Taipei, July 5 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian met Thursday with two visiting U.S. scholars and reiterated the Republic of China's refusal to accept Beijing's "one country, two systems" formula for China's reunification.
Chen told Dr. Joseph S. Nye, dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and Anthony Saich, a professor from Harvard, that the trouble with Beijing's formula is that "one China" refers to the People's Republic of China.
The ROC would perish immediately if it were to accept Beijing's formula, which infringes on the ROC's dignity and security, said Chen.
Noting that the 23 million people of Taiwan will never accept the proposal, Chen said he cannot subscribe to Beijing's proposal without violating his oath of office to defend the people's welfare according to the Constitution.
Chen praised Nye's 1998 proposal for an interim agreement between Taiwan and mainland China, saying it fits with promises made in his inauguration speech that his administration will not "declare independence, change the country's official name, press for amendments to the Constitution to realize Taiwan's claims for special state-to-state ties with mainland China, or go ahead with a referendum on independence" as long as Beijing refrains from using force against Taiwan.
He expressed regret that Beijing's leaders lack the confidence to conduct dialogue with their Taiwan counterparts, let alone cooperate with Taiwan with wisdom and creativity on the issue of "one China in the future" on the basis of democracy and parity.
However, the president said patience is an important factor in sorting out the disputes with Beijing. "We look forward to the day when Beijing changes its mind," he added.
Nye and Saich called on Chen in the company of ROC Foreign Ministry officials.