Remarks at theMainland Affairs Steering Committee of the Kuomintang─A Policy
Initiative Towards Mainland China─ Lien Chan
Vice President
Republic of China
This is the first meeting of the KMT's Mainland Affairs Steering Committee in
the new millennium. As we now recall, in 1987, the late Chairman Chiang
Ching-kuo decided to permit Taiwan residents to visit their relatives on the
Chinese mainland, thus starting private-sector exchanges between the two sides
of the Taiwan Strait. In 1991, Chairman Lee Teng-hui announced the termination
of the Period of National Mobilization for Suppression of the Communist
Rebellion, opening the door to consultations and interaction between the two
sides.
Today, we are meeting to discuss and review our mainland policies. This
meeting signifies the necessity of reconsidering such policies for the new
century, the new era, and the new environment. As we review our past policies,
it is even more important for us to make constant breakthroughs during this
period of transition. We are working to protect the security, prosperity, and
welfare of the 22 million people in Taiwan and enhance the common interests of
the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
I am deeply impressed by the reports, which are very important, and the
opinions of several members of the committee. At a time when the two sides are
about to join the World Trade Organization, we should also try to create a new
environment in which people on the two sides can both enjoy reciprocity,
prosperity, and a win-win situation. This will be beneficial for the long-term
development of bilateral relations and can be achieved only with a
forward-looking view, a rational attitude, and a pragmatic approach.
I have said that bilateral relations at the current stage can best be
characterized by "three yes's" and "three no's." The "three no's" are no
immediate unification, no independence, and no antagonism. The "three yes's" are
yes to peace, yes to exchanges, and yes to a win-win result. I have also said
that "anything can be discussed as long as there are no preconditions." I have
even expressed my willingness to visit the Chinese mainland and hold direct
talks with the mainland leadership after I am elected president. All this shows
our sincerity.
We understand that we cannot unilaterally institute bilateral exchanges and
consultations. A goodwill, reciprocal relationship requires sincerity and
patience from both parties. Therefore, I now call on the mainland authorities to
implement political and economic reforms in accordance with world trends. We
also expect Beijing to work diligently to improve the lives of the people and
demonstrate sincere, peaceful intentions towards fellow countrymen on this side
of the Taiwan Strait.
During the past 50 years, the two sides have experienced conflicts and
antagonism, wasting excessive resources and manpower. At the beginning of the
new century, we should no longer be tangled in these quarrels between brothers,
which only hurt brotherly feelings and do nothing good for the international
community. Therefore, I would like to propose that the governments and peoples
on the two sides of the strait adopt a new way of thinking. Let us show our
courage and a sense of mission to permanently abandon to the old century those
wars and conflicts which have tied us down for nearly half a century.
Since he became head of state, Chairman Lee has devoted all his efforts to
accomplishing democratic reforms, which have transformed the ROC into an
outstanding leader of the world's third wave of democracy and an excellent model
for the future development of the Chinese mainland. Democratic reform has also
taught Taiwan's people to be the masters of their own destiny. Such positive
thinking has insisted on the assurance of the nation's survival and dignity, as
well as our international presence in a reasonable manner. Therefore, our
mainland China policy will be meaningful only if it is committed to enhancing
the rights and interests of Taiwan and sharing our experience with the mainland.
The democratic procedures for Taiwan's people and the progress of
democratization on the Chinese mainland are essential conditions for the
development of cross-strait relations.
While there are frequent private trade exchanges and people-to-people
contacts between the two sides, our two governments do not have a direct channel
of communication. This has hindered the elimination of mutual hostility and the
realization of mutual respect and non-discrimination in the international arena.
In this age of the global village, countries around the world, without
exception, seek to resolve issues and differences to foster beneficial,
normalized relations through meetings between their leaders. In this new
century, I believe that the leaders in Taipei and Beijing should squarely face
the reality that the two sides have separate governments. They should meet as
soon as possible to initiate an open and sincere dialogue on any topic that
would be beneficial to the welfare of the people on both sides, thereby ushering
cross-strait relations into a new era of negotiations, rather than antagonism.
At a meeting with foreign guests on July 23 of last year, I set forth the
following four principles for cross-strait relations at the current stage.
