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Taiwan, China in 'special relations': president

ROC Central News Agency

08/09/03 18:22:28

Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou has defined the ties between Taiwan and China as a type of "special relations," ruling out the possibility that they could be links "between two states."

Ma made the comment in an exclusive interview with Mario Vazquez Rana of the leading Mexican daily Sol de Mexico at the Presidential Office on Aug. 26. The interview was released by the Presidential Office Wednesday.

Ma said he does not think there are "two Chinas" across the Taiwan Strait, because neither the Republic of China nor the People's Republic of China allows, in either constitution, for the existence of another country on its territory.

Under these circumstances, it is impossible for either of the two sides to obtain dual recognition by other countries, he said.

"It is the government's goal to maintain a peaceful and prosperous relationship across the Taiwan Strait, allowing both sides to coexist with dignity in the international community," Ma said.

Asked about the missiles China has targeted at Taiwan, Ma noted that China began deploying missiles against Taiwan more than 10 years ago and has since expanded the deployment at a rate of 80-100 missiles per year, which he said poses a serious threat to Taiwan's security.

While the signing of a cross-strait peace treaty is one of Taiwan's goals in developing relations with China, Taiwan will request that China remove its missiles targeting Taiwan as a precondition, because Taiwan has no desire to enter peace talks under the threat of missiles, he said.

To Taiwan, China represents both a threat and an opportunity, according to the president.

"A leader of Taiwan must know how to reduce threats and increase opportunities in pursuing peace and prosperity," he said.

In its bid to minimize threats and maximize opportunities, the government will promote more frequent exchanges across the strait on the one hand and beef up its defense capability as a means of deterrent against a possible China attack on the other, Ma explained.

He said his government will ensure that its annual defense spending accounts for no less than 3 percent of the country's gross domestic product, in an effort to establish a streamlined, well-equipped arms forces that is truly capable of protecting Taiwan's security.

He stressed the measure is being taken for defensive purposes and does not mean Taiwan is prepared to take any offensive military action. (By Y.F. Low) ENDITEM/ pc