| Subjects: |
- Response to Zhu Rongji's statement; Election and Mainland policy; Assignment of representative to Hong Kong.
|
MAC Vice Chairman Chong-Pin Lin
at the March 17, 2000 Press Conference
His Report:
MAC Chairman Su Chi already responded to the statement by (PRC Prime Minister) Mr. Zhu Rongji. I can reiterate his statement with the following points:
- 1. As a democratic country, the ROC is holding a presidential election that should not be criticized or interfered by others.
2. We uphold the right of every presidential candidate to speak freely.
3. The ruling KMT and the government oppose Taiwan independence.
This is the formal response made by Chairman Su a few days ago. And, I would like to add one point. Whoever is elected, MAC will faithfully perform its job and do its best. The chairman and three vice chairmen, being political appointees, will tender their resignations as stipulated by law. We will arrange the hand-over as smoothly as possible, which is our responsibility.
The ROC government and the people of Taiwan are peace-loving, and treasure democracy. We can never accept Beijing's threat to use force against Taiwan. The ROC is a sovereign state, and this is a presidential election. The PRC has no right to intervene. We hope the PRC can exercise self-restraint and not do anything that may hurt the feelings of people across the Taiwan Strait.
The ROC government strongly opposes Taiwan independence. We are experienced and capable of handling cross-strait issues. The government is also well prepared to deal with any provocative act from the PRC. We hope that everyone will endeavor to make the presidential election proceed as smoothly as possible so that Taiwan can stride forward in its democratic development.
Questions and Answers:
Presidential Election in Taiwan
Q. The government has repeated its stance against Taiwan independence, but the PRC does not believe that. The PRC has defined Taiwan's presidential election as a local one. How will the government convince the world that this is a presidential election in a democratic country?
A. The PRC has increasingly expanded its definition of Taiwan independence in recent years. The democratic development in Taiwan has been highly recognized by the world. We hope that the PRC, while reforming its economic and political sectors, can respect our system. The ROC has many experiences to share with the PRC. So, we hope the PRC can treat us with due respect.
Q. In some interview, you said that Zhu's statement underscored the inconsistency among Mainland factions on the Taiwan issue. Could you elaborate on that?
A. I gave the interview in my capacity as a professor of the Graduate Institute of Political Science, National Sun Yat-sen University. That was my personal view, not representing MAC's stance.
Q. The National Security Council convened a meeting last night (March 16) and MAC officials were present. What were the results of the meeting?
A. I was not at the meeting, so, I am not aware of the results.
Q. The tenure of office of MAC officials will end on May 19. Mainland China might have some move before or after election. Is MAC prepared for that?
A. MAC has acted within its authority to study every scenario. The entire government has studied and been prepared for every possible move by Beijing.
U.S. China Policy
Q. Yesterday, Tom DeLay, Republican Party whip of the U.S. House of Representatives, strongly opposed Washington's “one China” policy. Vice President Lien Chan also said that the two sides should jump out of the “one China” framework in order to enter into peace talks. Do you agree with DeLay's statement that the international community should discard the “one China” concept on cross-strait issues?
A. The operations of the U.S. government, including its legislative, administrative, and judicial branches, are its internal affairs. It is improper for the ROC government to make any comment.
Beijing's Possible Military Act against Taiwan
Q. Mainland scholars said yesterday that Beijing has a timetable for invading Taiwan within the next three to five years. What is MAC's view on that?
A. The opinions of Mainland Chinese scholars should be commented on by Taiwan scholars. The government would rather refrain from making any comments on that.
Q. You just mentioned that MAC is well-prepared for dealing with threats from the PRC. Can you be more specific?
A. MAC has studied various scenarios and made necessary coordination. We cannot disclose and allow the PRC to be aware of our preparations. However, please be assured. We have done everything within our delegated authority.
Assignment of Taiwan Representative to Hong Kong
Q. The Hong Kong-based Sing Tao Daily reported that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government already made a deal with Taiwan authorities that the assignment of Chang Liang-jen to Hong Kong to serve as the representative (of Taiwan) will not be discussed before the election. The assignment will wait for the new president to decide (because if the KMT lost the election, the new president might appoint another person). Is this report accurate? What is your view on this?
A. This is the first time that I learned about this. I have no knowledge about the details, so I have no comment.
Q. You just mentioned necessary coordination (with other ministries). Does this involve coordination with the military?
A. This shall be answered by the National Security Council. MAC was only one agency present at the meeting.
Q. The new president will be decided tomorrow. The three leading candidates have some differences in their Mainland policies. If the government is headed by a non-KMT person, will the future Mainland policy show pronounced change?
A. The new president will have his authority. We are political appointees (in this cabinet) and have no right to comment on the Mainland policies of the new president.
Q. You always say that the government's policies have continuity. What are the policies that shall be carried on?
A. “Policy” is a vague term, which shall include guiding principles, long-term goals and short-term practices. The guiding principles should be carried on, because they reflect public opinion. In the near future, the strong buttress of public opinion will not change. The guiding principles are the safeguarding of national security and dignity and more exchanges on an equal basis.
Expectations for Cross-strait Relations after Election
Q. Can you talk about your expectations for cross-strait relations after March 18?
A. We hope to see the two sides of the Taiwan Straits advance toward peace and a win-win and multiple-win outcome. We hope that the PRC can respect the system in Taiwan and understand the views of people of Taiwan. Mainland authorities should give due respect to the outcome of our democratic system. We are looking forward to wider exchanges, mutual support and cooperation. We also hope to see regional peace and more friendly interplay between the two sides so that Mainland China can progress toward democracy, liberty, and equal prosperity.
| 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. |