Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Subjects: Humanitarian concerns from Hong Kong and Mainland China;

              PRC¡¦s 50 the National Day.

MAC Vice Chairman, Spokesman Sheu Ke-sheng

at the October 1 , 1999 Press Conference

His Report:

1.   After the devastating earthquake of September 21, Mainland China and Hong Kong expressed their humanitarian concerns for the stricken areas and people, to which the government owes appreciation. Above all, Hong Kong not only dispatched rescue teams immediately, but also has sponsored various donation activities, pooling a considerable number of money, which is a clear indication of the Hong Kong people¡¦s concern about those affected by the earthquake. We are particularly grateful for that.

       After the earthquake, the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) sent a letter to the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) to express its consolation and donated some money through its Red Cross Society, which the ROC Red Cross Society has received.

       We want to express our appreciation for these humanitarian concerns. Meanwhile, the Mainland also expressed through ARATS that it wishes to send related relief teams together with resources to Taiwan. However, goods provided by domestic sources and some overseas agencies are sufficient at this stage in general. Therefore, we informed ARATS through SEF that if there is any need for us in the future, our side would contact related agencies for help. As for rescue support, many rescue teams of other countries have already returned after finishing their work. Thus, in this aspect, we need no assistance from Mainland China at present.

       We appreciate Mainland China¡¦s humanitarian concern. However, we also noticed that some Mainland officials have availed the opportunity for political purposes. At a time of sufferings from the disasters, any political manipulation of the situation is very improper and regrettable. Nevertheless, we still hope that Mainland China can pragmatically contribute to positive interactions between the two sides, enhance people-to-people relations, and promote bilateral relations in the future.

Questions and Answers:

Q. PRC president Jiang Zemin, at the national day celebration, said he hoped that after the return of Hong Kong and Macao, he can realize the unification of Taiwan with the so called "motherland" for the eventual "whole unification." What is your comment?

A.   The ROC government¡¦s Mainland policy is very clear. Basically, we are pursuing a peaceful and democratic unification under the Guidelines for National Unification. But the way to realize it must go through peaceful means. The ROC Mainland policy is operated under two pillars of exchanges and negotiations. Exchanges means increasing mutual understanding of the people of both sides, removing misconceptions, dissolving hostility, and enhancing cross-strait relations through seeking similarities and resolving differences. Negotiations are the most important way to peaceful solution of cross-strait issues. Every issue should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, not through threat or the use of force. Thus, exchanges and negotiations are always the two major tracks that we want to follow in implementing our Mainland policy and improving cross-strait relations, a policy the government has consistently adhered to. In addition, we hope that the two sides can achieve a win-win outcome -- a mind-set that will remain unchanged. Of course, most important of all, as I just mentioned, we hope that after the democratization of the Mainland, both sides can achieve a unified China with democracy, liberty, and equal prosperity.

Q.        Today, the PRC celebrated its 50th National Day. Speaking on behalf of MAC, what is your wish or regards? Can you evaluate the good and bad aspects of the regime during the past 50 years?

A.   Our government wishes to see a developing cross-strait relationship, as I just referred to when I spoke of the government¡¦s clear Mainland policy. On October 1, 1949, the PRC regime was established, which marked the beginning of two separate jurisdictions on the two sides. This reality was resulted from historical changes. The ROC government accepted the status quo in 1991 by terminating the General Mobilization Period for the Suppression of the Communist Rebellion. Given the status quo, we hope that the two sides can promote a developing cross-strait relationship under peaceful and stable conditions, and this will be the blessing for the people on the two sides. The ROC government¡¦s Mainland policy remains unchanged. The government has reiterated its consistent policy, and I am willing to stress this once again.

       As for the various changes on the Mainland in the past 50 years, I would rather refrain from making any comments, since the people all over the world have clearly seen this. Regarding their good or bad changes, not only the people of the two sides, but also those in other countries, have clearly known what happened there. Most of you can read the comments and reports in the world media. There is no need for me to repeat this.