President, president-elect debate '1992 consensus'
ROC Central News Agency
2008-04-01 16:47:43
Taipei, April 1 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian and President-elect Ma Ying-jeou of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) exchanged divergent views Tuesday of the so-called "1992 consensus, " which has been proposed as the basis for Taiwan and China to resume stalled dialogue.
In the first meeting between the two since the March 22 presidential election, the Presidential Office had planned to have Chen and Ma pose for photographers for five minutes before meeting behind closed doors.
But the five minutes stretched to nearly an hour as the two elaborated on their views of the "1992 consensus."
Ma's spokesman Lo Chih-chiang said later that the meeting was held in a positive atmosphere, although Ma had suggested an open meeting throughout.
The Office of the President had advocated a private meeting so that Chen could brief Ma on classified information related to Taiwan's defense, security and foreign diplomatic situations.
The "1992 consensus" -- a term coined by former Mainland Affairs Council Chairman Su Chi in 2000 -- refers to a "one China, different interpretation" understanding that the KMT claims was reached during talks held in 1992 in Hong Kong between representatives of Taiwan and China.
Under the agreement, both sides agreed to disagree on the definition of "one China," according to the KMT.
President Chen said he noticed that Ma has suggested that the two sides resume talks based on the understanding, but he reiterated that he himself "couldn't accept the term."
Chen suggested "three uncertainties" regarding the "1992 consensus, " questioning whether it actually exists, its substantive content, and its possible development and changes. "One has to be highly vigilant if the resumption of cross-strait talks are built on uncertainties," Chen said.
He said that both former President Lee Teng-hui and Koo Chen-fu, the late chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation and Taiwan's top negotiator with China in the 1990s, said the consensus didn't exist. "Using a non-existent term as the basis for cross-strait talks is questionable," Chen pointed out.
He also said that China is opposed to "one China and one Taiwan" across the Taiwan Strait or "two Chinas," and Taiwan should not engage in "wishful thinking."
Chen stressed that China wants one China, while Taiwan wants two different interpretations and questioned what would happen if Taiwan failed to get what it wanted but fell into the "one-China" trap. "Will this not violate your fundamental principle of Taiwan-centric policy and the best interests of the people? the president asked Ma.
Ma stressed that the "one China, two different interpretations" formula was one that satisfied neither side but that both could reluctantly accept.
Ma said that after assuming office on May 20, he will immediately open discussions with China on trade issues, direct transportation links, tourism, and even a peace agreement, which will provide a good gauge of both sides understanding and acceptance of the formula.
If China says no, that there is only one China and no different interpretations, then "we'll quit the talks, because we couldn't continue the talks," Ma added.
But if the consensus exists, Ma said, "we should talk."
The president-elect assured Chen that he would be a worthy successor. "You've passed the baton to me, and I will not drop it. I couldn't possibly sell out Taiwan. My love for Taiwan is not less than yours," Ma said.
He stressed that he will safeguard the "nation's sovereignty and take care of people's best interests." "We all love Taiwan, but we've different ways to deal with China," Ma said, adding that "now it's our turn, and we'll have the opportunity to try our way."
If Taiwan, China and the United States can all accept the consensus, then the risks of cross-strait conflict should diminish, Ma said.
The one-hour open meeting began with Chen and Ma speaking positively of each other, and Chen expressed the hope that after he steps down on May 20, it will mark the end of confrontation between his supporters and opponents and ring in the Ma era.
Chen said that he passed the Taipei mayoral baton to Ma in 1998, just as he will pass the presidential baton to Ma on May 20 this year. "Maybe it's God's will, or some may say it is coincidence, or some could even say that it is a happy occasion on the political scene," Chen said.
The president said that between now and May 20, his top priority will be the transfer of power. He hoped that "this is the first meting, but will by no means the last" if any needs arise.
Ma said he cherished the election results, vowing to "obey the majority, respect the minority, and engage in dialogue with those with different views, " now that the KMT has a firm grip in both the executive and legislative branches of the government.
Although Taiwan's people had chosen him by a clear majority, they had not completely repudiated the DPP, Ma said, adding that he hopes the DPP, which has been thrown into disarray due to two major election setbacks this year, will regroup for a fresh start.
He said he is "willing to engage in fair competition rather than perpetual bickering with the DPP."
Also attending Tuesday's meeting were Chan Chuen-po, director of Ma's office, and Chan Chi-shean, a Ma adviser and former superintendent of Chi Mei Hospital in Tainan County, where President Chen was treated for a gunshot wound on the eve of the 2004 presidential election.
President Chen was accompanied by Presidential Secretary-General Tan Sun Chen and Lin Teh-shun, director of President Chen's office.
(By Lilian Wu)
enditem/ls
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