Taipei, Jan. 20 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Monday that he does not expect to see a major breakthrough in the development of cross-Taiwan Strait relations in the foreseeable future.
Pointing out that some people have expressed that time is on the side of mainland China, Chen said that in fact, Taiwan's future is for the people of Taiwan to decide and that any changes in the cross-strait relationship requires their consent.
President Chen made the remarks during an audience with a U.S. National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) delegation, which has just concluded a visit to mainland China.
Chen said he would be glad to consult with the NCAFP China hands on the various issues pertaining to cross-strait relations since the visitors have just arrived from Beijing and must have first-hand information.
Dismissing allegations that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government will only be in office until the 2004 presidential election, Chen told the visitors that he is confident the DPP will continue to be Taiwan's ruling party after 2004.
The president also made known his reservations about the optimism held by some people in Taiwan and elsewhere about the benefits of an opening of direct transportation links across the Taiwan Strait.
He said that implementing direct transport links is by no means a cure-all for Taiwan's economic development.
Chen quoted a recent DPP resolution as indicating that as long as the status quo is maintained and cross-strait relations remain stable, the government should continue to focus its efforts on rejuvenating the domestic economy and accelerating political reforms to allow the people to lead a better life.