diplomatically pressure Taiwan and shut Taiwan off from the international community. In doing so, China is attempting to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. China's military deployment has not only created unease among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, but has also sabotaged the balance of power in the Taiwan Strait. The international community should face up to the development of this dangerous situation.
August 3, 2007
At a regular press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that Taiwanese banks are still prohibited from making investments in China. Taiwanese people, legal persons, organizations, other institutions and entities in Taiwan may not invest in China-funded banks in the mainland area directly or indirectly through a third country. Taiwan hopes that cross-strait negotiations on opening Taiwan to Chinese tourists will be completed and that China will list Taiwan as soon as possible as one of the tourism destinations or areas open to Chinese tourists.
August 3, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issues a press release sternly protesting against Chinese UN Ambassador Wang Guangya for having returned the letter containing Taiwan's application for UN membership which was sent by President Chen Shui-bian on behalf of Taiwan. The MOFA indicates that according to relevant UN regulations, only the UN Security Council and the General Assembly have the authority to review and decide on whether any new members could be admitted. In handling this important issue by returning the letter, Ambassador Wang Guangya is derelict in his duties as rotating president of the UN Security Council.
August 5, 2007
In an address to the "People's Diplomacy Research Camp" at Chung Yuan Christian University, President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes that the crux of Taiwan's difficult diplomatic predicament is the so-called "one China" principle, under which Beijing claims that Taiwan is a part of China, that Taiwan is a local government of China, and that Taiwan is not a sovereign country. Consequently, the Taiwanese people should not harbor any illusions about China, nor should they think that Taiwan can step out into the international arena and have international space under "one China, with respective interpretations." China disagrees that "one China" can be defined with respective interpretations by both sides across the Strait, because if China agrees, it would mean that China accepts "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan."
August 7, 2007
In a meeting with 8th term scholars of the Ketagalan Institute, President Chen Shui-bian states that, as a sovereign country Taiwan certainly needs to find its own identity. In particular, Taiwan can neither become economically marginalized, nor can it become an economic vassal. Although the Chinese market is very big, it is not Taiwan's only market, ultimate market, or entire market. Therefore, the government will insist on the policy of "proactive management and effective liberalization."
August 8, 2007
In a meeting with a visiting group of the Taiwan Policy Task Force of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) for Public Policy Research, led by Randall Schriver, President Chen Shui-bian states that in today's world, the international community only thinks about how to appease Beijing, letting China determine the status of Taiwan in the global community, rather than considering the treatment that the people of Taiwan ought to receive. This stance, however, will only enable China to wantonly humiliate Taiwan.
August 13, 2007
In his opening remarks to the International Conference on After the Third Wave, President Chen Shui-bian states that for many years, China has narrowed, denigrated, and even stigmatized the Taiwanese people's efforts to pursue freedom and democracy as "moves toward de jure independence." Over the past seven years, Taiwan's democracy has been developing under the daily shadow of missile attack. This has made Taiwan's arduous democratization process even more difficult.
August 13, 2007
In a meeting with Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, chairman of the United States House Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, President Chen Shui-bian stresses that none of the three Sino-American communiques indicated any recognition by the United States of China's position that Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Likewise, United Nations Resolution No. 2758 also does not make any reference to Taiwan being a part of the PRC.
August 13, 2007
When delivering a speech at the welcome banquet for the "International Conference on After the Third Wave" hosted by the Taiwan Thinktank, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that in the face of China's barbaric military threats and diplomatic suppression, Taiwan has always firmly believed that democratization is the most important asset for safeguarding national security and international survival space. It is hoped that Taiwan's experience in democratic development can influence China, enabling China to be free of the fetters of despotism and to gradually complete democratic reforms. This is also a very important foundation for maintaining peaceful interactions across the Taiwan Strait.
August 14, 2007
During his address at the opening ceremony of the Democratic Pacific Union, President Chen Shui-bian states that the so-called "rise of China" is built on unbalanced economic growth, a high level of environmental pollution, constant military expansion, the full-scale suppression of freedom, democracy and human rights, and other complex factors. In order to enable China to become a regular and positive force in the "democratic Pacific community" in the course of its development, "the rise of China" must be accompanied by a "peaceful awakening and "democratic development."
August 15, 2007
In a meeting with United States Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, President Chen Shui-bian states that democracy not only stresses basic human rights, but also global values. The world community should not institute a double standard. The 23 million people of Taiwan should enjoy full-fledged democracy like the citizens of the United States or other nations. There should not be restrictions placed on Taiwan's democracy. Furthermore, there should not be any so-called red line drawn for Taiwan's democracy. If there is a red line, the 23 million people of Taiwan cannot enjoy full, one hundred percent democracy.
August 15, 2007
In a meeting with former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (UN) John Bolton and his wife, President Chen Shui-bian states that the 23 million people of Taiwan cannot accept the position that Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China as China repeatedly declares and contends. The president emphasizes that there should be no red line for democracy. One cannot draw a red line and say that democracy can only exist within that line and not cross over it. China has drawn a red line for Taiwan, and the U.S. has also drawn a red line for Taiwan. However, the U.S. red line and the Chinese red line are not the same. Taiwan has not stepped on the red line. It is only because the red line has shifted that there is a problem with so-called stepping on or not stepping on the red line.
August 16, 2007
In a meeting with Frank Murkowski, the former governor of the US state of Alaska, President Chen Shui-bian states that at present 77 percent of the people of Taiwan approve of Taiwan's application for United Nations membership in the name of "Taiwan." Moreover, the holding of referendums is a basic human right and universal value. The will of the people cannot be violated or betrayed.
August 17, 2007
At a press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that Taiwan's participation in international organizations and activities has always been obstructed by China. China has declared that as a non-sovereign country, Taiwan cannot participate in international organizations and activities. This statement will indeed affect the feelings of the Taiwanese people. Cross-strait relations are interactive. Taiwan urges the Chinese authorities to not stubbornly suppress Taiwan's international space. Otherwise, it will hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people and produce a negative effect on the development of cross-strait relations.
August 21, 2007
Before embarking on a trip to visit Taiwan's Central American diplomatic allies, President Chen Shui-bian states that the people of Taiwan have the right to actively take part in the international community on an equal footing. Taiwan not only seeks the international community's acknowledgement and respect of Taiwan's national sovereign position, but also hopes that the world can hear the strong voice of the people of Taiwan in their yearning to become official members of the World Health Organization and United Nations.
August 22, 2007
In an interview with BBC producer Andrew Denwood and assistant news editor Maurice Walsh, President Chen Shui-bian states that China has formulated a three-stage military preparation for a war against Taiwan. There has been a continuous double-digit growth in military expenditure by China on an annual basis over the past 18 years ago. This far exceeds the needs of China's military self-defense. The balance of power in the Taiwan Strait is tilting in favor of China. Taiwan does not intend to engage in an arms race with China. What it wants to achieve is the strategic goal of "effective deterrence and resolute defense" for Taiwan. This is the way to achieve true peace.
August 25, 2007
During his address to the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of El Salvador, President Chen Shui-bian states that due to the strong suppression and obstruction by China, Taiwan's bids to join and participate in global organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization have been stymied. China's actions have obstructed Taiwan from having the opportunity to take part in the international community. Taiwan, however, will not give up. Surveys show 77 percent of the Taiwanese people hope that Taiwan will join the UN. Given this overwhelming public opinion support, Taiwan is moving forward with a plan to hold a referendum on whether it should apply to join the UN under the name "Taiwan." Taiwan hopes that through the holding of a referendum the Taiwanese people can have a direct voice in the decision.
August 27, 2007
In response to China's behind-the-scenes manipulation of a press release for the Venice Film Festival, the MAC indicates that China has incessantly abused its political violence to peremptorily suppress Taiwan's international survival space. China has not only shut out Taiwan from international organizations, but even has not relented in international cultural exchanges unrelated to politics. At the 57th Berlin Film Festival held in Berlin in February 2007, it was found that Taiwan's two film entries in the festival were labeled by the sponsor as "Taiwan, China." This was not corrected despite Taiwan's objections.
August 28, 2007
In a press release entitled "China sabotages the cross-strait status quo and maliciously misleads the international community," the MAC emphasizes that Taiwan is already an independent sovereign country. The status quo across the Taiwan Strait is that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. As a member of the international community, Taiwan has the right to participate in international organizations. The public referendum on "entry into the United Nations under the name of Taiwan" reflects the fact that the 23 million Taiwanese people hope to highlight their collective will through the democratic process as well as to denounce China's peremptory actions aimed at imposing international political isolation on the Taiwanese people. Such a democratic referendum is intended to protect the status quo across the Taiwan Strait rather than to change the status quo. There is no such thing as carrying out a referendum on U.N. membership to change the official name of Taiwan and further declare independence.
