Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

GOVERNMENT 'WILL NOT CREATE TENSION' WITH CHINA: PREMIER

ROC Central News Agency

2005-08-25 21:46:35

    Taipei, Aug. 25 (CNA) Premier Frank Hsieh claimed Thursday that the government "will not create tension" while seeking rapprochement with China, a move he said will create a win-win situation for both Taiwan and China.

    Hsieh made the remarks at a ceremony citing outstanding exporters and importers. He said that since he became premier, he has been advocating the concept of rapprochement and symbiosis for domestic politics and cross-Taiwan Strait relations.

    He said he has also emphasized the idea that once you are in charge, you are not supposed to be a troublemaker -- even if the government is condemned, government officials must show patience in order to maintain political stability, he said.

    He added that the government needs to improve on many fronts and he expressed hope that the public will support a government that knows how to improve itself.

    The government must not create tension but must instead maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait so that businesses can prosper in a stable environment, he added.

    Hsieh said the government has offered to lend NT$200 billion (US$6.19 billion) to the nation's small- and medium-sized businesses, in addition to encouraging banks to extend loans to them, as part of the government's program to revive the economy.

    For individuals, the government has set up a NT$300 billion fund from which first-time home buyers can borrow money at low interest rates, he added.

    Another way to energize the nation's economy is to encourage the private sector to create more value-added businesses and brand names, he said.

(By S.C. Chang)

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