| Subjects: |
- DPP legislators' draft bill; Lien's 10-point proposal; Elementary school for children of Taiwan businessmen on the Mainland.
|
MAC Vice Chairman Chong-Pin Lin
at the February 18, 2000 Press Conference
His Report:
At the third meeting of the second session of the Fourth Legislative Yuan (LY), Democratic Progress Party (DPP) Legislator Shen Fu-hsiung and other 38 legislators proposed the draft “Omnibus Law for the Revisions of Our National Laws in Reference to the PRC”. On this, the government has adopted no codification and no constitutional amendment. At the previous LY session, the bill was tabled 14 times and it will be presented this session. MAC will work with Kuomintang (KMT) legislators to prevent the bill from becoming a factor affecting peace and stability in cross-strait relations.
Questions and Answers:
Vice President Lien Chan's 10-Point Proposal
Q. In a conference discussing Vice President Lien Chan's 10-point proposal (on cross-strait relations), Chao Chun-shan, professor at National Chengchi University, said that Lien's Mainland policy is better than those presented by the two other leading presidential candidates, James Soong (independent) and Chen Shui-bian (DPP). Chao said that Lien's reference to the brotherhood and ethnic ties is rare and bold. Mainland China should not ignore Lien's efforts and overtone because of the “special state-to-state relationship” (presented by President Lee Teng-hui). What does the “overtone” mean?
A. This should be answered by professor Chao. I can not answer for him. However, I think that if everyone can spend more time on policy discussion, this will be a positive development. Policy discussion in place of slandering is a sign of improved operation of democracy on Taiwan. Above all, when people from various fields are paying greater attention to the government's Mainland policy, MAC is pleased to see such a development. MAC always has paid great attention to the views from the general public, and we will review their opinions in detail.
Feasibility of Cross-Strait Military Confidence-Building Measures
Q. MAC Chairman Su Chi often stresses that Lien's policy is new and feasible. The sixth point (of Lien's policy) is about “negotiating a cross-strait military confidence-building measures.” If MAC put this policy into practice, how feasible is it, given Mainland China's dogmatic stance on Taiwan?
A. In 1989, I suggested that the two sides establish a “hot line.” But, up to today, the key issue still depends on Mainland China's goodwill. We already extend a warm hand, and hope that Mainland China does not keep clenching its fists.
VP Lien's Proposal on “Active Defense Strategy”
Q. In cross-strait relations, Lien introduced “active defense strategy” for Taiwan's defense. On the other hand, he called for developing intermediate - and long-range missiles to safeguard Taiwan's security. These two proposals seem to be conflicting against each other. What is MAC's view on that?
A. The key is that Mainland China must show a sign of goodwill. If the PRC beefed up its military forces and launched military exercises with target enemy, Taiwan has no other choice but to take safeguard measures to defend itself. But if the PRC demonstrated goodwill, the two sides can sit down and study Lien's proposals introduced yesterday. Lien's plan is forward-looking, with an expectation for Mainland China to think in a positive way the peace and welfare of its own people, the people in Taiwan, the two sides and the world.
Q. Taiwan businessmen are establishing an elementary school for their children on the Mainland. What is MAC's policy and position on that?
A. MAC has worked closely with Taiwan businessmen to handle this matter, hoping that the establishment per se is not to become politic. MAC has spent a lot of time studying the feasible ways to allow their children to continue education on the Mainland.
VP Lien's Proposal on Sstablishing an “Official Negotiation Channel on Equal Basis”
Q. Lien mentioned establishing an “official negotiation channel on equal basis.” What are the details of time and place and level for this channel?
A. Lien's proposal is only a plan, in view that all major disputes in the world are to be resolved at summit meetings or through government-to-government communication channels. It is unnecessary to present the details and talk about other points now. The level (of communication) is a technical matter. Of course, the priority is for Mr. Wang Daohan, chairman of Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), to visit Taiwan. This should be tantamount to government-to-government negotiations between the two sides. What follows will depend on the development of cross-strait relations.
VP Lien's Proposal on “The Taiwan Strait Peace Zone”
Q. Lien, Soong, and Chen all mentioned “three direct links” and “special relationship” in their Mainland policies. Also, they all stressed the importance of peace. However, Lien is the only candidate introducing “The Taiwan Strait peace zone.” Whether the “Taiwan Straits peace zone” is a plan for the mid-term stage or something that can be agreed upon through cross-strait negotiations?
A. He proposed the establishing of a “Kinmen, Matsu, and Fujien Peace Zone.” This plan is to start with a small area and incrementally to expand to a “The Taiwan Strait Peace Zone.” Lien's plan is holistic, involving not only commercial but also social, military, and political (exchanges).
Comparison of Three Major Presidential Candidates' Mainland Policies
Q. What is the difference between Lien's 10-point proposal and Soong's or Chen's Mainland policies?
A. We should respect the wisdom of the general public and the media's judgment. Mr. Lien has introduced many plans, which are pragmatic, forward-looking, consistent, and feasible. You are welcome to make comparison on your own.
| The MAC News Briefing is an English transcript of the weekly news conference held by the Mainland Affairs Council. We try our best to provide an accurate English translation. In case of discrepancy, the Chinese text rules. |