August 29, 2007
Concluding his "Trip of Joint Grand Vision and Eternal Concern," President Chen Shui-bian indicates in a statement at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport that the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is that "There is one country on each side of the Taiwan Strait-Taiwan and China." The holding of a referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan" not only will not change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, but will also in fact safeguard the status quo in the Taiwan Strait against unilateral change by China.
August 31, 2007
In response to a statement by a senior official of the U.S. National Security Council regarding Taiwan's national status, the MAC solemnly reiterates that it is a clear and undeniable fact that as an independent sovereign country, Taiwan has never been a part of the People's Republic of China, and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. Due to the fact that Taiwan has existed as an independent sovereign country, Taiwan's statehood is neither an unresolved issue nor is Taiwan's status undecided, whatever the country's name will be.
August 31, 2007
In a meeting with Slovenian Democratic Party Vice-President and Member of the European Parliament Mihael Brejc, as well as Slovenia Minister of Public Administration Gregor Virant, President Chen Shui-bian states that the 23 million people of Taiwan are seeking to solidify and deepen the development of democracy, and they seek to share in the universal values of democracy, freedom and human rights. Presently 77 percent of the Taiwanese people advocate applying for membership in the United Nations under the name "Taiwan." This is the mainstream voice of Taiwan public opinion. While passage of the referendum does not guarantee that Taiwan will be able to join the UN, at least there is a need to let the world hear the voice of the Taiwan people.
September 2, 2007
The MAC issues a statement indicating that the Chinese authorities' handling of the business disputes over the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi's invested business in China is having a chilling effect on the interested investment parties in Taiwan. It has also left a generally negative impression on the wider Taiwanese business community. The MAC urges the Chinese authorities to honor their pledge to protect the legitimate investment rights and interests of Taiwanese enterprises in China.
September 4, 2007
President Chen Shui-bian convenes a high-level meeting on the APEC unofficial Economic Ministers Meeting. He states firm opposition to any arrangements that undermine the dignity, rights and interests of Taiwan.
September 5, 2007
In a meeting with Chairman Stan Shih, Special Representative for the APEC unofficial Economic Ministers Meeting, and other members of Taiwan's APEC delegation, President Chen Shui-bian states that due to China's military threats and comprehensive diplomatic suppression, Taiwan must take advantage of all opportunities to participate in international organizations and international affairs so that its voice may be heard and so as to promote Taiwan, especially its contributions to the international community.
September 5, 2007
In a meeting with a delegation of Democratic Party of Japan parliamentarians, led by House of Representatives Member Nagashima Akihisa, President Chen Shui-bian states that China's military spending has grown at an annual double-digit pace since the Tiananmen Incident. The spending has already exceeded what is needed for China's self-defense. He believes that Beijing may have other plans and that when the time comes, the U.S. and Japan may be the first to be affected.
September 5, 2007
In a meeting with Heritage Foundation Distinguished Fellow Ambassador Harvey Feldman, President Chen Shui-bian states that United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been misled to believe that UN Resolution No. 2758 considers Taiwan to be a part of the People's Republic of China. Not only does this run counter to the facts, but it is also an interpretation that shows an abuse of authority.
September 5, 2007
Responding to a statement by the Chinese leadership regarding Taiwan's referendum on United Nations (UN) membership, the MAC states that the greatest obstacles to making a breakthrough in cross-strait relations lies in the Beijing regime's inability to comprehend the democratic ideal that "the sovereignty belongs to the people," its stubborn insistence on the ossified "one China" principle, and its refusal to acknowledge the historical fact that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. In addition, Beijing attempts to enforce the "de jure annexation" of Taiwan as well as seeks "unification through military force," which has seriously hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people.
September 6, 2007
In a videoconference with panelists at the Washington D.C.-based American Enterprise Institute, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan's direct application to join the United Nations (UN) as a new member under the name of "Taiwan" not only reflects the fact that Taiwan is a sovereign country, but also stems from the general need to defend the status quo of the Taiwan Strait from being unilaterally changed by China. Taiwan has no intentions of challenging UN Resolution No. 2758, or of engaging in a fight with the PRC over "China's representation." Therefore, Taiwan's bid to join the UN under the name of "Taiwan" definitely does not involve a change in Taiwan's national moniker and therefore does not violate the oft-repeated "four noes" pledge to the international community.
September 6, 2007
In response to statements made by Chinese President Hu Jintao after a bilateral meeting in Australia, the MAC issues a statement indicating that the voice for holding a public referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations (UN) comes from the public. Taiwan's efforts are aimed at safeguarding cross-strait status quo against any unilateral change by China. Therefore, the Taiwanese government solemnly urges the United States to face up to the threats that China's military expansion has caused to security in the Taiwan Strait and to firmly oppose China's attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait through the use of force.
September 7, 2007
In a meeting with U.S. Former Deputy National Security Advisor James Steinberg, President Chen Shui-bian stresses that in light of China's military threat and its efforts to diplomatically suppress Taiwan, Taiwan has no choice but to hold firm on many issues. However, nothing Taiwan is doing involves changing the national moniker, nor does it violate the "four noes" pledge. Taiwan is not attempting to change the status quo. Rather, it is seeking to defend and maintain the status quo, as reflected by its actions.
September 7, 2007
Regarding the issue of the Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that the Torch relay route will be acceptable for Taiwan if Taipei is treated as one of the overseas cities on the Torch relay route, if Taiwan's sovereignty will not be dwarfed, and if the issue is handled in a manner consistent with the principles of reciprocity and dignity and the spirit of the Olympic Games.
September 7, 2007
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that with regard to the Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan, the Taiwan side urges Beijing promptly sign an agreement on the consensus reached and not deliberately raise new conditions. He also stresses that if the Olympic Torch were to pass through Taiwan, based on the Taiwanese government's consistent position, it must abide by the Olympic protocol and obtain the approval of Taiwan. This must also be conducted under the principles that Taiwan's sovereignty must not be dwarfed and that this will be conducive to the promotion of positive cross-strait interaction.
September 7, 2007
At a press briefing, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that Taiwan's refusal to accept the arrangements for the Olympic Torch relay route is mainly because of the deliberate attempts by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) to dwarf Taiwan's sovereignty, which not only violates the agreement made in 1989 to refer to Taiwan as "China Taipei" in Chinese moniker, but even refers to the Taipei leg of the Torch relay route as the first stop of China's domestic route. However, after Taiwan informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of the situation, the IOC writes to us confirming that the BOCOG will abide by the 1989 agreement. Beijing also makes a goodwill response by referring to Taiwan as "Chinese Taipei" and replacing the original words with more neutral terms of "domestic" and "overseas" in describing the status of the Torch relay legs.
September 7, 2007
The MAC releases the latest public opinion survey on the 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan. According to the survey, if China no long dwarfs Taiwan's status, 78.5 percent of the Taiwanese people agree to let the Olympic Torch to come to Taiwan; and 73.2 percent of the public support the government to continue negotiations with Beijing so that the Torch can come to Taiwan.
September 9, 2007
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong publishes a paper explaining that the government's strategic objective in cross-strait relations is to "normalize cross-strait relations." The guiding principles in advancing towards this strategic objective are "goodwill, active cooperation and permanent peace"; and the policies for achieving this objective are:
- Consolidate Taiwan's internal consensus on national position: Taiwan is an independent sovereign country; its national name is the Republic of China, as stipulated in the Constitution.
- Offer a vision of coexistence and co-prosperity: The integration model of the European Union (EU) will serve as a brand new mode of thinking on future cross-strait relations.
- Negotiate on a peaceful and stable framework for cross-strait interactions: make transitional arrangements for progress toward the vision.
- Develop cross-strait economic and trade cooperation: consider both national security and cross-strait economic and trade interests.
- Assist China in promoting political democratization: resolve the fundamental cross-strait contradictions.
September 10, 2007
In a videoconference for the 34th annual conference of the World Federation of Taiwanese Associations (WFTA) in Osaka, Japan, President Chen Shui-bian states that it is a historical fact that "there is one country on each side of the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan on one side, and China on the other." It is also the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
September 10, 2007
At the opening ceremony of the 2007 Taiwan-Africa Progressive Partnership Forum, President Chen Shui-bian states that exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and African countries have been considerably affected by China's suppression, boycotts, and blockading of Taiwan. China has used various means to obstruct Taiwan's African friends from coming to Taiwan for the forum. It also pressured various governments and even prohibited non-governmental organizations from sending representatives to Taiwan.
September 11, 2007
Taiwan is prevented for the first time from participating in a meeting of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal because "Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations (UN)." Executive Yuan spokesman Shieh Jhy-wey strongly reprimands the UN for violating the spirit of the UN Charter by bowing to China's political manipulation and sinking to the level of a hired thug persecuting human rights.
