Published: February 10, 2000
Source: United Daily News
New Party presidential candidate Li Ao said yesterday that Taiwan cannot place its fate in the hands of the Americans, because the United States is not reliable, and could sell Taiwan out for the sake of its own interests.
Li made the remarks in an interview with Washington Post Beijing Bureau Chief John Pomfret.
Li noted that in the past, the U.S. signed the Yalta Agreement with the Soviet Union, and former U.S. president Jimmy Carter severed diplomatic relations with the Republic of China so Washington could establish formal ties with the PRC.
According to Li, these precedents show that the U.S. is likely to sell out either mainland China or Taiwan to further its own interests.
If the United States misunderstands the thoughts of the Chinese people, it will be harmful to everybody, Li said. The people of Taiwan must rely on themselves, and should not wage war, but rather use peaceful negotiations to resolve cross-strait problems.
Li also described the Theater Missile Defense (TMD) initiative as inappropriate. Taiwan has spent NT$500 billion (US$16 billion) on TMD, and according to the ROC Ministry of National Defense, will spend an additional NT$4 trillion (US$130 billion) over the next ten years. This enormous military expenditure will seriously strain Taiwan's economy, he said.
The conversation between Li and Pomfret was noticably vitriolic. Li expressed the belief that the TMD is a mistaken policy, which cannot protect Taiwan. He also described the United States as only half-understanding issues involving China.
Pomfret dismissively noted that Li Ao had never traveled abroad, and questioned whether he himself was able to understand mainland China. Li retorted that to understand the moon, one does not necessarily have to land on the moon, but can use other channels; many things can be understood without being personally on the scene.
Changing the topic, Pomfret asked Li what was different about this year's election. Li jokingly replied that what was different was his own involvement.
Li stressed that Taiwan should seek its own advantage between the two major powers of the United States and mainland China.
