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Taiwan-U.S. relations of paramount importance: foreign minister

ROC Central News Agency

2008-02-12 18:05:46

    Taipei, Feb. 12 (CNA) Minister of Foreign Affairs James Huang reiterated Tuesday that U.S.-Taiwan relations are of "paramount importance" in Taiwan's diplomacy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will continue to communicate with the U.S. on Taiwan's U.N. bid referendum.

    Speaking to reporters after a MOFA Lunar New Year reception, Huang said: "As Taiwan has experienced rapid political and social change in the past seven years, which is likely beyond the understanding of our foreign friends, 'communication' remains the most important tool for Taiwan to strengthen the relations with the U.S."

    Regarding a suggestion by Frank Hsieh, the Democratic Progressive Party's presidential candidate, that a compromise be reached between the DPP's U.N. referendum on joining the United Nations under the name of Taiwan and the opposition Kuomintang's proposal of returning the U.N. under the name of Republic of China, Huang said "the MOFA has no opinion." "Being a member state of the U.N. is a common goal of the Taiwanese people. The MOFA will continue to try to ensure that the international community understands," he noted.

    Huang added that should the DPP and KMT negotiate a new approach, the MOFA will follow the government's directions and communicate with the U.S. to improve bilateral relations.

    Huang said "with the Beijing Olympics approaching, China's power is reaching its zenith, which is reflected by the fact that Taiwan is facing immense pressure from China's diplomatic offense." "But time is on our side, " he said, encouraging MOFA staff to do their best in fighting the diplomatic battle.

(By Rachel Chan)

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