September 11, 2007
Responding to a statement issued by China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), the MAC indicates that joining the United Nations is the explicit aspiration of the overwhelming majority of the Taiwanese people. This aspiration reflects the basic demand of the Taiwanese people that the national status be duly respected and that their right to participation in the international community be duly protected. Related TAO officials' attempts to use intimidating words to threaten the Taiwanese people have highlighted Beijing's peremptory actions, which will only arouse resentment and alienate both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The MAC also appeals again to the Beijing authorities to sign the agreement as soon as possible based on the consensus reached with the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee at the end of August, so that the Olympic Torch can smoothly come to Taiwan.
September 11, 2007
Chen Huei-ying, director of the Department of Cultural and Educational Affairs under the MAC, publishes a paper indicating that, in order to establish an orderly exchange environment, current regulations on specialized cross-strait exchanges require that Chinese persons visiting Taiwan have relevant specializations, and that their visit to Taiwan be related to that specialization. More importantly, there can be no arbitrary changes to their itinerary after arriving in Taiwan. Yao Ming applied to visit Taiwan as a professional athlete. Fundraising is not a sports-related activity, yet Mr. Yao publicly engaged in fundraising activities during his visit to the Hsinchu Science Park. Government agencies must follow consistent standards in enforcing the law, and under the current regulations no itinerary changes are permitted.
September 13, 2007
During a videoconference with members of the European Parliament, President Chen Shui-bian states that, the principle of universality enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter gives Taiwan every right to apply for UN membership. Taiwan has long been excluded from the UN system solely because of China's intimidation and suppression. President Chen sincerely hopes that the 15 members of the UN Security Council and the other member states will defend the principal of universality so that Taiwan's application to join the UN can be reviewed in a just and reasonable manner.
September 13, 2007
In an interview with a visiting group of Asian correspondents from major electronic media, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong emphasizes that Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) is a demonstration of the collective will of the Taiwanese people, and that the international community should respect and listen closely to the voice of the 23 million Taiwanese people. Chairman Chen indicates that both pre-unification East and West Germany and the still-divided North and South Korea each had a seat at the UN, proving that UN membership will not affect the issue of whether or not both sides of the Taiwan Strait can be unified in the future. However, due to China's peremptory obstruction and suppression, Taiwan has been excluded from the UN for 13 years. This is a source of deep discouragement and dissatisfaction to the 23 million Taiwanese people.
September 14, 2007
In a videoconference with the Overseas Press Club of America, President Chen Shui-bian states that United Nations (UN) Resolution No. 2758 only addresses the issue of the representation of "China," but does not touch upon the issue of Taiwan's representation. Accordingly, the People's Republic of China (PRC) has no right, nor does it have the legitimacy, to represent the people of Taiwan in the United Nations. Moreover, due to China's rapid military build-up and the continuous shift of military equilibrium in the Taiwan Strait towards China's favor, this seriously threatens the security, stability and peace of the entire Asian Pacific region. If Taiwan becomes a member of the UN, a broader and more stable mechanism for dialogue and negotiations could be established. Such a mechanism would be conducive to reducing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Therefore, Taiwan's application to join the UN under the name of "Taiwan" not only has nothing to do with changing the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, but it will also ensures that the status quo is not changed by China. President Chen also states that joining the UN under the name "Taiwan" does not involve a change of national moniker. In fact, about 40 percent of UN member states did not join the UN under their national moniker. This is only a means for the 23 million people of Taiwan to express their view that they are not part of the PRC.
September 14, 2007
At a press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Michael Y.L. You indicates that in recent times, public opinion in Taiwan has repeatedly shown the people's explicit aspiration of joining the United Nations (UN), coupled with a determination to firmly safeguard Taiwan's own democratic system and national sovereignty. The September 15 rally is the reflection of the fact that the Taiwanese people have taken the initiative in demonstrating their collective will. In consideration of the long-term development of cross-strait relations, the MAC urges that the Beijing authorities should not maliciously distort the purpose of the rally, nor should they attempt to take any irrational actions against Taiwan.
September 14, 2007
The MAC issues a press release regarding the government's views on the issue of protecting the investment rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople in China. The press release states that Taiwan cannot rely only on Beijing's unilateral measures and "rule by people" to protect the rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople in China. Rather, both sides need to negotiate on the establishment of an institutionalized protection mechanism. Taiwan demands that China show sincerity in protecting Taiwanese businesspeople and negotiate with Taiwan on protecting the rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople as soon as possible. Furthermore, cross-strait economic and trade dispute arbitration should be handled through institutionalized arrangements established through negotiations involving government authority to ensure that there is no improper political interference by Chinese authorities.
September 16, 2007
The MAC expresses strong protest over malicious criticism made by the Taiwan Affairs Office against the September 15 march in support of Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN). It also notes that the march has received a high degree of international attention, and various sectors of the global community have gradually understood the resolve of the Taiwanese people to seek UN membership by peaceful, rational and democratic means. The Chinese authorities, however, have repeatedly disregarded the reality and public opinion response in Taiwan, in an attempt to muddle-headedly fabricate erroneous lies and spread misunderstanding and erroneous information to mislead the international community. China is the very culprit that brings cross-strait relations to a dangerous brink.
September 17, 2007
In a press release on expanding the working rights of Chinese spouses, the MAC indicates that at present about 60 percent of the Chinese spouses in Taiwan have working rights, and the remaining 40 percent either do not meet the requirements for a work permit or have not yet applied for a work permit. The MAC will coordinate with the Council of Labor Affairs and other agencies on jointly reviewing any adjustments to the working rights of Chinese spouses. At the same time, since this matter involves immigration policy, the employment market, and government investment of resources in occupational training and employment assistance, the MAC will also collect assessments and opinions from various agencies and submit any adjustment plans to the Executive Yuan for approval.
September 21, 2007
The Executive Yuan establishes an "Interagency Task Force on the Safety of Imported Goods" to effectively prevent the sale of substandard food on the market from endangering the safety and health of the people of Taiwan. The task force will designate a list and supervision/management timetable for strengthened examination and seizure of substandard products from China.
September 22, 2007
In an interview with CNBC Asia anchor Martin Soong, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are two separate countries, neither of which exercises effective jurisdiction over the other. This is a fact. This is the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. All our efforts are thus aimed at defending the status quo from being destroyed or changed.
September 22, 2007
Responding to the suggestion of the United Nations (UN) General Committee that the motion on Taiwan's membership in the UN not be included in the agenda for discussion during the second plenary meeting of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a press release indicating that this is the first time that Taiwan's motion has been discussed in a comprehensive, open and adequate manner. This is deeply significant as it indicates a high level of importance is attached by all sides to Taiwan's request for UN membership.
September 23, 2007
In an interview with editor-in-chief Gerhard Sporl and Beijing correspondent Andreas Lorenz of the international edition of German Weekly Der Spiegel, President Chen Shui-bian states that the main reasons that cross-strait relations cannot be normalized are: Firstly, China does not acknowledge, does not respect and does not accept that the fact and status quo that Taiwan is a sovereign country; Secondly, the Beijing authorities insist on their "one China" principle, believe that there is only one China in the world, and believe that this "one China" is the People's Republic of China (PRC), of which Taiwan is a part; and Thirdly, China's Taiwan policy is based on marginalizing, localizing, degovernmentalizing, and stripping the sovereignty of Taiwan. However, the 23 million Taiwanese people know that Taiwan is a sovereign state and that under no circumstances does it belong to China.
September 26, 2007
In response to a distorting statement made by the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council at a September 26 press conference on cross-strait consultations issues, the MAC issues a statement indicating that since the holding of the Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) in April this year, China has raised new opinions on minor issues and has even been unwilling to confirm the consensus that was already reached. It apparently intends to delay the progress of the negotiations and even deliberately distorts the facts to put the blame on Taiwan. Taiwan therefore urges the Chinese agencies responsible for Taiwan affairs to consult with the specialized units in charge of negotiations to clear up the relevant facts and not to invariably blame others, so as to avoid this matter from continuing to affect benign interactions between both sides.
September 27, 2007
In a speech delivered at the flag-bestowing ceremony for the 12th Special Olympics World Summer Games, President Chen Shui-bian stresses that Taiwan cannot vie with China for the right to represent "one China." What Taiwan can strive for is the right to represent Taiwan and the right of the 23 million Taiwanese people for representation in the United Nations.
September 27, 2007
At the evening banquet for the 2007 Mid-Autumn Festival Gathering of Taiwanese Businesspeople, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that Taiwan will actively promote all matters beneficial to both sides of the Taiwan Strait. If negotiations can be held, they should be held promptly so that an agreement can be actively reached.
