Taipei, March 26 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday that mainland China has never renounced the threat of using force against Taiwan and that the island is one of a few places in the world that has long lived under the shadow of war.
Chen made the remarks when he addressed an association on industrial and economic development in Taiwan that was founded late last year and whose members represent the industry, academia and government circles.
The president noted that when mapping out the nation's industrial policy, the unique conditions of Taiwan have to be considered.
He said that Taiwan must find a balance between economic development and national security, saying that Taiwan is one of a few countries in the world that are constantly in the shadow of war.
He noted that Beijing continues to isolate and squeeze Taiwan on the international stage and also continues to insist on the "one China, " and the "one country, two systems" rhetoric that Taiwan people cannot accept.
Chen said that under the circumstances, exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, whether cultural or trade exchanges, have to be handled with caution and not with wishful thinking. "Otherwise, the price will be inestimable when national security is under threat or undermined," the president said.
But Chen also said that Taiwan will not deliberately ignore the importance of the mainland market, although it should not be considered the only or ultimate market.
Direct trade, postal and transport links between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will not be a panacea or quick fix for stimulating Taiwan's economy, the president went on, adding that Taiwan should set its sights globally and that investment in Taiwan should take precedence over foreign investment in order to upgrade the structure of the nation's industry.