President Lee Teng-hui stated today that the reason why he raises the "seven blocs" theory in his book, which is slated for release soon, is to let Peking realize the importance of decentralization and of respecting the different regions and their special characteristics in order to allow the full functioning of competition and market forces, he said.
He pointed out that with the trends of democracy and freedom, Peking must understand the significance of "respect," and that its invariable intention to "obstruct" and "control" Taiwan will inevitably bring about adverse effects.
The President made the remarks when meeting with foreign visitors who are here to attend the 48th International Press Institute Congress. Ding Mou-shih, Senior Advisor to the President, and Lin Bih-jaw, Deputy Secretary-General to the President, were also present.
Accompanied by Director-General Chen Chien-jen of the Government Information Office, media delegates from the United States, Japan, South Africa and South Korea and heads of the local United Daily News Group, China Times Group as well as CommonWealth Magazine visited the President at the Presidential Building. They exchanged views with their host on local issues, international relations, cross-strait relations and other political and economic concerns.
President Lee said that he has taken office as the ROC President for 11 years and will retire next year. The supreme priorities of his presidency have been "the rights and interest of the 21.3 million people, and the country's national security and survival," he noted.
He said that these principles have been the cornerstone of his ideals and governance. Stressing the "importance of existence," the President stated that as a result of Peking's comprehensive obstruction and boycott, the ROC can hardly draw breath in the international community, let alone bring its strength into full play. "Under such unfavorable conditions we cannot help but keep on with our efforts," the President said. "Therefore, national survival is extremely important. Only by surviving, can the ROC develop, and there be hope for the country, the people and the generations to come."
He indicated that after more than 40 years of hard work, the ROC not only has made widely-affirmed economic accomplishments, but also has completed enviable democratic reforms.
He said, "On the international stage, we have been making friends through pragmatism." This pragmatic diplomacy consists of both idea and implementation. In brief, its aim is to let the world understand the ROC's steadfast existence in the international community, the strength of the ROC's economy and trade, and the fact that the ROC is member of the world's democratic camp, he elaborated.
On the ROC's national position, President Lee told his guests that Taiwan independence is not feasible. "I personally can never agree to or support Taiwan independence," he asserted. The ROC is an 88-year-old independent sovereignty, and this is an unchangeable historical fact, he added.
While commending Taiwan for its democratic reform, some of the visiting guests asked for the President's opinion regarding how long it may take for mainland China's democratization. President Lee replied that it is hard to predict precisely, but he thinks it would take at least 20 to 25 years. However, he also stressed that education is very critical to the establishment of a democratic system. Whether mainland China can democratize at an earlier time hinges heavily on whether or not Peking's leadership understands the democratic concept and can tolerate democracy, the President maintained.
President Lee said that he does not like to see Peking's over-emphasis on nationalism, because extreme nationalism not only will do harm to mainland China, but also will produce adverse impacts on Asian security and even world stability.
On NATO's bombarding Yugoslavia, President Lee expressed his hope that peace can be restored to that region as soon as possible. As the United Nations has voiced its support for the peace proposal raised recently by the G-8, it is the ROC's viewpoint that a peaceful settlement of the issue would be satisfactory to the international community.
Regarding the question whether the ROC will face once again the threat of Peking's missile tests as in 1996, the President said that he does not expect Peking to repeat such maneuvers.
In hindsight, Peking's threat against Taiwan in 1996 yielded nothing but negative effects, with the world showing its antipathy against Peking's hegemony, he said. Therefore, he does not think that Peking would rashly try it again, he added.