September 28, 2007
At a press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Chen-yuan Tung states that the Beijing authorities claim that the difficulty in exporting Chinese mitten crabs to Taiwan has been due to Taiwan's excessively stringent inspection and quarantine requirements. Such a statement has not only revealed the Chinese authorities' disregard for the fact that substandard, or the so-called "black-hearted" food products have endangered the public's health, but it has also highlighted their abominable attitude toward and their complete disregard for consumers' rights and interests. This is something we find totally unacceptable.
September 29, 2007
At the evening banquet of the 2007 Mid-Autumn Festival Gathering of Taiwanese Businesspeople and the 7th Taiwanese Businesspeople's Golf Tournament, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that due to the changing business conditions, China-bound Taiwanese businesspeople have thus faced increasing risks in China. The Straits Exchange Foundation currently provides various types of professional assistance to Taiwanese businesspeople through its economic, trade, financial and legal consultant teams and team of volunteer lawyers, in order to truly realize the government's policy objective of actively serving the exchange and interaction needs of people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
October 3, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that the Chinese government has always treated with indifference the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights. Under the pretext of "national security" it has persistently oppressed dissidents and human rights supporters, as well as imposed restrictions on the media. For the sake of diplomatic interests, Beijing has also been a long-time supporter of the Burmese government and has turned a blind eye to that regime's violent suppression of Buddhist monks and the Burmese people. The MAC hopes the international community will not only put pressure on China, but also take concrete actions and measures to further demand that the Chinese government make improvements with regard to its persecution of freedom and human rights and other such behavior.
October 4, 2007
The MAC issues a declaration to clarify the remarks made by Ma Ying-jeou criticizing the government's policy regarding the cross-strait direct transportation links, stating that his criticisms do not conform with the facts. The declaration indicates that the Chinese authorities have engaged in political manipulations based on various motives, thus creating obstacles to cross-strait negotiations and policy implementation. Therefore, in order to smoothly promote cargo and passenger charter flights and follow-up negotiations on the direct transportation links, the ruling and opposition political parties in Taiwan should adopt a consistent position in urging the Chinese authorities to accelerate negotiations with the Taiwanese government. They should not launch groundless accusations and criticisms against the government; more importantly, Ma should avoid being unwittingly used as a bargaining chip in domestic political power struggle due to Beijing's political manipulations.
October 8, 2007
In a special article in the Youth Daily News, MAC Vice Chairman Chen-yuan Tung indicates that China's military buildup is aimed not just at Taiwan but also at establishing a hegemonic position in the Asia-Pacific region and at dictating the international political and economic order and values. The tensions and conflict in cross-strait relations are rooted in the Chinese government's attempts at eliminating the Republic of China and annexing Taiwan to accomplish the so-called "grand endeavor of national unification." This ambition is the source of the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
October 9, 2007
In a meeting with a delegation of members from the United States Republican National Committee, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the people of Taiwan have the right to participate in the international community, and that Taiwan has the right to become an official member of international organizations. This is the health human right, political human right and collective human right of the Taiwanese people.
October 9, 2007
During a meeting with Peter Hickman, vice chairman of the National Press Club (NPC) Newsmaker Committee, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states that people have the right to express different political views. Taiwan faces China's verbal and military intimidation and threats, diplomatic pressure, economic united front tactics and quest to make Taiwan politically a part of the People's Republic of China as a local government or special administrative region. The 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to say "No" to this and to refuse it through the democratic process of a plebiscite. This is the political right and civil liberty of the 23 million people of Taiwan.
October 9, 2007
At a National Day welcome banquet for Hong Kong visitors, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that the Chinese authorities have repeatedly declared to the world that Taiwan's planned referendum on its bid to join the United Nations (UN) involves constitutional reform and a change of the national moniker and flag. In fact, over the years, Taiwan has applied under different names for membership in international organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the International Olympic Committee. Therefore, Taiwan's UN membership bid under the name of "Taiwan" does not involve the so-called issue of changing the national moniker or revising the constitution.
October 10, 2007
In his 2007 National Day Address, President Chen Shui-bian states that United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution 2758, passed on October 25, 1971, neither defined Taiwan as a part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) nor affirmed the proposition that the PRC has any right to sovereignty over Taiwan. Taiwan and the PRC are two sovereign, independent nations, and neither exercises jurisdiction over the other. This is a historical fact and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The PRC has neither the right nor the ability to represent the 23 million people of Taiwan. The Taiwanese people have the right to demand appropriate representation in the UN. They also have the right to apply for admission to the UN as a new member under the name "Taiwan."
October 11, 2007
During a press conference at the Office of the President, President Chen Shui-bian states that, in the face of China's unrelenting military threats, diplomatic suppression, and economic united front tactics against Taiwan, the people of Taiwan have constantly lived under the shadow of a Chinese military attack and therefore have not been able to enjoy the "freedom from fear." In addition to strengthening Taiwan's national defenses and upgrading it self-defense capability, the government in the future will actively seek support from the free democracies of the world and vigorously strive for Taiwan's membership in the United Nations and the World Health Organization under the name of "Taiwan." Through collective security mechanisms, the government will also work to ensure that China does not unilaterally change the peaceful status quo of the Taiwan Strait and the status quo of Taiwan's democracy.
October 11, 2007
MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that the MAC began planning the opening up of Taiwan to visits by Chinese tourists in 2002. However, China has not yet lifted its restrictions on tourism visits to Taiwan by its citizens. The obstacles preventing Chinese tourists from visiting Taiwan are mainly due to political factors. Vice Chairman Liu expresses hope that both sides can as soon as possible reach a consensus on unresolved issues and ideally also complete negotiations on passenger and cargo charter flights at the same time so that Chinese tourists can visit Taiwan directly via charter flights.
October 15, 2007
In response to the contents of the "political report" delivered by Communist Party of China (CPC) General Secretary Hu Jintao at the opening of the 17th National Congress of the CPC, the MAC issues a press release reiterating that the future of Taiwan should be decided by the 23 million Taiwanese people of their own accord. This is the unswerving position and consensus among the Taiwanese people. China's unilateral imposition of its "one China" principle on the Taiwanese people is presently the biggest obstacle to cross-strait relations. The MAC urges China to clearly understand the history and reality that both sides of the Taiwan Strait have no jurisdiction over each other, to abandon its "one China" framework, to abolish the "anti-separation law," to stop suppressing Taiwan in the international arena, and to withdraw its military deployment targeting Taiwan. It also urges China to engage in formal negotiations with Taiwan's democratically elected government as soon as possible without setting preconditions to facilitate the normal development of cross-strait relations and the elimination of hostility across the Taiwan Strait, so as to achieve true peace and stability across the Strait.
October 16, 2007
During a visit to Keelung, President Chen Shui-bian states that if China really wants to promote a cross-strait peace accord, it must first do three things: abandon the framework of its "one China principle"; abolish the "anti-separation law," which provides a legal basis for militarily attacking Taiwan; and immediately remove all of the 988 tactical missiles deployed against Taiwan on China's southeast coast. If Beijing can do these three things, it will be possible in the future for both sides to sign a peace accord.
October 16, 2007
Responding to media questions at the Legislative Yuan, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that longing for peace is the shared language of both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Five years ago, President Chen Shui-bian proposed the establishment of peaceful and stable development of cross-strait relations; however, China has never responded. The "political report" delivered by Hu Jintao at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China makes acceptance of "one China" a precondition. However, this view differs from the position of the 23 million people of Taiwan, who believe they should decide their own future. This kind of political obstacle is fundamentally unable to resolve the current tensions in cross-strait relations.
October 16, 2007
Responding to Communist Party of China General Secretary Hu Jintao's statement expressing hope that both sides of the Taiwan Strait can resolve the state of hostility through negotiations under the "one China" principle, Minister of Foreign Affairs James Huang states that Hu Jintao talks at length about ending the cross-strait state of hostility, signing a peace accord, and establishing a framework for cross-strait peace. Yet he never mentions the fierce diplomatic war between both sides of the Taiwan Strait in the international arena. Nor does he mention China's suppression of Taiwan in the international community by every conceivable means or the issue of Taiwan's international space. In fact, over recent years, Hu Jintao has steadily softened his tone on Taiwan policy, but his actions, particularly in suppressing Taiwan internationally, have not softened at all.
October 17, 2007
During an interpellation at the Legislative Yuan, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that Taiwan would welcome the holding of cross-strait talks at an early date so long as the Beijing authorities do not set any preconditions and remove the "one China" framework.
October 19, 2007
In an interview with Keith Bradsher, the Hong Kong bureau chief of The New York Times, and Philip McClellan, vice editor-in-chief of the International Herald Tribune's Asia section, President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes that, Taiwan welcomes the idea of signing a peace accord with China. However, Taiwan opposes any preconditions or framework being set and any conclusions being reached prior to discussing an agreement. Taiwan is even more opposed to missile threats or the use of non-peaceful means or military force to coerce any party into signing a peace accord.
