In response to the passage of the “anti-separation law”(so-called anti-secession law) by China's National People Congress, MAC Chairman Joseph Wu said during an interview with Singapore's CNBC Asia that the use of any form of non-peaceful means to resolve cross-strait differences violates the U.N. Charter. The Chinese government has deliberately insisted on passing a legislation for “non-peaceful means” against Taiwan, which clearly has serious adverse impact on Taiwan. The Taiwanese government issued a solemn statement in response, and different political parties also took on different forms of protests. The MAC convened a press conference to urge the international community to support Taiwan and to jointly condemn China for its provocation that sabotages cross-strait peace and stability.
Chairman Wu indicated that the name of the law “anti-separation law” and its intent are targeted at Taiwan. The main articles of the law emphasize the use of non-peaceful means to resolve the Taiwan issue. However, both sides of the Strait have been governed by separate governments since 1949 and have no jurisdiction over each other. Meanwhile, Taiwan has elected its central government through democratic means. By passing the legislation, China has unilaterally authorized its State Council and Central Military Commission the right to invade Taiwan at will, under any circumstance, and by any means. The Taiwanese people strongly oppose and cannot accept such legislation.
China's attempt to use undemocratic and non-peaceful means to oppress the Taiwanese people has raised concerns from the U.S. government, the international community and the media. Japan, Australia and members of the European Union have also issued unprecedented severe criticisms of China's action. Chairman Wu expressed his disagreement that China has always misunderstood and harbored a hostile attitude towards Taiwan's democratic re-engineering project. It began in 1996 during Taiwan's first direct presidential election, when China attempted to intimidate Taiwan by test-firing missiles in the Taiwan Strait. Similar misunderstanding and antagonism have continued to occur. Chairman Wu emphasized that the government's purpose in amending the constitution is to improve governmental operation and efficiency. This constitutional amendment will neither involve the issue on sovereignty nor change the status quo across the Strait. The government's policy towards China is aimed at narrowing the gap between the two sides. However, China's action has instead driven the two sides further apart.
Chairman Wu indicated that, China has actively participated in international politics and developed international relations over recent years. China hopes that the international community will view its development as peaceful. In reality, China has attempted to resolve the cross-strait issue arbitrarily through non-peaceful means. If more international opinions are expressed in agreement, China might consider using more peaceful and democratic means to resolve the Taiwan issue.
Chairman Wu made the above comments during yesterday's interview with Singapore's CNBC Asia. According to the CNBC Asia reporter, the station had hoped to interview Chinese officials but none accepted the invitation.