CHINA KEEPS REFUSING TO DEAL WITH GOVERNMENT ON TAIWAN: U.S. REPORT

Central News Agency

2005-07-21 17:37:15

Washington, June 20 (CNA) In spite of its promise to expand contacts with the people of Taiwan, China is still refusing to talk directly with their democratically-elected government led by President Chen Shui-bian, a United States government report to Congress says.

China continues to adhere to its policy of peaceful unification under the "one country, two systems" framework that offers Taiwan limited autonomy in exchange for Taiwan's integration with the mainland, says the report released Tuesday.

It says Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang Chairman Lien Chan and People First Party Chairman James Soong visited the mainland in the spring of 2005, but China did not change its policy of no direct negotiations with the leadership of Taiwan's democratically-elected government.

In a section discussing Chinese strategy regarding Taiwan, the report says China used diplomatic pressure and verbal warnings to try -- unsuccessfully -- to derail ROC President Chen Shui-bian's reelection in March 2004.

Beijing also sought to preempt Chen's May 20 inaugural address by issuing a statement on May 17 warning of the consequences of Taiwan's "pursuit of a separatist agenda," the report adds.

It says Beijing continues to see the threat and possible use of force as integral to its policy of dissuading Taiwan from pursuing independence and moving Taiwan ultimately to unite with the mainland.

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CHINA KEEPS REFUSING TO DEAL WITH GOVERNMENT ON TAIWAN: U.S. REPORT