October 19, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that China's human rights violations in Tibet have seriously harmed the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people. China has turned a deaf ear to the growing international outcry against its actions. However, the Chinese authorities not only have ignored international pressure and failed to address their own internal human rights situation, but they have also even sheltered the atrocious actions of democratic suppression in Burma and Sudan. They propagandize in the international community about a "peaceful rise," but behind their rhetoric is an undemocratic and anti-democratic true face that will be exposed to the world and renounced by the international community.
October 19, 2007
During a press conference, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu states that the rights and interests of Taiwanese farmers have been greatly harmed by China's serious infringement of the trademarks of famous Taiwanese agricultural products. The Taiwanese government continues to express grave concerns to China over this matter and demand that China's relevant agencies face up to the problem and actively handle it. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Council of Agriculture (COA), and the MAC have also met with Chinese counterpart officials to demand that the Chinese side strengthen intellectual property right protections and expedite the trials on the cancellation of the stolen Taiwan trademarks. The COA will provide China with a list of protected Taiwanese agricultural products for the reference of China's relevant agencies. It will also establish an information exchange channel to facilitate necessary communication and exchanges on major trademark issues.
October 22, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that, based on the content of the political report presented at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, it appears that China's overall Taiwan policy has not changed or departed from the Taiwan work principles laid out since Hu Jintao came to power. However, it fully incorporates the related content of "Hu's four points" and "anti-separation law," and it combines the Taiwan-related theories of Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin to serve as a guiding document for future Taiwan policy. It also serves a guiding role in the direction of Taiwan work in response to the situation in Taiwan today and after the presidential election next year. The report intentionally exhibits restraint and softening towards Taiwan and the U.S., while creating an ambiguous, beneficial space and the illusion of seeking "peaceful development." However, it still uses the two-handed tactic of "placing hope on the Taiwan people" combined with hard-line opposition to Taiwan independence. It is also attempting to stir up related issues in Taiwan in an attempt to control the future course of cross-strait relations.
October 23, 2007
Minister of Foreign Affairs James issues a statement in response to the 10-day delay in notifying Taiwan about the export of suspected bacteria-infected corn from Thailand to Taiwan, due to the failure of the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) of the World Health Organization (WHO) to contact Taiwan directly. Minister Huang solemnly indicates that China has constantly deceived the international community by falsely claiming that Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China and, as such, is included in implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). This is dangerously far from the truth.
October 24, 2007
Attending the "Taiwan United Nations (UN) Day" rally, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung indicates that the Taiwanese people have suffered great injury due to Taiwan's exclusion from the UN. During the SARS outbreak of 2003, for example, Taiwan was prevented by its lack of membership in the UN and the World Health Organization from obtaining timely disease prevention information, resulting in the deaths of 73 Taiwanese people. Furthermore, though Taiwan has achieved an economic miracle, it is excluded from participation in the international development projects of the World Bank.
October 26, 2007
At a symposium on the "New Cross-Strait Situation after the 17th CPC National Congress," MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that peaceful development is the shared language of both sides of the Taiwan Strait. President Chen Shui-bian proposed this long ago, and Hu Jintao also made a response. If Beijing can remove its frameworks and not set any premises or preconditions, Taiwan welcomes dialogue on peaceful and stable development. MAC Chairman Chen urges that if Beijing truly wishes to realize the "three benefits" stated in Hu's political report issued at the 17th CPC National Congress, it should resume negotiations with Taiwan on passenger and cargo charter flights and on the opening up of Taiwan to Chinese tourists.
October 26, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that the Chinese authorities impose strict and far-reaching controls on the media. The one-sided view of Taiwan presented to the Chinese people as a result of Beijing's media filtering does not help the Chinese people understand the actual situation in Taiwan. However, the increasing ubiquity of the internet in China creates an opportunity to advance cross-strait communication and understanding. Taiwan therefore urges the Chinese authorities, for the sake of cross-strait media exchanges, to truly stop interfering with Taiwan's media websites and thereby allow a "great leap" forward in the cross-strait flow of information and show their sincerity to develop cross-strait exchanges.
October 29, 2007
During the unveiling ceremony for the new southern Taiwan office of the Fisheries Agency under the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan, President Chen Shui-bian states that since Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations (UN), it is unable to sign the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and delimit Taiwan's exclusive economic zone. This creates a serious threat to the life and property of Taiwanese fishermen. Furthermore, though Taiwan has the sixth largest deep-sea fishing industry in the world, lack of UN membership prevents it from participating in many important meetings. Taiwan is therefore in an unequal and unfair position in negotiations over fishing rights, with obligations but no rights. This is an extremely serious threat to the future development of Taiwan's deep-sea fishing industry.
October 30, 2007
Due to China's ruthless suppression against Taiwan, Taiwanese students participating in the 2007 International Biology Olympiad in Canada were prevented from carrying the national flag into the competition venue. Regarding this incident, the MAC issues a press release strongly condemning China's comprehensive suppression of Taiwan's international space for sabotaging the normal development of cross-strait relations. The incident highlights that China has escalated its suppression of Taiwan's international space even to the arena of international student competitions. The MAC expresses strong dissatisfaction over this incident and sternly condemns China for its various recent actions aimed at obstructing Taiwan's participation in the international arena.
October 31, 2007
Responding to statements made by the Taiwan Affairs Office at a press conference on October 31, the MAC issues a press release indicating that the proposal raised at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China to sign a "peace accord" on the basis of the "one China" principle clearly shows that Beijing intentionally ignores the fact that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. Furthermore, by beginning to promote the idea that both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a common destiny, and attempting to create a situation in which the future of Taiwan cannot be autonomously decided by the people of Taiwan, China shows that it still cannot clearly understand that the 23 million people of Taiwan will decide the future of Taiwan of their own accord. This is the firm position and consensus of the Taiwanese people.
November 2, 2007
During a question-and-answer session at the Legislative Yuan, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung indicates that the spirit of 1992 is that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should put aside their disputes, establish peaceful and stable relations based on the position of equal sovereignty, and coordinate with each other on the basis of parity. Both sides across the Strait can sit down and hold dialogue. The "one China" principle can be discussed as an issue, but it cannot be treated as a conclusion.
November 2, 2007
The MAC issues a press release emphasizing that no "1992 Consensus" exists between both sides of the Taiwan Strait, nor has there ever been room for "one China with respective interpretations." Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Any changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait must be approved by the 23 million Taiwanese people. The Taiwanese government can never accept the "one China" principle unilaterally proposed by China in defining cross-strait relations, nor can it accept that cross-strait relations will be developed in an unequal manner under such a preset framework.
November 2, 2007
MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates at a press conference that China has kept on paying lip service to eliminating the state of hostility through cross-strait negotiations and to signing a peace agreement with Taiwan; however, it has as usual not abandoned its military deployment and intimidation against Taiwan. Beijing has even formulated an "anti-separation law" and has attempted to lure Taiwan into accepting all kinds of snares designed by China with the aim of annihilating Taiwan. In the future, in accordance with the national interests and the people's wishes, the Taiwanese government will continue to positively and pragmatically push the Chinese authorities to resume mutual dialogue and negotiations with the Taiwanese government on the issues that are concern to both sides respectively and establish a peaceful and stable framework for cross-strait interactions, so that the development of cross-strait relations will move towards normalization.
November 2, 2007
In an article on "Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Relations Should be Based on Overall National Interests" published in the Youth Daily News, the MAC states that in terms of Taiwan's economic development, the rapid growth of cross-strait economic and trade relations has become not only an important part that cannot be ignored, but also the most important link in cross-strait relations. Under the premise of giving balanced consideration to market economy operations and national security, the MAC will continue to take steady and pragmatic steps forward in the planning and implementation of cross-strait economic and trade policy.
November 3, 2007
In a speech presented during the "National Torch Relay for Taiwan's UN Membership" activity, President Chen Shui-bian stated that due to Taiwan's long exclusion from the World Health Organization (WHO), the 23 million Taiwanese people have incessantly been exposed to threats to their health and well-being. Making efforts to join the United Nations is aimed not only at safeguarding Taiwan's status as a sovereign country from being downgraded, but also at "taking care of the people's livelihood, fighting for the rights and interests, and seeking the well-being" of the 23 million people of Taiwan.
November 3, 2007
At the opening ceremony of the International Conference on the Comparative Studies of Referendum, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan's participation in the United Nations (UN) under the name "Taiwan" not only will deeply root the initiative and referendum in the Taiwanese people's hearts, but also further consolidate the democratic spirit and the principles of self-determination and "sovereignty residing in the people."
