| Subjects: |
- Seminar on Mainland China and Asia-Pacific Region; 1992 consensus; DPP’s pro-independence platform; Koo-Wang meeting.
|
Vice Chairman Chong-Pin Lin
at the June 2, 2000 Press Conference
His Report:
MAC and National Sun Yat-sen University will jointly sponsor an international conference on "Mainland China and the Asia-Pacific Region: Interaction and Trends" at the university’s auditorium June 3-4. Local and foreign China affairs experts are invited to have extensive discussion and evaluation of Mainland China’s interplay with the Asia-Pacific Region in political, diplomatic, economic, social, cultural, as well as military affairs. Subjects include the PRC’s relations with the United States, Japan, and the Association for South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Beijing’s changing foreign policies, its economic reform schedule, its military cooperation and competition, and the new cross-strait political and economic ties. I will give a speech titled "US: Protect Taiwan, Pursue Mainland" on the morning of June 3. Mainland China’s cross-century economic and political development will have a pronounced impact on the peace, cooperation and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. MAC hopes to use this conference to pool opinions from scholars at home and abroad and to make them pay close attention to this issue.
Questions and Answers:
Q. (ARATS Vice Chairman) Tang Shubei in a news conference yesterday said that Taiwan had overturned the "1992 consensus," thus forfeiting the basis for cross-strait talks, and making it premature to say that the Koo-Wang Talks could be held in October. What is your comment?
A. Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen already commented on this. The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) discussed “one China” in 1992, but failed to reach a conclusion. If there existed a "1992 consensus," that would be (the definition of one China should be up to) respective interpretations.
Q. Ms. Tsai said whether the future leads to (China) reunification, (Taiwan) independence, or the status quo, these three scenarios are not necessarily the only alternatives. There could be other possibilities. Can you elaborate on that?
A. This question must await her more official interpretation. As an observer of the Mainland situation, I strongly agree with her views. This is because in any change in cross-strait relations, the No. 1 variable is still Mainland China’s internal situation. So far, we only treat Mainland China as a constant, without discussing its changes. But, if we include changes in Mainland China in the whole picture, the variables will increase many times. This is my personal observation, which has not based on any consultation with her.
Q. ARATS recently underwent a minor personnel reshuffle. Can you evaluate the future centerpiece in (Mainland China’s) works toward Taiwan?
A. We have our expectation. But as MAC spokesman, I find it inappropriate to comment on ARATS personnel arrangements.
Q. The new government seemed to just consider the next step as it moved every step forward on cross-strait relations (without planning ahead). What will be the new government’s cross-strait policy? It seems quite vague. What are the factors causing difficulty in policy-making?
A. I respect your personal view and the views of others. But the new government has been in operation for only one week. I believe the chairperson and others must have long-term and comprehensive planning, which might take a while to put in place. I will pass your valuable opinions to them, and the new government will certainly advance toward the right direction and strive for the interests of the entire people.
Q. Chairperson Tsai recently met SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu. Can you reveal what they discussed?
A. I was not present. I will pass your request to the chairperson.
Q. Beijing sources said that if the DPP revised its pro-independence platform, it will consider relaxing cross-strait relations and even resuming talks. How would you evaluate such an attitude? Should the DPP abandon its long-held Taiwan independence platform?
A. I am an independent. I have no capacity to comment on the operation of any particular political party. These words from the Beijing side are not heard for the first time. Also, similar expressions could be heard in the future.
Q. If the DPP indeed did so, what will be the impact on cross-strait relations, in your view?
A. I really find it inappropriate for me to comment on this.
Q. According to Tang Shubei, Koo-Wang Talks would impossibly be held in October. However, Chairperson Tsai told a Legislative Yuan meeting today that it is still possible for the two to meet, since December will be too cold for the two senior gentlemen to meet. The chairperson said MAC will try its best to facilitate the meeting. Has MAC done any concrete planning for that?
A. When the time ripens, Chairperson Tsai will make a further report. Basically, we are actively engaged in planning and evaluating every feasible and constructive arrangements.
Q. Tang’s words in effect rejected our good will. Should Chairperson Tsai have no definite confidence, it would be impossible for her to display good will even after a refusal had been made from the other side. Why there is a change. What are the criteria MAC used in evaluating the situation?
A. We never assumed Beijing will definitely commit to one thing. We just hope it can respond with good will. As for what we can do internally, we are trying our best to make evolution and to move forward.
Q. (The president of Academia Sinica) Lee Yuan-tze said the multi-partisan task force (Consensus group on Mainland affairs) which he organized will be established in one month. How will its role differ from that of the SEF-ARATS mechanism?
A. I was not involved in the planning of this, so I cannot give you more details.