China's intimidation won't sway push for U.N. referendum: president
ROC Central News Agency
2007-12-13 16:22:45
Taipei, Dec. 13 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Thursday that China's intimidation will not sway the Taiwan people's resolve to push for a referendum on the country applying to join the United Nations under the name Taiwan.
President Chen said that since the ruling Democratic Progressive Party initiated a referendum on the U.N. membership bid, Beijing has used an array of political and economic means, including outright threats, to pressure China-based Taiwan business people to side with China or speak out against the referendum.
However, the president said, China's crude attempt to obstruct the Taiwan people's legitimate right to deepen their country's democracy by holding the referendum will not sway their resolve to push for the referendum, which is slated to be held alongside the March 22 presidential election. He added that such attempts by Beijing will only antagonize the Taiwan people.
Both China and the United States, Taiwan's staunch supporter, have voiced opposition to the referendum out of concerns that it represents a step toward de jure independence.
The president also said that the government is dedicated to enticing Taiwan business people operating overseas to return to Taiwan, noting that an office to help them return for investment was established in July this year.
He added that by the end of October, overseas Taiwanese have invested NT$8.8 billion (US$271.6 million) in the country in 91 projects, with 43 of the investment projects involving
China-based Taiwan business people.
The president made the remarks when he received winners of the National Golden Award for Architecture at the Presidential Office.
(By Lilian Wu)
enditem/Li
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