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NO CONSENSUS ON CROSS-STRAIT POLICY `BIGGEST PROBLEM': MAC

Central News Agency

2005-07-18 23:42:38

    Taipei, July 18 (CNA) The biggest problem with cross-Taiwan Strait policy is not China but the lack of consensus between the ruling and opposition parties, the head of the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) claimed Monday.

    MAC Chairman Joseph Wu made the remarks when he spoke on cross-strait relations and East Asian Security in the "Peace Forum International Conference -- East Asian Security" jointly sponsored by the Foundation on International and Cross-strait Studies, the Brookings Institution of the United States and Tamkang University. Local and foreign scholars and experts were invited to attend the conference.

    Wu said the opposition parties are trying to play the role of a ruling party, resulting in domestic rivalry and confrontation within Taiwan, as well as difficulty for the government in pushing through its policies, a situation he termed as very rare in any democratic country.

    Faced with a rising China, Wu said, the government has never changed its policy of "goodwill reconciliation, active cooperation and lasting peace." After the successful launch of cross-strait charter flight services during the Chinese New Year holidays early this year, Taiwan has continued to push for cross-strait consultations on technical issues.

    Wu noted that Chinese leaders, due to China's serious social and economic problems, are used to constraining their ideology and controlling the media. They also resort to nationalism to divert the people's discontent.

    Wu said China must handle its internal problems amid regional peace and stability. Under these circumstances, Taiwan's cross-strait policy is significant and the United States and Japan will play key roles, he said.

    He pointed out that cross-strait relations have seen twists and turns since early this year. Both sides first joined hands to help launch the Chinese New Year holiday cross-strait charter flights, but China in March enacted its Anti-Secession Law, giving it the legal basis to use force against Taiwan should the island move toward independence.

    The two main opposition leaders -- Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan and People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong -- then visited China in April and May, respectively, Wu said, adding that the Chinese leaders have since been trying to ingratiate themselves with the Taiwan people with their "smile offensive."

    Wu reiterated that Taiwan wants peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and urged Beijing to resume dialogue as soon as possible.

    Noting that Premier Frank Hsieh proposed in June an early consultation on cross-strait cargo charter flights, the entry of Chinese tourists to Taiwan and exports of Taiwan farm produce to China to ease cross-strait relations, Wu said, however, that only the former two items might succeed.

    In the future, the MAC will try to discuss with Beijing substantive issues such as cooperation in crime-fighting, repatriation of illegal immigrants, a currency settlement mechanism, an agreement to protect Taiwan businessmen's investments in China, avoidance of double taxation, and a financial monitoring system.

    Wu said that as long as China does not set prerequisites, Taiwan is willing to talk with China on any non-political issues and then gradually move toward political issues.

    Meanwhile, on Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou's remarks that he would visit China at an "appropriate" time, Wu said that if he makes the trip during his term as mayor, he will be subject to the Statue Governing the Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.

    If Ma, who was elected KMT chairman Saturday, visits China in his capacity as KMT leader for party-to-party exchanges after stepping down as mayor, the government would not oppose it.

    Wu said it remains to be seen if Ma will continue outgoing KMT Chairman Lien Chan's cross-strait policy. But at a time when Beijing is continuing to boycott and squeeze Taiwan internationally, the opposition should work closely with the government lest it hurt the interests of the Taiwan people, he said.

    Also, Wu went on, Ma has openly opposed the Anti-Secession Law, saying it will only drive the Taiwan people further away from China, which is consistent with the MAC's position. Ma's stance should help cooperation between the government and the opposition and contribute to cross-strait relations, he said.

(By Lilian Wu)

ENDITEM/J