President Chen Shui-bian on his Ocean Partners Sunshine Trip shortly after takeoff expressed his thoughts on the visits to Mainland China by Mr. Lien Chan, the chairman of the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) and Mr. James Soong, the chairman of the People First Party. He said:
First, the week before his trip, the United States got in touch with Mr. Lien and discussed two issues with him: the special budget for military purchases and his visit to Mainland China. The Americans had hoped that Mr. Lien first coordinated with my office and not help the Chinese wage their united front strategy, their war of unification. We also know that after their passage of the Anti-Separation Law, high-level American officials visited Beijing and expressed their hope that China show goodwill toward Taiwan. The Chinese told the Americans that they were going to meet with the chairman of the opposition party. The Americans responded that this was a lack of sincerity since it fostered division, was a tactic of sham goodwill and would sow discord within Taiwan. Therefore these days, we have seen and heard how the Americans have reaffirmed and stressed that a long time is needed before a solution to the cross-Strait question could be reached. Mainland China should dialogue with the present administration of Taiwan.
Second, with Mr. Lien's trip to China, everyone felt their hopes vanish for what is called the national consensus on the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Even though it was draped with the appearance of a press communiqué, it is clear that it was a news item, a press release on the minutes of a conference. Mr. Lien still kept the promise he made to this administration before his trip that he would not sign any pact or agreement with China. Even though in many places, their wishes and desires may be unacceptable to this administration, we still respect their personal opinions. They are simply the different viewpoints of another political party.
Third, Mr. James Soong, the chairman of the People First Party, will also visit China. During my meeting with him on Feb. 24, we reached a consensus on ten major points and have put down in writing any further conclusions. Anything not written down should not give rise to any exaggerated conclusions. The most important point was that the sovereign rights of the R.O.C. should be recognized and respected on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and by the global community. I believe that this is very important. Mr. Soong is very clear on this point and he will certainly endeavor for it.
Before his trip, Mr. Lien spoke with me on the phone and Mr. Soong did the same last night. I wished him a nice trip. We also had a brief meeting before his phone call and we discussed many issues. Therefore, Mr. Soong understands how this administration thinks, including my own personal opinions. Moreover, I requested Mr. Soong to pass on a special message from me to the leaders of China.