MAC: China should place a priority on reviewing its actions. It should renounce the use of force against Taiwan and concretely respond to Taiwan’s proposal to begin active negotiations on related cross-strait issues
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) solemnly expresses today (Feb. 8, 2006) that China has in recent years continued to massively deploy aggressive weapons and expand the scope of its military exercises targeted at Taiwan. Last year, China even maliciously enacted the so-called “anti-separation law,” which authorized the military to use “non-peaceful means and other necessary measures” against Taiwan. This unilateral attempt to change the status quo has not only seriously threatened cross-strait security, but has also constituted unreasonable and relentless suppression of Taiwan in the international arena. These facts have fully proved the nature of China’s military aggression. China’s attempts and preparations to maliciously alter the status quo make it the greatest threat and a saboteur of peace across the Taiwan Strait and in the East Asian region. Such actions will be disrespected and condemned by the 23 million Taiwanese people and the international community.
With regard to the statement made by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office at its press conference today, the MAC emphasizes that President Chen Shui-bian has repeatedly expressed that as long as China does not have the intention to invade Taiwan by force, he is willing to reiterate the “Five Noes” pledge to stabilize cross-strait relations. However, China has repeatedly shown its brutal attempts to use force to attack Taiwan. Therefore, China is completely unqualified to talk about mutual trust between both sides of the Strait. In order to preserve peace and stability across the Strait, we urge China to place a priority on reviewing its actions and immediately renounce the use of force against Taiwan.
The MAC indicated that the Taiwanese government has already completed the related plans for cross-strait passenger and cargo charter flights and visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists based on the existing cross-strait trade and economic policies. It has also clearly designated a unitary window for contacting and arranging matters related to negotiations with China. The MAC urged that China should contact Taiwan to discuss and arrange the related details as soon as possible, rather than deliberately obstructing cross-strait negotiations. China is urged not to confuse and deceive the international community by camouflaging the reality with apparent inconsistencies between its words and actions. If China is sincere, it should concretely respond to Taiwan’s proposal through the windows authorized by both sides and actively make arrangements for cross-strait negotiations on related issues.