Taipei, Aug. 15 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian indicated Wednesday that the "go slow, be patient" policy governing local investment in mainland China will be adjusted.
He made the remarks while speaking at a dinner in honor of several foreign dignitaries, including U.S. Congressman Ben Gilman and his wife, and former congressmen Frank Guarini and Lester Wolff.
Chen said that he proposed in his "cross-century message of Dec. 31 last year that the "go slow, be patient" policy should be replaced with "positive opening and efficient control," and added that his proposal has now been endorsed by the Cross-Strait Affairs Division of the Economic Development Advisory Conference.
However, the president stressed that before implementing the "positive opening," four principles must be enforced -- Taiwan first, global consideration, a mutually beneficial win-win situation, and sound risk management.
During the talks, Chen expressed his thanks to his visitors for their support for Taiwan's interests. The visitors were in Taiwan attending the "World Peace Forum" at the invitation of ROC Vice President Annette Lu.
Chen also reiterated his hope that he will be allowed to attend the informal leadership meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum scheduled to be held in Shanghai in late October.
He said that if the leaders of Taiwan and the mainland can engage in talks on topics of mutual concern, it would be a big help in the security and stability across the Taiwan Strait.