President Chen Shui-bian on September 7 met with United States Former Deputy National Security Advisor James Steinberg at the Presidential Building. In addition to welcoming Mr. Steinberg for making a long journey to Taiwan , the president expressed his appreciation to the United States for its recognition of and support for Taiwan's democratic achievements.
President Chen said that on September 6 he engaged in a video conference with the American Enterprise Institute that is located in Washington, D.C. He said lively discussions were held on topics associated with Taiwan's planned referendum to enter the United Nations under the name "Taiwan." The president noted that several participants in the video conference suggested that Taiwan and the United States should engage in a substantive bilateral dialogue on the issue, a stance that President Chen said he agreed with. The president said the United States can act in the role of balancing its interests and values in addressing issues in the Taiwan Strait. He said the United States can also use its power to defend peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Even more important, he said, is that if there are any differences of opinions or disputes between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, the United States is the best arbiter.
President Chen furthermore said that US President George W. Bush and China President Hu Jintao met at the APEC leaders summit in Sydney on September 6, and both sides adopted a cautious attitude to various issues at hand. President Chen said he appreciated the stance of the United States, adding that this offers Taiwan a good opportunity. He said he hopes Taiwan will continue to engage in effective and friendly communication and dialogue with the United States.
President Chen stressed that Taiwan has faced a tough road in the course of moving from authoritarianism to democracy. This year is the 20th anniversary of the lifting of martial law on Taiwan. He said that in light of China's military threat and its efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan, Taiwan has no choice but to hold firm on many issues. The president said, however, that nothing Taiwan is doing involves changing the name of the nation, nor does it violate the pledges made under his "Four No's" policy. President Chen said Taiwan is not attempting to change the status quo. Rather, it is seeking to defend and maintain the status quo, and its actions are a reflection of this. He said he hopes Taiwan will continue to receive the support of the United States. Taiwan is confident it will take the correct democratic path, he said.
Mr. Steinberg said the United States is proud of the democratic achievements of Taiwan. He highlighted the importance of communication and dialogue. While this still may not fully resolve differences of opinion between the two sides, he said he senses the sincerity between the two sides in working towards close cooperation.
The former United States deputy national security advisor was accompanied to the Presidential Building in the morning by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chang Siao-yue. Also in attending was Deputy Secretary-General to the President Chen Chi-mai.