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MOFA OUTPOSTS ASKED TO EXPLAIN `ONE SIDE, ONE COUNTRY' STATEMENT

Aug 08, 2002 20:43 UTC+0800

Taipei, Aug. 8 (CNA) The Republic of China is a sovereign and independent state and outposts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must stress this fact to their host countries when explaining President Chen Shui-bian's "one side, one country" remarks, ministry spokeswoman said Thursday.

Chang Siao-yue said all ROC ambassadors and representatives stationed overseas must explain Chen's remarks in a comprehensive manner to the government, media and academic sectors in their host countries by stressing that "Taiwan is not a part nor a local government of mainland China" and that Chen's call for public backing for a referendum law was only aimed at defending Taiwan's status-quo.

Chen's recent "one side, one country" statement to describe Taiwan's relations with mainland China has stirred up new tensions across the Taiwan Strait and has provoked heated debate both at home and abroad, with many viewing Chen's words as a move toward promoting Taiwan independence.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman Sean McCormack said Wednesday that "the U.S. has a one-China policy and we do not support Taiwan independence."

Claiming that many have "misinterpreted" Chen's words, Chang said the ROC government stands firm in its determination to safeguard its national status and will do its best to protect the status-quo.

"The ROC government has not changed its stance one bit in this regard and Chen's call for public backing for a referendum law is just a preventive means of maintaining the status-quo," she said.

(By Flor Wang)