DATE=3/19/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=TAIWAN ELECT - INTERNATIONAL REACT (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-260336
BYLINE=STEPHANIE MANN
DATELINE=BEIJING
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Following Taiwan's presidential election, some
countries are urging Taiwan and mainland China to
resume their dialogue and contribute to regional
stability. V-O-A Correspondent Stephanie Mann reports
on the early international reaction to Saturday's
balloting.
TEXT: Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono issued a
brief statement acknowledging the election of Taiwan's
opposition candidate Chen Shui-bian.
Under the new circumstances, Mr. Kono says, Japan
expects the Taiwan issue will be settled peacefully
through direct dialogue between the parties on both
sides of the Taiwan Straits. And he says Japan
expects the dialogue will be resumed promptly.
Japan has significant economic ties with both Taiwan
and mainland China and stands to suffer if the two
sides enter into a military conflict.
Singapore, whose population is predominantly ethnic
Chinese, congratulated Chen Shui-bian on his election,
saying it reflects the choice of the Taiwanese people.
The Singapore Foreign Ministry statement also says it
hopes Mr. Chen will usher in an era of serious
dialogue and cooperation across the Taiwan Straits and
contribute toward stability in the Asia - Pacific
region.
Australian Foreign minister Alexander Downer says it
is an encouraging sign that Mr. Chen, shortly after
his victory, talked about resuming dialogue with
Beijing. In an Australian television interview, Mr.
Downer said China seems willing to engage in dialogue
with Taiwan as well.
But he says the Taiwan issue is a very sensitive one,
and any miscalculation by either side could lead to an
escalation of violence very rapidly.
China and Taiwan were engaged in dialogue until last
year. Beijing broke off the talks after Taiwan's
outgoing President Lee Teng-hui said interaction
between the two sides should be on a state-to-state
basis. China considers Taiwan a province of China,
not its diplomatic equal.
Chinese officials have said they will talk to any
Taiwan politicians who adhere to the principle of "one
China." Mr. Chen has not embraced that idea, and he
has rejected the "one-country, two systems" formula
that was used for Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule.
// REST OPTIONAL //
Russia says the election of Chen Shui-bian will not
change Moscow's policy toward Taiwan, which includes
the rejection of Taiwan independence.
A report by the Interfax news agency quotes a Foreign
Ministry official as saying Russia's relations with
Taiwan are based on the principle of four "No's."
These include no Taiwan independence, no to the
concept of two China's, no Taiwan participation in
international organizations whose members are only
sovereign states, and no arms sales to Taiwan.
The report says Russia will continue to carry out
commercial and cultural relations with Taiwan on an
informal basis.
China is the only major country to support Moscow's
military operation against rebels in the breakaway
region of Chechnya. (Signed)
NEB/SMN/PLM
19-Mar-2000 06:45 AM EDT (19-Mar-2000 1145 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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