Taipei, March 28 (CNA) Cross-Taiwan Strait and U.S.-Taiwan relations are expected to improve after Ma Ying-jeou takes office as Taiwan's new president, but the U.S. will not mediate talks between Taiwan and China, American Institute in Taipei (AIT) Chairman Raymond Burghardt said Friday.
"The focus of Ma and President Chen will be different. With President Ma, we [the U.S. and Taiwan] will be able to devote more time to working together on practical issues of mutual importance, such as trade," Burghardt told local print media on the second day of his three-day visit to Taiwan.
The chairman said he met Ma earlier in the day and got to know Ma's thoughts on improving cross-Strait relations "to some level of detail."
"That does offer hope, " he said, adding that "it's only human nature to think the future will be brighter."
In response to a question on the U.S. position on the "1992 Consensus, " which Chinese President Hu Jintao described as the basis for future cross-Strait negotiations in a phone conversation with U.S. president George W. Bush Wednesday, Burghardt said, "the U.S. interpretation is not important."
"If the two sides can find a formula that works for them and feel comfortable with without betraying their own core interests in coming up with a formula, then what is there for the U.S. to have an opinion about?" he explained.
The U.S. will be quite positive about efforts by both sides to improve bilateral relationships, and it's something "we can encourage on the sideline," the chairman said.
But the U.S. has always maintained the position that it would not be a mediator in dialogue between Taiwan and China, he stressed.
"It's not a role we should play, " he said. "The Americans are not smart enough to play a useful role in cross-Strait negotiations," he added, quoting a U.S. diplomat.
The main objective of the three-day trip, Burghardt said, was to congratulate President Chen Shui-bian for presiding over a fair election and the beginning of the transfer of power.
"Once again there will be a transfer of power to the other party (and) it's a big deal. It's something you don't see a lot around the world," he said.
"It could provide a model for many other countries in the region. Taiwan should be proud of itself," he said.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
U.S. discussing Ma's visit request and who to send to inauguration
Taipei, March 28 (CNA) Taiwan President-elect Ma Ying-jeou's request for a U.S. visit is being discussed but a decision has not been made, the visiting American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) chairman said Friday, while adding that Washington was also trying to decide who to send to Ma's inauguration.
"[Ma’s request to visit] has been considered, discussed... and when there's a decision, you'll know, " said AIT Chairman Raymond Burghardt, who arrived Thursday for a three-day visit.
Burghardt, who was speaking to reporters, said Washington also has not made a firm decision on who to send to Ma's inauguration ceremony on May 20, adding that "it's something discussed in Washington."
Burghardt added that "some of the names" for the inauguration envoy have been discussed in Washington and it would not be a surprise if the U.S. sends a delegation to Taiwan, which was the case in the 2000 and 2004 presidential inaugurations in
Taiwan.
"Sometimes it comes down to the availability of people," Burghardt said, regarding who the envoy will be.
Burgarhdt met with President Chen Shui-bian, President-elect Ma Ying-jeou and Vice President-elect Vincent Siew Friday and is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister James Huang and Taiwanese and American businessmen during his stay.
"[Ma’s request to visit] has been considered, discussed... and when there's a decision, you'll know, " said AIT Chairman Raymond Burghardt, who arrived Thursday for a three-day visit.
Burghardt, who was speaking to reporters, said Washington also has not made a firm decision on who to send to Ma's inauguration ceremony on May 20, adding that "it's something discussed in Washington."
Burghardt added that "some of the names" for the inauguration envoy have been discussed in Washington and it would not be a surprise if the U.S. sends a delegation to Taiwan, which was the case in the 2000 and 2004 presidential inaugurations in
Taiwan.
"Sometimes it comes down to the availability of people," Burghardt said, regarding who the envoy will be.
Burgarhdt met with President Chen Shui-bian, President-elect Ma Ying-jeou and Vice President-elect Vincent Siew Friday and is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister James Huang and Taiwanese and American businessmen during his stay.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Foreign delegates congratulate Taiwan's election success
Taipei, March 22 (CNA) Taiwan's presidential election was a good example of democracy and it could find new ways to participate in the international community, Taiwan-based foreign representatives said after the conclusion of the election.
Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Ma Ying-jeou won in a landslide victory, garnering 2.2 million votes more than his rival Frank Hsieh, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate.
The victory returned the KMT to power eight years after its defeat to the DPP in 2000 ended more than five decades of uninterrupted rule.
"From the stand point of democracy, this ia a good election, " a senior European official who is based in Taipei said. Commenting on two referendum proposals that failed to pass, he said that Taiwanese people "understood the stake of the referendum."
