President Chen Shui-bian on June 14 met with American Institute in Taiwan Chairman Raymond Burghardt at the Presidential Building. President Chen, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), expressed his welcome and gratitude to Chairman Burghardt.
The president said that he is delighted to meet again with Chairman Burghardt, noting that this is the first meeting between the two since June of last year. He said he recalls that after Chairman Burghardt formally took his position as AIT chairman in February 2006, the American official immediately arranged to come to Taiwan in June. He said the talks between the two were quite enjoyable and that he also made important remarks during the meeting. President Chen said he reiterated his declaration and pledges to the US government, President Bush and the world that he made in 2004, saying that there would be no change to them. President Chen added that in the less than one year remaining in his term of office, there will not be any change to his "four noes" policy.
President Chen also expressed his appreciation to the American government for its support and concern for Taiwan. He said that even though the US government was unable to support Taiwan's bid to enter the World Health Organization under the name "Taiwan," the United States has continued to express its strong support for Taiwan to become an observer in the World Health Assembly and to have meaningful participation in the WHO. The president also noted that the World Organization for Animal Health last month in Paris originally wanted to change Taiwan's name in the organization to "China, Taiwan" due to pressure from China. The United States government, however, stepped in and expressed concern about the move. Ultimately, the nation's name in the agency was changed to "Chinese Taipei." While the result was not satisfactory to Taiwan, the president said he still appreciates the assistance provided by the American government.
President Chen stressed that he believes that the "one China" policy of the United States, which includes the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act and the six guarantees made in 1982, does not recognize Taiwan as being a part of the People's Republic of China. In addition, Resolution No. 2758 also does not allude to such. As a result, he does not know how this belief came about. China, however, both in the WHO and the OIE, has espoused that the People's Republic of China includes Taiwan, viewing Taiwan as part of the PRC. This is not in accordance with the spirit of the "one China" policy of the United States, the Taiwan Relations Act or the six guarantees, the president said.
President Chen also said that from Former President Lee Teng-hui up through his current term, Taiwan has recognized the People's Republic of China as an independent sovereign nation. He said Taiwan has always recognized China and that he has been extremely clear on this stance during his seven years in office. The People's Republic of China, however, does not recognize Taiwan, he said. The PRC denies Taiwan is a separate entity. Therefore, it is naive illusion for people to expouse the standpoint that neither side recognizes the other or that both sides deny the existence of the other.
AIT Chairman Burghardt said that it has been his pleasure to receive President Chen on past visits to Guam, Los Angeles and San Francisco. He stressed to President Chen that the Taiwan-US relationship is important to the United States and that the two sides have a crucial economic relationship. He said the United States has paid close attention to Taiwan-related issues and is aware of its obligation to assist in the defense of Taiwan. In light of this, the talks between the two are extremely important and both sides have a responsibility to stress transparency in their communication with each other.