Taipei, Aug. 23 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian told a visiting U.S. congressional delegation Thursday that he has been pushing for the normalization of Taipei-Beijing relations, but principles of democracy, parity and peace must be upheld during bilateral interaction.
Chen told U.S. House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde and his bipartisan delegation that cross-Taiwan Strait issues must be resolved through dialogue and negotiations.
However, he added that the will and the right of choice of the 23 million people of Taiwan must be respected in the process, safeguarding the principle of democracy.
Chen went on to say that the principle of parity means the relationship between Taiwan and mainland China must not be that of a local government and a central government.
The principle of peace dictates that the mainland should not resort to the use of force or military intimidation, but should instead embrace dialogue, he added.
Chen said that his integration theory, the opening of the "mini three links," preparations to open Taiwan to mainland tourists and plans to ease restrictions on Taiwanese investment in mainland China are all concrete actions that serve to show Taiwan's sincerity in improving bilateral relations.
However, he lamented that Beijing has not only failed to respond kindly to these goodwill gestures, it has even attempted to use divisive means to affect Taiwan's internal unity and create cross-strait tension by deploying more missiles across the strait from Taiwan.
Not only are these actions not conducive to a breakthrough in the current impasse in bilateral ties, he continued, they run against global expectations of a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues.
Chen reiterated that the issues must be resolved in accordance with the principles of the ROC Constitution.
Only then can bilateral differences be resolved, and only then can the government and people of both sides of the strait determine the content and meaning of a mutually acceptable "one China," he added.
Chen said that the ROC government will not give up any possible opportunity that would be helpful to restarting bilateral dialogue and reconciliation.
He reaffirmed his willingness to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum's Shanghai summit in October, adding that it could provide the occasion for the leaders of both sides of the strait to meet, shake hands and talk.
He went on to say that the summit could set the stage for and be the bridge to the resumption of bilateral dialogue and that the ROC government will not have any predetermined stance or set any limits to possible issues of discussion.
Chen claimed that "a lack of confidence" is the reason that the leaders in Beijing will not talk to Taiwan, but he added that he will continue to rely on wisdom, innovation and patience while waiting for the "stubborn rock" to give the nod.
Hyde's 34-member delegation includes Rep. Michael Bilirakis, a Republican from Florida; Paul Gillmor, an Ohio Republican; Mel Watt, a Democrat from North Carolina; and Darrell Issa, a California Democrat.