Taipei, Dec. 1 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday that his new administration will use the "three acknowledgments and four recommendations" of an advisory body on Taipei-Beijing relations as reference for the formation of its mainland China policy.
Chen explained to four visiting U.S. congressmen that the Republic of China's mainland policy is based on his May 20 inauguration speech, but that he invited Academia Sinica President Lee Yuan-tseh to head the President's Advisory Group on Cross-Taiwan Strait Relations in order to fine-tune that policy.
He openly praised the advisory group for being able to reach a consensus Sunday after seven meetings and many compromises, and he thanked the efforts of the 20-some members, who come from diverse political and academic backgrounds. "It marked a good beginning," he added.
Taiwan's first democratic transfer of political power took place only this year, over 200 years later than the United States, where Chen said it is already "a part of life." Being a "brand new start" for Taiwan, he added that the new administration would "unavoidably" face many difficulties.
However, Chen told Floyd D. Spence (R-SC), Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services, that he is confident that he can improve relations with Beijing and achieve a breakthrough so as to normalize cross-strait relations. He added that he is certain Taiwan can overcome the current political turmoil to focus on economic development.
Chen congratulated the four congressmen on their successful re-election to office and thanked them for their support of pro-ROC bills in the U.S. House of Representatives. He urged them to continue supporting the Republic of China, and added that the two countries share common interests in the Asia Pacific region and in maintaining security in the Taiwan Strait.
Spence, accompanied by U.S. Representatives Solomon Ortiz (D-TX), Richard M. Burr (R-NC), and Silvestre Reyes (D-TX), told Chen that no matter which candidate eventually wins the U.S. presidential election, the U.S. government will continue to give the Republic of China all the necessary support and assistance.