"Never say never in politics. Taiwan can find its new way, avenue and opening to its participation in the international community," said Eric Suy-Verburg, former United Nations (U.N.) under secretary-general for legal affairs, who was among a foreign delegation to observe the election.
"You need to make friends who can support you position. Be patient, " he said.
Taiwan's democracy is a typical young democracy, he observed, saying that people were enthusiastic in the rallies and the atmosphere was similar as in 1996 -- Taiwan's first direct presidential election.
The ex-U.N. official said that the DPP-proposed referendum, which asked voters whether Taiwan should join the U.N. under the name "Taiwan, " is unrealistic for the time being, since the U.N. General Assembly will respond negatively under the obstruction of China.
The KMT proposal was more balanced because it offers greater flexibility on names, he said.
Both referendums, which were held alongside the presidential election, failed to pass because they did not meet the 50 percent turnout threshold.
Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Ma Ying-jeou won in a landslide victory, garnering 2.2 million votes more than his rival Frank Hsieh, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate.
The victory returned the KMT to power eight years after its defeat to the DPP in 2000 ended more than five decades of uninterrupted rule.
"From the stand point of democracy, this ia a good election, " a senior European official who is based in Taipei said. Commenting on two referendum proposals that failed to pass, he said that Taiwanese people "understood the stake of the referendum."
"Never say never in politics. Taiwan can find its new way, avenue and opening to its participation in the international community," said Eric Suy-Verburg, former United Nations (U.N.) under secretary-general for legal affairs, who was among a foreign delegation to observe the election.
"You need to make friends who can support you position. Be patient, " he said.
Taiwan's democracy is a typical young democracy, he observed, saying that people were enthusiastic in the rallies and the atmosphere was similar as in 1996 -- Taiwan's first direct presidential election.
The ex-U.N. official said that the DPP-proposed referendum, which asked voters whether Taiwan should join the U.N. under the name "Taiwan, " is unrealistic for the time being, since the U.N. General Assembly will respond negatively under the obstruction of China.
The KMT proposal was more balanced because it offers greater flexibility on names, he said.
Both referendums, which were held alongside the presidential election, failed to pass because they did not meet the 50 percent turnout threshold.
Taiwan's election not swayed by outside forces: analysts
Taipei, March 22 (CNA) The controversy over whether President-elect Ma Ying-jeou has a green card and the "one China common market" issue did not keep the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) from scoring a landslide victory in Taiwan's presidential election Saturday and shows that the Taiwan people acted on their own without outside impact, according to analysts.
Ma garnered almost 60 percent of the votes -- 2.2 million votes more than his rival Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Frank Hsieh -- in Taiwan's fourth direct presidential election since 1996. The lopsided victory shows that Ma's momentum was not slowed by Hsieh's campaign strategy, the analysts said.
Hsieh's camp had challenged Ma over the U.S. permanent residence status, or green card, that Ma obtained in 1977, questioning his integrity and loyalty to Taiwan. Hsieh also argued that Ma's cross-strait common market proposal will jeopardize Taiwan's labor and agricultural sectors and the future of the younger generation.
Most people have oversimplified the election and ignored its complexity, Danish columnist Michael Danielsen said on the eve of the poll, adding that from his observations, the Taiwanese would not let outside forces impact the election.
The Taiwanese people seemed determined to cast their votes this time solely on the issues of their immediate interests such as the economy and their livelihoods, he said.
Ma's support rate did drop when Hsieh's camp made its first accusation on the green card issue but it did not last long, said Yang Hsien-hong, a local political pundit.
Leading by around 20 percent during almost the entire campaign, Ma's momentum took a hit after a series of events over the past two weeks during which four KMT legislators gatecrashed Hsieh's campaign headquarters in an attempt to investigate whether the building had been illegally leased to Hsieh's campaign and China launched a military crackdown on Tibetan protesters. Ma seeks closer ties with
Beijing.
Taiwanese law forbids the publication of public opinion polls in the last 10 days of the campaign, but prior to the polls, most people had predicted that it would be a neck-and-neck race.
"It will take me some time to let the shocking defeat sink in because the large gap was unexpected, " said Yosoh Kure, deputy secretary-general of the pro-independence Taiwan Society, adding that with hindsight, it was maybe the DPP referendum held alongside the election that was the primary reason for the defeat."
Yure also agreed with an observation that Hsieh's camp ran too much of a "negative campaign" which backfired and hurt only himself.
Ma garnered almost 60 percent of the votes -- 2.2 million votes more than his rival Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Frank Hsieh -- in Taiwan's fourth direct presidential election since 1996. The lopsided victory shows that Ma's momentum was not slowed by Hsieh's campaign strategy, the analysts said.