November 5, 2007
The U.S. Department of Defense issues a press release showing support for China and Taiwan's peaceful unification and describing Taiwan's United Nations (UN) bid referendum as an "independence referendum." In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issues remarks clarifying that the desire expressed by the US to see the peaceful unification of the Taiwan Strait radically diverges from traditional US policy. Likewise, calling Taiwan's UN bid referendum an independence referendum distorts the real picture. As the Taiwan government regretted that the US government misunderstood its intention, the MOFA requests the US to clarify its stance.
November 5, 2007
In a press release entitled, "China will Never Achieve its Aims through Military Intimidation," the MAC denounces Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan's absurd statement that, "If [Chen Shui-bian] dares to make major moves towards "Taiwan independence," China must take resolute actions and firmly safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs." The MAC believes that such peremptory language aimed at intimidating the people of Taiwan is the resources of creating cross-strait tensions and undermining stability in the Taiwan Strait.
November 5, 2007
The MAC indicates in a press release that there is a clear discrepancy between President Bush's statements that the United States "is against independence for the island nation" (Taiwan) and the U.S. hopes that "Taiwan and China can unify peacefully," as printed on the website of the U.S. Department of Defense. Since such kind of wording is different from that of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. side should clarify this as soon as possible.
November 5, 2007
During a MAC Council Meeting, the MAC indicates that recently China has listed its suppression of Taiwan's efforts to join the United Nations (UN) under the name of "Taiwan" and Taiwan's U.N. referendum as its top priority in Taiwan-related work. In terms of actual manipulation, China has emphasized to Taiwan's representatives at cross-strait exchange events the harm of Taiwanese government's actions and stepped up a strategy of "using diplomacy to control Taiwan." Beijing also has actively mobilized overseas chapters of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification to propagandize China's "anti-independence, pro-unification" position and principle and to harshly criticize the efforts of the Taiwanese government. It has also sought to intimidate Taiwan by intentionally conducting military exercises directed at Taiwan. The Chinese authorities have also escalated their criticism over Taiwan through officials with higher position, in an attempt to highlight the gravity and destructiveness of the UN bid and referendum cases. Furthermore, the CPC central leadership, some local governments, the Taiwan Affairs Office, and the "Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland" (ATIEM) have cooperated with Taiwan's opposition parties and Taiwanese industrial and business sectors to jointly hold many activities related to China-bound Taiwanese enterprises, in an attempt to use close cross-strait economic and trade exchanges as part of China's strategy of "using business to surround the government" as a means of influencing the promotion of Taiwan's UN referendum. Taiwan should closely watch these two-handed tactics.
November 6, 2007
In a media interview, President Chen Shui-bian states that "proactive management and effective liberalization" is the highest guiding principle in cross-strait economic and trade exchanges. There will be no change to this basic policy during his term, particularly as regards the 40 percent ceiling on China-bound investments from Taiwan.
November 8, 2007
In a speech to a homecoming delegation of the North American Taiwanese Medical Association, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan has directly launched its campaign to join the World Health Organization and the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan," which has attracted the world's attention and received more than four to five times international media coverage than in the past.
November 8, 2007
At the award presentation ceremony for the Cross-Strait News Reporting Award, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that if cross-strait relations are to be further normalized, both sides need to sit down face-to-face and discuss political issues. Taiwan absolutely cannot accept the "one China" framework set by the Beijing authorities.
November 13, 2007
President Chen Shui-bian states that the "Cross-Strait Peaceful Coexistence Act" is in fact an "anti-independence, pro-unification" law that opposes Taiwan's status as an independent sovereign country and promotes both sides to ultimately follow a path to unification. The content and positions of the Act read like a Taiwan version of China's "anti-separation law." If the Act considers Taiwan to be an independent sovereign country, why does it advocate holding a referendum on unification and then stop at unification? There is nothing different between such an Act and the "anti-separation law."
November 14, 2007
A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office under the China's State Council states that China is returning all Taiwan postal letters stamped with a "UN for Taiwan" postmark because the postmark is an attempt by Taiwan to use its postal service to propagandize "Taiwan independence." The MAC issues a statement in response, indicating that China has always used every opportunity for extreme political manipulation, seriously affecting the rights and interests of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has seized on the incident of the postmark as an excuse. Due to its ideology, China has resorted to "postal examinations" to separate out and return mails, seriously affecting the rights and interests of senders and receivers. Moreover, it has sought to shirk responsibility and make distorting remarks in an attempt to divert attention.
November 14, 2007
Regarding Chinese official statements on sand and gravel exports to Taiwan, the MAC issues a statement indicating that, as early as February this year, the Taiwanese government entrusted the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) to assist in handling matters related to negotiations with China on sand and gravel exports. However, Beijing has delayed official talks under the excuse of having not yet gotten any response from the relevant agencies in China or by equivocation. At a press conference, the Taiwan Affairs Office indicated that in the future, the responsible authorities in China would issue export permits to mainland enterprises based on certification provided by institutions recommended by the sand and gravel industry in the Taiwan Area. It seems that China attempts to marginalize government authority exercised by the Taiwanese government through dialogue with Taiwan's civilian organizations. The MAC deeply regrets this and warns China to stop making improper statements and actions.
November 16, 2007
In a meeting with World Medical Association President Dr. Jon Snaedal and his wife, President Chen Shui-bian stresses that, given Taiwan's achievements in the areas of health, medicine and disease prevention, people throughout the world lose out as the result of Taiwan not being admitted as a formal member of the World Health Organization. He said this also constitutes a black hole and gap in the world's disease prevention network, which is not in the interest of mankind.
November 20, 2007
Regarding China's manipulation of Taiwanese businesspeople to issue a joint declaration opposing the "referendum on joining the United Nations (UN)" and "referendum on returning to the UN," the MAC issues a press release indicating that the Beijing authorities have re-concocted the "Hsu Wen-lung Incident" through divisive political tactics, economic manipulation, intimidation and bribery of Taiwanese businesspeople, and other dirty tricks, to pressure the heads of Taiwanese businesspeople's associations and demand that they issue a public statement to show their attitude, in an attempt to politically manipulate Taiwan's referendum and election process behind the scenes. This is extremely detrimental to the development of cross-strait economic and trade relations. It is also harmful to the prospects of overall cross-strait relations and exposes China's lies regarding its non-interference in economic matters by political means. The MAC solemnly indicates that China should immediately stop harassing and pressuring the Taiwanese businesspeople who have made great contributions to the Chinese economy. China should also faithfully honor its pledge to protect the rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople.
November 21, 2007
The MAC indicates that the "Cross-Strait Peaceful Coexistence Act" promoted by former United Microelectronics Corporation Chairman Robert Tsao is so unwise that it only makes sure of forbidding Taiwan to hold an independence referendum. To our surprise, the Act goes so far as to include contents stipulating that a unification referendum should be held if China has made such a demand. This type of legislation is unprecedented in human history. It would be no different from a "referendum" tailored to China's "anti-separation law," and it harbors unrealistic illusions about China.
November 23, 2007
A MAC article entitled, "Deep Concern Over the Motivations of Phony Chinese Specialists Visiting Taiwan" is published in the Youth Daily News. The article notes that the steady increase in professional exchanges between civilian sectors across the Strait has led to the occurrence of illegal and disorderly situations, such as Chinese officials "applying to visit Taiwan in false civilian capacities" and "engaging in activities inconsistent with the permitted purpose of their visit after entering Taiwan." Such incidents could certainly bring a definite degree of risk for Taiwan.
November 23, 2007
The MAC announces the launch of a special section on its website focusing on "Global Risks and Challenges in China's Economic Development" (Website: http://www.mac.gov.tw/) to provide information on various serious problems engendered by China's economic rise.
November 24, 2007
MAC Vice Chairman Tung Chen-yuan publishes an article entitled, "Robert Tsao's Hallucinogen would Lead Taiwan into a Dangerous Spot." The article states that Mr. Tsao's proposed "Cross-Strait Peaceful Coexistence Act" simply "echoes Beijing's formulation" and seriously misleads the Taiwanese people. It is therefore imperative to sternly set the record straight. The crux of the cross-strait issue is not the so-called "de jure Taiwan independence" but rather the persistent unwillingness of the government of China (the People's Republic of China) to acknowledge the fact that since 1949, the Republic of China (ROC) has continued to exist in Taiwan, that Taiwan is a sovereign country independent of China, and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. Moreover, the crux of cross-strait tensions and conflict is the Chinese government's attempt to annihilate the ROC and annex Taiwan to complete its so-called "grand endeavor of national unification."
