President Chen Shui-bian received this morning Georg Jarzembowski, chairman of European Parliament's Taiwan Friendship Group, extending his warm welcome for Jarzembowski's re-visiting Taiwan. The president thanked him for his long-time concern for the security issues of the Taiwan Strait and for his firm support for the country and its people.
The president also elaborated on the issues of cross-Strait relations and domestic politics during his meeting with the chairman. When asked about the differences on the cross-Strait affairs and how a consensus can be secured, President Chen replied that the answer lies in his winning of the presidential elections in 2000 and 2004. He cited the example of election 2004, saying that his support of over 50 percent speaks everything. Core concepts of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party such as "Taiwan first" and a "Taiwan identity" have helped him secure this victory in the 2004 presidential election, and have continue to serve as the principles for the government as it handles the cross-Strait affairs. This proved that the DPP government is standing by the majority of the Taiwanese people.
President Chen pointed out that Taiwan, under the DPP government of five years, has made it clear to the international society its relations with China - Taiwan is different from China. The "Resolution on Taiwan's Future," proposed by the DPP prior to the 2000 presidential election, has stated clearly that the "one-China" policy should be seen as inappropriate to Taiwan. The view also sets it apart from other parties such as the Nationalist Party and the People First Party.
The president said that the concept of "Taiwan identity" would definitely gain support from the majority of the Taiwan people. And Chairman Jarzembowski has done a lot of efforts to highlight the identity of Taiwan. He has pushed for the establishment of a European Union office in Taiwan; supported Taiwan's bid to enter the World Health Organization; urged China to remove missiles targeting Taiwan; and supported a peaceful cross-Strait dialogue. He has also demanded that the EU uphold its ban on the arms sales to China. President Chen applauded these efforts as right decisions that are backed by Taiwan's majority, adding that the support of Chairman Jarzembowski and members of the European Parliament's Taiwan Friendship Group is highly appreciated by the Taiwanese people.
President Chen mentioned his reason for not having a trip to China, saying that he is unable to accept China's premises under which Taiwan is seen as part of China. To admit the government of Taiwan as a local government of China and to view it as a special administrative region amount to yielding to China. Never would he accept China's terms, neither would the 23 million people of Taiwan, said the president. He stressed, however, that the stance of the Taiwan government has always been to strive for opportunities to engage in talks and not worry about delays. He never gives up his efforts in the fusing of different voices within Taiwan and in the reconciliation and cooperation among all political parties.