Taipei, Feb. 22 (CNA) The purpose of the "White Paper on Taiwan" issued by Beijing on Monday is mainly to sound its key note of "one China," said Chou Shi-hsiung, a professor at National Sun Yat-sen University.
Chou deemed that Beijing's new policy statement would not have much impact on the result of the island's presidential election, which will be held on March 18.
He suggested that a rational, stable and middle-of-the-road election campaign strategy would be welcomed by the voters.
Though Beijing has in the past repeatedly said it would use force if Taiwan is invaded by a foreign force, proclaims independence or is troubled by internal chaos, this marks the first time mainland China has stated so clearly that if Taiwan authorities indefinitely refuse to peacefully settle the reunification issue, Beijing would be forced to adopt all possible "drastic measures," including military force.
However, Chou pointed out that no matter how strong and tough the Beijing authorities' wording may be, the paper is basically a warning rather than a substantial threat. This is due to the fact that Beijing has never mentioned under what conditions it would renounce the use of force against Taiwan regarding the reunification issue, he added.
Chou said that the timing of the white paper is aimed primarily at expressing Beijing's wish that Taiwan's new president not walk out on the "one China" framework, thereby defining Taiwan's March 18 presidential election as a local election. The white paper has warned that the reunification issue must be dealt with as a top priority by Taiwan's new leader, he continued.
The people of Taiwan should not be panicked by Beijing's new policy statement, Chou stressed, adding that, rather, now is a good time for Taipei to demonstrate to the international community its willingness to work for peaceful resolution of cross-Taiwan Strait issues. (By Eva Chen)
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