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U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

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QUESTION: On Asia, have you seen the statement by Taiwan President Lee, in effect declaring a two-China policy?

MR. FOLEY: Yes, I have seen that statement. I can only speak for the United States, and our policy is unchanged. Our one-China policy is long-standing and certainly well-known. The US position on Taiwan's future is also clear. We believe that it is a matter for the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits to resolve. The United States has an abiding interest and concern that any such resolution be a peaceful one; and to that end, the United States urges both sides to engage in meaningful substantive dialogue.

QUESTION: Do you consider his statement to be unhelpful?

MR. FOLEY: I'm not going to characterize his statement; I can only speak for US policy. Our policy hasn't changed.

QUESTION: A follow-up -- because Mr. Stanley Ross has encouraged both sides to have a dialogue.

MR. FOLEY: That's right.

QUESTION: Yes, especially during this autumn by the delegation of - (inaudible) - has a return visit to Taiwan. Wang, in his interview yesterday, said maybe President Lee's announcement has changed or have a negative effect on this visit. Could you comment on that?

MR. FOLEY: I think it's a little premature to say and, of course, this is a matter for the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to address directly with each other. We support that dialogue, as I stated a few minutes ago. I wouldn't want to forecast whether any particular statement has any kind of a particular impact on the prospects for such a dialogue.

We think it's in the interest of both sides to proceed with the dialogue. They've had ups and downs before; they've had declarations before that each side has reacted negatively to but they have managed, though, to continue the dialogue. I think they had recent meetings that were meant to help prepare for a future visit along the lines you discussed, and we hope that that will go forward.

QUESTION: Can I have another follow-up on the same question? Mindful your reluctance to stray from the position the US takes on the issue of Taiwan --

MR. FOLEY: We never stray from that position. It's not a question of an inclination; that is our policy.

QUESTION: I am aware of that but my question to you is the US does have access to the government of Taiwan, to President Lee Teng Hui, and because of this statement which has caused quite a stir in that region -- particularly in Taiwan and on the mainland of China - are you going to restrain him?

MR. FOLEY: You know that's a provocative question that I'm not going to - won't take the bait on. The fact is he spoke and he can explain himself. I would refer you to the Taiwan authorities to explain his statement. I can only speak for our policies. I was responding, I think, to someone else a minute ago.

QUESTION: Well, it's nothing new that you have, in the past, twisted arms with the Taiwan leadership, trying to pressure them not to do things contrary to the interest of the United States.

MR. FOLEY: Well, those are your words and your characterization that I don't share.

QUESTION: Does the US see his announcement as a new policy or new position?

MR. FOLEY: We have a one-China policy. I can only speak for the United States. I'm the spokesman - or the interim spokesman - of the State Department and I can't really parse or analyze the words of somebody else. I think I'd have to refer you to the Taiwan authorities.

QUESTION: In the light of this Taiwanese position, can you refresh us on the state of the United States' defense commitment to Taiwan?

MR. FOLEY: I'd be happy to get that for you for the record because, as you know, that relates to the Taiwan Relations Act. It hasn't changed, and I have information on that for you I can make available after the briefing.

QUESTION: Different country?

QUESTION: Well, you don't have any impact on that military relation?

MR. FOLEY: No, it's a defensive relations -

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(The briefing concluded at 1:55 P.M.)

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