On April 24, President Chen Shui-bian met with a delegation of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce at the Office of the President and denied media reports claiming Premier Su Tseng-chang disagreed with his cross-strait policy.
In reference to the conclusions reached at last week's CCP-KMT Trade and Economic Forum between Chinese President Hu Jintao and former Kuomintang Chairman Lien Chan, President Chen told his guests that Taiwan's government had considered direct cross-strait charter flights, visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists and the export of Taiwan's agricultural products to China as important issues, prior to the CCP and KMT meeting.
President Chen also dismissed media reports that alleged Premier Su's April 12 announcement at the Legislative Yuan regarding the government's stance on cross-strait charter flights, Chinese tourists and Taiwan's agricultural exports to China was contradictory to his policy. President Chen said the premier's statement was based on his suggestion that the government should take the initiative in handling cross-strait affairs.
Speaking about China's rapid economic growth, the president emphasized that the unequal distribution of wealth and the imbalanced development in China is a threat to the international community. China's misappropriation of natural resources, exploitative wages and abominable working conditions have caused unemployment in neighboring countries and have forced companies to reduce wages in order to remain competitive.
"Our government does not oppose China or the Chinese people or any cross-strait trade exchanges," the president said. However, he added, "we cannot accept any attempts by China to marginalize and localize Taiwan as well as deny the legitimacy of the government and sovereignty of Taiwan."
The president reassured his guests that the government will serve in the best interest of the people, will walk the high road, and will create infinite possibilities for the people of Taiwan. Finally, he thanked the representatives for their committed support of Taiwan throughout the years.