First is the principle of pragmatism. Prior to national reunification, both
sides will naturally have different interpretations of "one China." President
Lee's statement on July 9 regarding the "special state-to-state relationship"
between Taiwan and the mainland was nothing more than a pragmatic definition of
our status, which coincides not only with the current political situation across
the strait but also with the legal reality that the two sides have separate
governments, with neither subordinate to the other.
Second is the principle of parity. We are not a local government and should
enjoy an equal status in any dialogue with Beijing. Insisting on the principle
of parity is not tantamount to advocating Taiwan independence. It would be wrong
to equate this insistence with pursuing "Taiwan independence" or the "division
of the country."
Third is the principle of progress. Cross-strait relations should not remain
stagnant without progress, much less move toward further alienation. They must
advance toward preserving security and dignity for both sides.
Fourth is the principle of peace. Taiwan and the mainland should not remain
militarily hostile toward each other. No issue between the two sides should lead
to armed conflict. Rather, all issues should be resolved peacefully, and
antagonism should be replaced by friendship. Then, we can devote our valuable
resources to enhancing the well-being of the people on both Taiwan and the
mainland.
Today, I solemnly declare that, if mainland leader Jiang Zemin takes concrete
actions demonstrating a sincere desire for peace, I will work to move the
cross-strait relationship into the medium-term phase of the Guidelines for
National Unification (i.e., the phase of mutual trust and cooperation), after I
am elected president. This initiative of mine will promote a "brotherly
relationship of peaceful competition" between the two sides. It will include:
1. A visit to Taiwan by Mr. Wang Daohan can be the starting point for
meetings between leaders from both sides to forge a consensus on peace in the
Taiwan Strait. Summit meetings can then be arranged on a regular basis.
2. Official communication channels can be established on the basis of parity,
so that problems can be directly and effectively resolved and cooperation
initiated.
3. Based on the norms of the World Trade Organization, we can review
cross-strait economic and trade relations, relax restrictions on investment and
trade between the two sides, and hold consultations on direct postal, trade, and
transportation links.
4. To expand the function of the existing offshore transshipment center, we
can set up a special cross-strait economic and trade zone; give first priority
to consultations on allowing trade and navigation contacts between the Kinmen
and Matsu area and the mainland's coastal region; and set up a zone of peace
embracing Kinmen, Matsu, and Fujian.
5. To assist each other in participating in international organizations and
activities, both sides should actively conduct dialogue and work together, with
a broad and forward-looking vision, to promote financial stability and economic
cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
6. The two sides should negotiate confidence-building measures in military
affairs, promote exchanges of relevant military personnel, as well as
announcements and verifications about military exercises, and military observers
for such exercises. A hot line between the heads of both governments should also
be set up.
7. The two sides should sign a peace agreement to formally end hostility and
create a zone of peace in the Taiwan Strait, so as to ensure cross-strait
prosperity and development, as well as the security of the Asia-Pacific region.
8. Both sides should promote exchanges on democratization and economic
development to reduce civil rights and economic gaps between them for the
welfare of people on the two sides of the Strait.
9. The two sides should promote cross-strait orderly exchanges and build
various regimes for resolving issues resulting from exchanges through
negotiation.
10. Both sides should safeguard the rights and interests of Taiwan
businessmen on the Chinese mainland, show concern for their situations, and sign
an investment guarantee agreement.
As we look into the distant future, only if the two sides help each other,
can prospects for merging be effectively enhanced. As for the direction of
merging, if the Beijing authorities give us a friendly response to my proposals
mentioned above and do not insist on "one country, two systems" in advance, we
are also willing to enlist the wisdom of all the world's Chinese people to
consider a model for lasting political integration between the two sides.
For a government policy-maker, the top priority of government should be
seeking peace, avoiding war, promoting cooperation, and creating a win-win
situation between the two sides. Over a long period of time, I have participated
in formulating and promoting mainland and foreign policies. I enthusiastically
hope:
-- that "Chinese will not attack Chinese." Let the world see a Taiwan Strait
that is free of roaring cannons and raging battles.
-- that "Chinese will help Chinese." Let the world see friendly exchanges,
cooperation, sincere trust, and mutual benefit between the two sides.
With all my sincerity, patience, and effort, I hereby pledge myself to
working hard towards fulfilling and expanding the rights and interests of the
Republic of China, as well as the happiness and welfare of the people on both
sides. The outcome will be in the best interests of the people of the two sides
and a blessing for the Chinese nation.