The Chinese government’s enactment of the “anti-separation law”(so-called anti-secession law) restricts the rights, interest, and freedom of expression of the Taiwanese people. In response, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu, reiterated today (March 16, 2005) in an interview that Taiwan is a democratic and diverse society. As an important and responsible member of the international community, Taiwan should clearly declare its peace-loving and democratic position to the international community, and urge the international community to jointly condemn China for sabotaging cross-strait peace and stability and for infringing upon the rights of the Taiwanese people.
Chairman Wu stated that over these years China has repeatedly emphasized its so-called “peaceful rise” in an attempt to use its economic strengths to broaden its international influence. However, China’s unilateral action of enacting of the “anti-separation law” has undermined its international image. According to media reports gathered by the Government Information Office, more than 1,700 international press reports, as of today, have criticized the “anti-separation law” as being a war authorization law and a blank check aimed at using force against Taiwan. More than a dozen governments have issued statements, including the U.S., which clearly expressed that it would not tolerate any action of non-peaceful means. Japan has also strongly opposed the use of non-peaceful means which escalates cross-strait tension. The European Union, Australia, and Canada have also issued similar statements. The number of countries issuing similar criticisms is increasing which has exerted great pressure on China.
Chairman Wu believes that the international condemnation against China’s enactment of the “anti-separation law” is the most appropriate punishment for Beijing. For this reason, Taiwan continues to form “briefing delegations” to explain on its position to the international community through the media. Currently, Taiwan’s countermeasure has achieved initial results. Chairman Wu indicated that intense international opinions have made China realize that its policy is erroneous. Therefore it has extended goodwill gestures such as the proposal for implementing holiday charter flights and for opening the mainland Chinese market for Taiwanese agricultural products. Such petty concessions and the carrot-and-stick tactic are not conducive to the development of cross-strait relations. In addition, Chairman Wu stated that the expression of the Taiwanese people’s opinions is also a very good and effective countermeasure. The political parties in Taiwan and the Legislative Yuan have also expressed their stern opinions. Public survey shows that the majority Taiwanese people are strongly opposed to the enactment of the “anti-separation law.” Past events such as Hong Kong people’s opposition to the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law and the Taiwanese people’s condemnation of the Qiandao Lake Accident demonstrate that the people’s opinions can compel the Chinese government to change its policies and measures.
Chairman Wu stated that in the future, the Taiwanese government will continue to observe for realistic and sincere response from the Government before proceeding with the process of normalizing cross-strait relations. China must implement democratization and promote a pluralist politics in order to resolve the cross-strait issue.