| Subjects: |
- Appointment of another MAC vice chairman; Poll; PRC’s military exercise; Three direct links and small three direct links.
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MAC May 25, 2000 Press Conference
1. Announcement by Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen
Dr. Tsai announced the new appointment of a third vice chairman of MAC, Mr. John C. C. Deng, and the appointment procedure has been completed through the due process. Mr. Deng is currently the chief of the economic division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. A graduate of the Law School of Soochow University, Mr. Deng obtained his master's degree form George Washington University in the United States. He was qualified in the foreign service examination and the examination for overseas economic officers. He served for years in the Board of Foreign Trade and handled Taiwan-U.S. bilateral trade relations, Taiwan’s bid to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and contacts with Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
He has been involved in the reform of government regulatory regimes and legislation to conform to WTO norms. In trade negotiations, he has developed good working relations with officials of other governments as well as ministries of the ROC government. This is why MAC needs his expertise. The focus of MAC operations in the next stage will be on promoting cross-strait economic exchanges. To achieve that end, many government policies must be overhauled, requiring extensive inter-ministerial coordination and negotiations. MAC needs someone with a trade and economic background to handle inter-ministerial coordination.
Vice Chairman Chen Min-tong
at the May 25, 2000 Press Conference
His Report:
The public opinion survey on cross-strait relations after Mr. Chen Shui-bian assumed office as the ROC President.
According to the survey consigned by MAC to the Chinese Credit Agency, 89.6% of people support the five-noes policy proposed by President Chen in his inaugural speech. A great majority (83%) consider that President Chen expressed his good will to Mainland China in his speech, and believe that Beijing should respond with good will as well. Results show that 87.6% of those surveyed agree that equal footing for the two sides must be first secured in order to help the government to have talks with the Mainland. Also, 76.6% of respondents support the idea that Mainland China must first start democratization before the two sides can negotiate over unification. Asked to comment on holding cross-strait talks on the "one China" issue, 53% respondents agreed, compared to 39% who disagreed about doing so. On unification or independence, those who support a broadly-defined status quo constitute a great majority (90%), roughly the same percentage as indicated in previous results. Asked to comment on the PRC’s use of the "one country, two systems" formula for cross-strait relations, 83.7% were opposed, compared to 12.2% who were in favor of it. Most (41%) believe that cross-strait relations will become more relaxed in the future while 41.4% said there would be no change. Those who believe that cross-strait relations will tense up represent only 12%. This survey was done by telephone interviews from May 21 to 23 with a valid sample of 1,067 adults aged 20-69 in the Taiwan area.
Questions and Answers:
Q. The survey showed that an overwhelming majority (more than 80%) of respondents hope to maintain the status quo until Mainland China starts democratization. Does this high percentage indicate that Taiwan people are seeking only a shelter, since democratization in Mainland China cannot be accomplished in the short term?
A. The question is asked this way, "Some people support that before the two sides embark on talks on unification, Mainland China must first begin democratization. Do you agree with this statement?" Results show that 28% strongly agree and 48.6% agree, totaling 76.6%. People in Taiwan support having a premise for national unification, which is Mainland China’s democratization. This means that people would rather the two sides are competing for a better system. People’s expectations will be the major reference for government policy-making. The new government has repeatedly emphasized that people must develop a consensus for cross-strait relations.
Q. The PRC began today to launch a week-long military exercise along the coast of Fujian province. What is your view? MAC chairperson Tsai Ing-wen has interpreted Beijing’s reactions since May 20 up to now as very friendly. Does the military exercise beginning today conflict with your interpretation?
A. The Ministry of National Defense (MOND) has already commented on the PRC’s military exercises. MAC will refrain from making other comments. However, we must emphasize that President Chen expressed strong good-will messages in his inaugural speech.
Q. The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) bill for China. What will be the impact on cross-strait relations?
A. President Chen has made considerable comments on U.S. PNTR for China. MAC welcomes cross-strait relations moving toward multiple-win situation. The passage today will be positive for Beijing’s accession to the WTO. We hope that Beijing’s membership in the WTO can contribute to a more open Mainland economy compatible with international trade norms. This will benefit cross-strait trade and economic relations. Therefore, speaking from the perspective of cross-strait relations, we look forward to a multiple-win outcome.
Q. Some believe that PNTR will help stabilize peace in the Asia-Pacific region as well as benefit cross-strait relations. What is your personal view?
A. We share the same view. The new century has brought a new sense of globalization, and the multinational framework is positive for regional stability. (French philosopher) Montesquieu said that "commerce makes civilization." When there is business, there is civility. Chinese also said that "Gentility brings in fortune." Therefore, the stability in the Asia-Pacific region is closely hinged to trade development and fortune from gentility.
Q. President Chen said that before the three direct links are liberalized, the small three direct links shall be liberalized first. Has MAC begun policy planning for the small three direct links?
A. The new government has been pro-active in liberalizing either the big three direct links or the small three direct links. But, both involve many complicated issues, particularly that of national security. The primary concern in the promotion of various cross-strait exchanges is national security. What President Chen said of the "new middle way" also refers to the No. 1 concern -- national security. So, when we are evaluating the feasibility of the small three direct links, we must have to accommodate national security first and then establish a regime for the three links to be liberalized gradually. There must be an evaluation process, and in the process, our attitude is pro-active.
Q. Chenglan Temple in Tachia town, Taichung County, filed an application for direct transportation (between the two sides) for religious purposes. Does MAC today have different views from the previous government? Is such transportation required to dock at a third place (before arriving in Taiwan)?
A. The reference such as "direct transportation for religious purposes" is not correct. It should be called "indirect transportation for religious purposes." That is to say, the ship must be a foreign-registered ship, via a third place, and approved on a case-by-case basis. Direct transport to Mainland China, or from Kinmen or the Pescadores to Mainland China is not permissible under the current law.
Q. The president has expressed good will in his inaugural speech. Are we waiting for Mainland China’s response with good will?
A. We believe that the PRC’s Taiwan affairs system is studying closely President Chen’s speech. We hope Beijing can appreciate President Chen’s good intention. In this new age, we should have new thinking and new concepts. Any friendly thinking and response from the Mainland side will "lead the boat out of the shade of willows to find a new horizon full of blossoms."
Q. You mention that President Chen’s "new middle way" has national security as the centerpiece. But, he said that the three direct links could be realized this year. Do you foresee the national security issue being cleared away this year?
A. We are studying how to establish a regulatory regime to govern the three direct links in order to gradually relax them. If the regime can be established, the goal will be achieved very soon. So we are actively moving toward that. National security is still our primary concern, and there is nothing conflicting in between.
Q. What is the attitude of the government on the visa issue for the representative to Hong Kong? Are you considering someone else?
A. We are working on this issue. The new government is glad to see any friendly interplay and cordial development between the two sides and the other two Chinese communities (Hong Kong and Singapore). We are working on this, without considering a change.