Minister Lai emphasizes that missile withdrawal should
be a matter of action by the Mainland, and not for "talks." She calls on the Mainland
to abandon its policy and thinking of using military force against Taiwan so that
the two sides can lay a foundation for lasting peace and mutual trust
During a speech and in reply to questions at the American Enterprise
Institute (AEI) in Washington, D.C. today (August 4, 2010; U.S. Eastern Standard
Time), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Lai Shin-yuan stated that mainland
China should never use military force in dealing with cross-strait issues. The withdrawal
of Mainland missiles is something that should be done. It is not a topic for negotiation,
nor should it be carried out with any political preconditions. Minister Lai clearly
indicated that the Mainland must respect and face up to the fact of the existence
of the Republic of China and forsake its policy and thinking of using military force
as a means of resolving cross-strait differences. This is the only way that the
two sides can establish a complete foundation of mutual trust and further promote
long-term peaceful cross-strait relations.
Minister Lai was invited by the AEI to present a speech on "Taiwan's
Mainland Policy: Borrowing the Opponent's Force and Using it as One's Own, Turning
the Threat of a War into Peace and Prosperity. " The lecture was attended by over
one hundred people from the U.S. government and academic sectors. Minister Lai highlighted
the major process and implications of recent developments in cross-strait relations
from the aspects of cross-strait negotiations, the cross-strait Economic Cooperation
Framework Agreement (ECFA), the relationship of Taiwan's soft power with cross-strait
relations, and political and military issues of cross-strait relations. She emphasized
that Taiwan's democratic system and economic strength are important forces in cross-strait
negotiations and dialogue, as well as in building harmony in the Taiwan Strait and
the East Asia region. This is consistent with the shared values and interests of
Taiwan and the U.S. in this region. Minister Lai told the audience that Taiwan has
adopted the Tai Chi tactic of "borrowing the opponent's force and using it as one's
own," applying this rationality and wisdom to face up to mainland China's rising
power. Taiwan's soft power and the "Taiwan experience" are important bargaining
chips in promoting cross-strait negotiations, as well as key elements in advancing
economic, trade, and social transformation in mainland China. In the future, Taiwan
will further upgrade this positive influence as cross-strait interactions deepen
and broaden. Minister Lai also expressed belief that the international community,
especially the U.S., should attach importance to such influence, and further strengthen
bilateral dialogue and substantive relations with Taiwan on the development of cross-strait
relations and regional security issues.
Minister Lai reiterated that the timing and conditions are still
not ripe for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to embark on political and military
talks. A sense of urgency on one side alone cannot be sufficient reason for demanding
the other side to meet its subjective expectations. Minister Lai also emphasized
in her speech that mainland China is still continuing to expand its military deployment
against Taiwan and is still not willing to change its thinking on the use of military
force against Taiwan. These are the obstacles to the development of cross-strait
relations, and they need to be eliminated. The U.S. support for the development
of cross-strait relations and its firm position on arms sales to Taiwan give Taiwan
confidence and strong backing when it is promoting cross-strait relations. Minister
Lai indicated that the Republic of China is resolved in maintaining a solid self-defense
capability. She urged the U.S. to provide Taiwan with needed military equipment
according to the Taiwan Relations Act and not to consult with the Mainland side
on the issue of arms sales.
In addition, the participating scholars and reporters asked Minister
Lai many questions regarding Taiwan's progress in negotiating free trade agreements
(FTAs) with other countries since the signing of the ECFA, as well as the Mainland's
attitude towards these developments. Minister Lai stated that recently many countries
and trade partners have expressed strong interest in signing FTAs with Taiwan. The
government also is actively assessing and planning related affairs and has already
made good progress. She emphasized that as a member of the World Trade Organization
(WTO), Taiwan is entitled to sign FTAs with other trade partners. Therefore, the
power to make such decisions lies with Taiwan and not the Mainland.
During the speech and question-and-answering session, Minister
Lai fully expounded on the government's cross-strait policy thinking and actions
over the past two years, as well as the major results and follow-up planning related
to the ECFA negotiations. The participants all expressed positive views on the development
of cross-strait relations. During her stay in the U.S. Minister Lai plans to visit
government officials, major think tanks, scholars, and overseas Taiwanese groups
before returning to Taipei on August 8.