Report Delivered by MAC Chairman Chi Su

at the Weekly KMT's Central Standing Committee Meeting

July 14, 1999

Mr. Chairman, Deputy Chairmen, Central Standing Committee Members, and Comrades: Good morning!

     In his interview with Deutsche Welle (Voice of Germany), Chairman Lee stated that cross-strait relations should be designated as a "special state-to-state relationship," which has drawn close and widespread attention from various quarters. It was in response to the German reporter's statement that "the Beijing government considers Taiwan as a renegade province" that Chairman Lee clearly defined the objective political and legal realities of the cross-strait relations.

     We believe that this announcement is of special significance, particularly since it was disseminated through the German media. The relationship between the two Germanys after the Second World War was a "special state-to-state relationship." However, this designation did not affect the peaceful reunification of the two Germanys. This fact requires our serious consideration.

     Over the years, we have witnessed that Beijing has extensively used, without restraint, its self-defined and hegemonistic "one-China principle" in cross-strait relations and in the international community. This has subsequently constrained the ROC's international space for survival and has unreasonably interfered in people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. Beijing's framework of "one-China principle" has not only impeded the normal development of cross-strait relations, but also increasingly disrupted exchanges between the two sides.

     Chairman Lee Teng-hui's declaration clearly and definitely conveys the message that the Republic of China has undergone democratization over the past dozen years and has continued to exist and maintain its sovereign status. This fact has been further confirmed by the amendment of the Constitution in 1991. Meanwhile, we do not deny the fact that the People's Republic of China, in effect, exercises jurisdiction over the Chinese mainland. This is the pragmatic position that we would like to emphasize.

     During his trip to the Chinese mainland last October, Mr. Koo Chen-fu repeatedly emphasized that equality is the cornerstone for interaction between the two sides. In the interview with Deutsche Welle on July 9, Chairman Lee explained the fact that the two sides are equals, when he defined bilateral relations in terms of a "special state-to-state relationship." More importantly, Chairman Lee's declaration reflects the truth in bilateral relations, which enables the steady promotion of cross-strait exchanges and dialogue on a clear and concrete basis. As soon as the state-to-state relationship between the two sides is established, we are ready to adopt an open attitude, and discuss any subject with the Chinese mainland.

     Shared national sentiments and cultural heritage across the Taiwan Straits have jointly contributed to the special relationship between the two sides. On the basis of the state-to-state relationship, we look forward to developing the normalization of cross-strait relations and pursuing a new China, unified and democratic.

     This is my report for today. Thank you!