November 25, 2007
At a symposium on the "Unification Referendum and Taiwan's Democracy," sponsored by Taiwan Thinktank, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that the "Cross-Strait Peaceful Coexistence Act" proposed by former United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) Chairman Robert Tsao echoes Beijing's "anti-separation law" and calls on the Beijing authorities to initiate a "unification referendum." This is a continuation of Beijing's strategic framework in dealing with Taiwan under the "anti-separation law" and two communiques signed by Lien Chan and James Soong with Hu Jintao. It also harms the Taiwan-centric consciousness and Taiwan's democracy.
November 26, 2007
The MAC indicates that, in coordination with the epidemic prevention and control policies of the Department of Health under the Executive Yuan, the Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens must include a health examination certificate with their first application to come to Taiwan.
November 26, 2007
A MAC Council Meeting deliberates and approves the proposal of the Government Information Office regarding the inclusion of "the platform for internet broadcast television and other broadcast television systems" under the management of related permit measures, and appends application procedures for broadcasting in Taiwan television programs from the Mainland Area, Hong Kong and Macao.
November 27, 2007
During a visit to China, French President Nicolas Sarkozy expresses opposition to Taiwan's planned referendum on its bid to join the United Nations (UN). In a meeting with Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, director of the French Institute in Taipei, to clarify Taiwan's position, Taiwan's Minister of Foreign Affairs James C.F. Huang states that the people of Taiwan have reached a consensus on Taiwan's bid to join the UN. The Taiwanese government respects their wish to carry out a referendum, which is a legitimate and democratic procedure and will not alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. President Sarkozy's remarks against Taiwan's UN referendum have hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people.
November 30, 2007
The MAC issues news reference material on the "Global Challenge of China's Energy Consumption," indicating that the growing large-scale consumption of energy by China is causing higher oil prices and is having a serious impact on global economic growth, commodity prices, and everyone's daily life. In order to ensure international energy supplies and security, China has adopted a "four-sided strike" strategy of "expanding east, advancing west, linking to the north and opening up to the south." It is taking actions to control oil supplies worldwide and is intent on using "energy diplomacy" to expand its international influence and ensure its energy security. This has already changed the strategic situation regionally and globally. The MAC also indicates that in its scramble for energy, China has strengthened its diplomatic relations through financial and other assistance. China has provided financial assistance to countries that violate human rights in order to secure energy supplies, which has aroused a high degree of concern from Europe and the US. China's such actions not only run counter to the behavior expected of a responsible world power, but also amply show the basic nature of autocratic China.
December 2, 2007
Attending a seminar on the "Current Status and Challenges for Taiwanese Businesspeople in Mainland China," MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that China is accustomed to playing the "Taiwanese businesspeople card." China has used tactics such as strict enforcement of tax and customs regulations in discriminately treating unification- and independence-leaning Taiwanese businesspeople. This has not only silenced Taiwanese businesspeople whose political stance is different from that of China, but have also preveted them from openly supporting or strengthening the Taiwanese government's policies related to Taiwan-centric consciousness. There are also countless examples of incidents in which the Chinese authorities have even used threats such as commercial interests and safeguards for Chinese employees' personal safety to coerce the responsible persons of Taiwanese enterprises and Taiwanese businesspeople's associations to pronounce anti-Taiwan independence statements or to coordinate with them to promote their political united front work. One of these example is the recent appeal made by nine presidents of Taiwanese Businesspeople's Association chapters urging Taiwan to give up the referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) and referendum on returning to the UN.
December 3, 2007
Regarding the views voiced by certain academics on cross-strait relations and the referendum on joining the United Nations (UN), the MAC issues opinions emphasizing that joining the UN under the name of Taiwan and the referendum on joining the UN are entirely unrelated to so-called "de jure Taiwan independence" and do not involve any change to the national moniker. There are some countries whose membership name in the United Nations is not their national moniker. Equating Taiwan's referendum on its UN bid with "de jure Taiwan independence" is a maneuver by China to unilaterally distort the facts and lay a bridge for China to employ its "anti-separation law."
December 3, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issues a press release responding to concerns of the European Union (EU) over Taiwan's upcoming referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) and the EU's view that the referendum is likely to lead to unilateral change in the status quo of the Taiwan Strait, which the EU opposes. The MOFA solemnly states that the Taiwanese people hope through the democratic process of a referendum to demonstrate their collective will to participate in the UN. This is the direct practice of democracy and does not involve any change to the status quo. The MOFA urges the EU to pragmatically, rationally and carefully examine the impact China is having on the international economy and regional peace and stability through its rapid but non-transparent military buildup, poor human rights record, flooding of the global market with counterfeit and substandard products, renminbi exchange rate and trade imbalance, misappropriation of energy resources, indifference to environmental protection and other censurable problems.
December 5, 2007
In a meeting with the permanent representatives of United Nations (UN) delegations of countries allied with Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the 153 words of UN Resolution No. 2758 fundamentally do not include the word "Taiwan." The resolution does not address the issue of the representation of Taiwan in the UN, nor does it say that Taiwan is a part or province of the People's Republic of China (PRC). This also leads the Taiwanese people to consider Taiwan to be a sovereign state and not a part or province of the PRC. Taiwan absolutely has the indubitable right to join the UN.
December 5, 2007
Responding to a statement by Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou that, "The 1992 Consensus on 'one China, with each side having its own interpretation' can resolve the cross-strait impasse," the MAC emphasizes that the formula of "one China, with each side having its own interpretation" as a condition for resuming cross-strait dialogue, which the Beijing authorities have never agreed to, cannot be self-interpreted as the "1992 Consensus."
December 6, 2007
In a meeting with Eni Faleomavaega, Ranking Member of the US House International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, President Chen Shui-bian states that China is currently deliberating on the establishment of an "air defense identification zone" in the Taiwan Strait. This move is aimed primarily at preventing the US and Japan from spying on China's military under the excuse of free navigation and innocent passage. However, it is a major threat in terms of undermining and changing the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and undermining and challenging the status quo of peace, security and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
December 6, 2007
China has recently made incessant use of the opportunities of diplomatic and international cooperation dialogue to defame and discredit Taiwan's planned referendum on its bid to join the UN as well as to coerce the United States, Japan, European Union and other countries into wrongly criticizing and making false accusations against democratic activities in Taiwan. In response, the MAC solemnly indicates that such manipulation of international politics by China to win international recognition for its "one China" principle and its peremptory suppression against Taiwan are the main factors that have created regional tensions and sabotaged harmonious cross-strait relations. Under such circumstances, there is a steadily increasing dissatisfaction with China among the Taiwanese people.
December 7, 2007
Attending the "International Symposium on the 20th Anniversary of the Opening of Cross-strait Exchanges," Premier Chang Chun-hsiung presents a speech expressing that in recent years, the government has adhered to the principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity in its cross-strait policy. Under the premise of upholding Taiwan-centric consciousness, the government has continued a cross-strait exchange policy. Such exchanges are aimed at promoting understanding and reconciling hostility between both sides so as to normalize cross-strait relations. The Taiwanese government has constantly extended olive branches of peace to China, but China has always adhered to its "one China" policy, intensified political, military and diplomatic suppression against Taiwan, and even has passed an "anti-separation law" to provide a clear legal basis for attacking Taiwan and ultimately unifying both sides of the Taiwan Strait. This contrasts starkly with the gentle atmosphere shown in cross-strait exchanges, and it is also currently the biggest obstacle to cross-strait development.
December 8, 2007
At the opening ceremony of the "Liberal International Conference on Human Rights," President Chen Shui-bian states that China has stepped up suppression in recent years. It has blocked Taiwan not only from international inter-governmental organizations that require statehood as a prerequisite for membership, but also from international non-governmental organizations and alliances of political parties that do not require statehood as a prerequisite for membership. What's worse, China does not stop at bullying Taiwan, but goes further to bully Taiwan's friends.
December 10, 2007
In a meeting with Raymond F. Burghardt, chairman of the board of the American Institute in Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian reiterates that the referendum on United Nations (UN) membership has two major objectives. The first is to apply for UN membership under the name of "Taiwan" so as to avoid becoming bogged down in the long-term disputes over the issue of the People's Republic of China quest for the UN representation rights of "one China." The second objective of the referendum is to express the yearning, expectation and voice of the 23 million Taiwanese people to join the UN, and the hope that this small voice can be heard by the people of the world.
