Taipei, Sept. 11 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian on Tuesday called for Beijing authorities to respect the will of Taiwan's people and resume institutional dialogue across the Taiwan Strait.
Chen said since assuming the office of president, he has actively sought to improve cross-strait relations and his administration has demonstrated the greatest possible sincerity in addressing differences to allow both sides to collaboratively maintain peace across the Strait and create a "win-win" climate.
He said the conclusions that were reached during the recently held Economic Development Advisory Conference calling for replacing the "no haste, be patient" restrictions on Taiwan investment with mainland China with a new "active opening, effective management" policy is one recommendation showing Taiwan's sincerity in improving cross-strait relations.
Chen urged the Beijing authorities to respect the will and the freedom of choice of the 23 million citizens on Taiwan and resume institutional cross-strait dialogues based on principles of democracy, equality and peace.
The president made the remarks when he met at the Presidential Office with Taiwanese and overseas Chinese representatives from Europe and Africa.