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PRESIDENT ISSUES `ONE CALL, TWO REQUIREMENTS'

ROC Central News Agency

2007-03-14 19:34:27

    Taipei, March 14 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian issued what he described as "one call, two requirements" Wednesday regarding the Beijing regime on the second anniversary of the enactment of its so-called Anti-Secession Law against Taiwan.

    Stating in an online newspaper issued that day by the Presidential Office, Chen urged all the countries in the world, as well as the European Union, not to export any weapons to China before Beijing has substantially improved its human rights records and implemented democratic reforms.

    In addition, Chen said, China should follow Taiwan's lead of making its military politically neutral by not requiring People's Liberation Army personnel to be members of the Communist Party of China.

    China should also legalize the establishment of genuine and capable opposition parties and hold at least two fair, impartial and open elections that allow opposition parties to take part on an equal footing, Chen said.

    Only when China has substantially evolved in these two areas can Taiwan begin to consider two-way cooperation, Chen said.

    Describing Beijing's Anti-Secession Law as a "spiritual shackle" imposed on Taiwan's people, Chen said, however, that a growing divide on Taiwan's national identification will seriously hinder Taiwan's defense capabilities and lead to a deterioration in the cross-Taiwan Strait situation. "This is a fact that we must face up to and endeavor to overcome," the president urged.

    The Anti-Secession Law, which provides Beijing with a legal basis to use non-peaceful means against Taiwan, basically represents a denial of the universal principles of freedom, democracy, human rights and peace and reflects an old-fashioned mindset of hegemony, he said, arguing that the law is just Beijing's attempt to flex its muscle toward Taiwan and other neighboring countries.

    In the face of China's constant threats, it is deplorable that some people opt to overlook Beijing's ambition to swallow up Taiwan due to their "greater China" mindsets at a time when China is still increasing the number of its missiles pointing at Taiwan, he said.

(By Flor Wang)

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