December 10, 2007
In an interview with Peter David Enav, Taipei Bureau chief for the Associated Press, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that using the name "Taiwan" to apply for United Nations (UN) membership does not mean changing the national moniker, nor does it violate the "four noes" pledge. The UN referendum is not a referendum on independence for Taiwan, nor is it a step towards "de jure independence." Rather, it is a way of expressing the powerful determination, aspiration, and hope of the 23 million Taiwanese people to join the UN. The people of Taiwan no longer wish to remain an orphan abandoned by the international community. This issue must be viewed at the level of political and human rights, and the right to freedom of speech. This referendum has no bearing on the issues of unification versus independence, and does not constitute a change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
December 13, 2007
In an interview with Matthias Nass, deputy editor-in-chief of Die Zeit of Gernmany, President Chen Shui-bian states that rather than calling the referendum on joining the UN a first step towards de jure Taiwan independence, it would be more accurate to call the referendum as finally giving the 23 million Taiwanese people an opportunity to announce to the the world and to China the fact that Taiwan is not, as China claims, a part of the People's Republic of China (PRC), nor is it a local province of the PRC.
December 13, 2007
Attending a seminar on "Changes in China's Investment Environment in 2007: Business Strategies for Taiwanese Enterprises," held by the Straits Exchange Foundation, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that seeking a seat at the United Nations (UN) is the long-time ambition and right of the 23 million people of Taiwan. In order to let the international community understand this, Taiwan will show its collective will by holding a referendum, which is a democratic and peaceful method. It is hoped that China and the US will not over-interpret the collective will of the Taiwanese people to join the UN.
December 14, 2007
The MAC issues background information entitled "Endless examples of China's human rights violations have not only laid bare China's promises but have also invalidated its guarantees made during China's bid to host the Olympic Games." This news reference material indicates that in order to win the right to host the 2008 Olympic Games, China made many promises-including the improvement of China's human rights record, freedom of the press, and the protection of the environment-to the international community when it submitted its Olympic bid in 2001. However, the facts prove that six and a half years after China successfully won the Olympic bid, there has not only been no signs of any improvement in China's human rights record, but it can be even said that there is a serious retrogression in China's human rights situation.
December 17, 2007
A MAC spokesperson responds to the recent intensive visits by officials of China's Taiwan Affairs Office to the US and other countries to groundlessly attack and discredit Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN), attempting thereby to misguide the understanding of the international and overseas Chinese communities regarding Taiwan's actions to promote democracy and seek its international personality and right to existence. The spokesperson solemnly states that China recently has used coarse tactics in an attempt to equate Taiwan's referendum on joining the UN with "de jure Taiwan independence." It has also threatened to launch a war to smash "Taiwan independence," creating regional tension in order to seek personal benefit. This amply demonstrates the emptiness of its frequent claims to "promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations." The MAC urges the international community to clearly recognize that while China's claims that it does not seek hegemony, its military preparations tell a starkly different story behind the scenes.
December 19, 2007
In a meeting with Lions Clubs International President Mahendra Amarasuiya, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that Taiwan and China are mutually independent of each other and do not have cross jurisdiction. He said this is the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and it is a fact. As a result, the 23 million people of Taiwan cannot accept that Taiwan's name in the Lions Club is to be changed to "China Taiwan" and that Taiwan be included as a part of China in order to facilitate the entry of China. The president said all the members of the Lions Clubs in Taiwan hope to complete the process of formally using the name "Taiwan" as Taiwan's name in the organization as soon as possible. He said the Taiwan branch of the organization has formally set up a task force to address the name issue.
December 20, 2007
Responding to recent statements unfavorable to Taiwan by high-ranking US government officials, the MAC issues a formal statement expressing that Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) is a demonstration of the collective will of the Taiwanese people; it in no way runs counter to the "four noes" pledge, nor does it involve any change to national moniker, unilateral change to the status quo and the issue of so-called "de jure Taiwan independence." The US and China should not improperly interpret Taiwan's efforts to promote democracy, nor should they misjudge future developments in the cross-strait situation.
December 21, 2007
The MAC issues a press release expressing intense dissatisfaction and condemnation over China's unauthorized inclusion of some Taiwan ports within its territory on the list of certified ports for countries announced on the International Health Regulations (IHR) section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. China's abominable actions of constantly using political violence abusively to intensify exorbitant demands on international organizations and to peremptorily suppress Taiwan's international survival space also seriously harm the feelings of the Taiwanese people and cross-strait relations.
December 22, 2007
US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice opposes Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) and calls the referendum a provocative policy. In response, the MAC expresses strong regret and solemnly reiterates again that Taiwan's referendum on it UN bid is the demonstration of the collective will of the Taiwanese people. It does not involve any change to national moniker or unilateral change to the status quo, nor does it in any way run counter to the "four noes " pledge. It also is not, as China deceptively claims, "de jure Taiwan independence." The US has ignored China's recent political and military pressuring of Taiwan and its provocative actions in attempting to change the status quo. This highly unbalanced Taiwan Strait policy seriously impacts regional peace and stability and harms the feelings and fundamental rights of the Taiwanese people.
December 24, 2007
At a symposium on the "Referendum to Join the United Nations, Cross-Strait Relations and the Role of the US," MAC Vice Chairman Tung Chen-yuan states that the US has ignored China's continuous provocative actions to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. On the contrary, it has criticized the Taiwanese people, who have been internationally isolated in the political sphere by China, for expressing their opinion regarding the paricipation in the international community. This will only embolden China's hardliners to be even more unscrupulous and intense in pressuring and threatening Taiwan. Taiwan hopes that in its dealings with China, the US will firmly uphold its founding spirit and values by not sacrificing Taiwan's interests and democratic values and by not echoing the position of the Chinese dictatorship and supressing the expression of the will of the Taiwanese people to participate in the world.
December 25, 2007
The spokesperson of Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs comments that Taiwan's United Nations (UN) referendum is provocative and irresponsible. It is up to the international community, and not Taiwan's unilaterally declared position alone, to determine whether or not the referendum is procovative. In response, the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its position indicating that China has always criticized all efforts by Taiwan to deepen democracy as "provocative." If Taiwan's friends in the international community cannot treat this matter without bias, and on the contrary invariably echo China's views, it will not be conducive to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
December 26, 2007
During the 2007 year-end press conference at the Executive Yuan, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that from 2000 to 2007, Taiwan's market has been overly dependent on the Chinese market and the problem between Taiwan-China economic relations is the danger of overheating. At present, both sides of the Strait have made many breakthroughs in technical negotiations on passenger and cargo charter flights. The government also supports the prioritization of allowing Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan. However, China certainly has political considerations regarding this issue. As a result, it is necessary to undergo bilateral negotiations. Taiwan should also respond properly based on overall considerations.
December 26, 2007
The MAC announces the results of its most public opinion survey. The survey results indicate that 77.8% of those interviewed respond that China's attempts at pressuring Taiwan through the US will not make them oppose the holding of the referendum. This shows that the Taiwanese people hope to demonstrate their unswerving will to join the UN through the democratic and peaceful process. It also reflects to a considerable degree the Taiwanese people's dissatisfaction over the unreasonable situation that Taiwan currently suffers from in the international arena. Moreover, the public opinion survey shows that the percentage of the public believing that the Beijing authorities are unfriendly to the Taiwanese government and the Taiwanese people has again reached a new high at 66.8% and 50.6%, respectively. The MAC states that in the face of Taiwan's mainstream public opinion, China should employ a new mode of thinking and adopt new measures to resolve cross-strait hostility. This is the only way to benefit the development of cross-strait relations. Otherwise, China's so-called "placing hopes on the Taiwanese people" will only lead to even greater disappointment.
December 28, 2007
In response to recent incidents including the hunger strike by the people of Hong Kong to seek general election rights and China's attempts to block and shut out Hong Kong's Yazhou Zhoukan magazine, the MAC sternly expresses that the Chinese government on the one hand proposes to promote and advance democratization in China, while on the other hand it repeatedly ignores the mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong, makes excuses for delaying full general general elections in Hong Kong, and even shuts out a magazine that exposes the truth, in an attempt to cover up its corrupt and atrocious actions. This seriously violates universal democratic values and harms freedom of the press.
December 29, 2007
In response to the Chinese leadership's demands that Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda express non-support for Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations, the MAC seriously protests China's recent repeated peremptory methods of using forcible means to manipulate international politics to get the international community to pressure Taiwan. The MAC also emphasizes that, based on the relationship of solid friendship and mutual understanding between Taiwan and Japan, Japan should respect and trust the wisdom and resolve of the Taiwanese people to exercise their democratic rights, and it absolutely should not bow to pressure from China.
December 31, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that young intellectual elites on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are the pillars of society's overall development. Enhancing professional knowledge exchanges and communication of ideas between youth in Taiwan and China would be conducive to laying a foundation for mutual benign exchanges. However, cross-strait youth exchanges have long been unbalanced, with more Taiwanese youth visiting China, but fewer Chinese youth visiting Taiwan. In order to deal with this imbalance, the government's policy in the current stage is to promote correct understanding of Taiwanese society among Chinese youth and, by encouraging Chinese youth to come to Taiwan for exchanges, achieve the objective of deepening the understanding and awareness of Chinese youth toward Taiwan.