Hsieh's camp had challenged Ma over the U.S. permanent residence status, or green card, that Ma obtained in 1977, questioning his integrity and loyalty to Taiwan. Hsieh also argued that Ma's cross-strait common market proposal will jeopardize Taiwan's labor and agricultural sectors and the future of the younger generation.
Most people have oversimplified the election and ignored its complexity, Danish columnist Michael Danielsen said on the eve of the poll, adding that from his observations, the Taiwanese would not let outside forces impact the election.
The Taiwanese people seemed determined to cast their votes this time solely on the issues of their immediate interests such as the economy and their livelihoods, he said.
Ma's support rate did drop when Hsieh's camp made its first accusation on the green card issue but it did not last long, said Yang Hsien-hong, a local political pundit.
Leading by around 20 percent during almost the entire campaign, Ma's momentum took a hit after a series of events over the past two weeks during which four KMT legislators gatecrashed Hsieh's campaign headquarters in an attempt to investigate whether the building had been illegally leased to Hsieh's campaign and China launched a military crackdown on Tibetan protesters. Ma seeks closer ties with
Beijing.
Taiwanese law forbids the publication of public opinion polls in the last 10 days of the campaign, but prior to the polls, most people had predicted that it would be a neck-and-neck race.
"It will take me some time to let the shocking defeat sink in because the large gap was unexpected, " said Yosoh Kure, deputy secretary-general of the pro-independence Taiwan Society, adding that with hindsight, it was maybe the DPP referendum held alongside the election that was the primary reason for the defeat."
Yure also agreed with an observation that Hsieh's camp ran too much of a "negative campaign" which backfired and hurt only himself.
Friday, March 21, 2008
U.S. congressman praised Taiwan's democracy
Taipei, March 21 (CNA) A visiting U.S. congressman described Taiwan's democracy as "healthy,”on the eve of the presidential election Thursday, and said no outside force should try to intimidate Taiwan's 23 million people into giving up their democratic rights.
“Shame on any U.S. or Chinese official (who) tries to get you to go one way or another, ”said Dana Rohrabacher, who was in Taiwan as part of a U.S. delegation to observe the March 22 presidential election and referendums to be held simultaneously.
Rohrabacher, a staunch Taiwan supporter who chairs the Taiwan Caucus in the U.S. Congress, said he was not in the country to endorse any candidate or political party, but to congratulate the people of Taiwan for continuing to set an example of democracy in Asia.
Taiwan has four times shown Asia that it could elect its leader in direct democratic elections, he said.
The California congressman said he believed Taiwan would never go back to the days of a one-party regime, as it has a healthy democracy, with freedom of the press, criticism and debate.
What happened in Tibet "underscored that peace should not be taken for granted,”he said.
Rohrabacher slammed Beijing over its recent crackdown on Tibetan protesters, describing China as a“rogue nation”and a“vicious gangster”that murdered its own people.
The congressman has sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to introduce a resolution in Congress that would call for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics. The proposal has received bi-partisan support, he said.
“We should not permit the totalitarian government in China to use the Olympics to cover its own evil as did Adolph Hitler in 1936," he stated in the letter.
“Shame on any U.S. or Chinese official (who) tries to get you to go one way or another, ”said Dana Rohrabacher, who was in Taiwan as part of a U.S. delegation to observe the March 22 presidential election and referendums to be held simultaneously.
Rohrabacher, a staunch Taiwan supporter who chairs the Taiwan Caucus in the U.S. Congress, said he was not in the country to endorse any candidate or political party, but to congratulate the people of Taiwan for continuing to set an example of democracy in Asia.
Taiwan has four times shown Asia that it could elect its leader in direct democratic elections, he said.
The California congressman said he believed Taiwan would never go back to the days of a one-party regime, as it has a healthy democracy, with freedom of the press, criticism and debate.
What happened in Tibet "underscored that peace should not be taken for granted,”he said.
Rohrabacher slammed Beijing over its recent crackdown on Tibetan protesters, describing China as a“rogue nation”and a“vicious gangster”that murdered its own people.
The congressman has sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to introduce a resolution in Congress that would call for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics. The proposal has received bi-partisan support, he said.
“We should not permit the totalitarian government in China to use the Olympics to cover its own evil as did Adolph Hitler in 1936," he stated in the letter.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
China's reaction to referendum unpredictable: MAC
Taipei, March 20 (CNA) It is virtually impossible to predict Beijing's reaction if either or both of the referendums pass in Saturday's election because it is a totalitarian regime, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Chen Ming-tong told a group of foreign reporters Thursday.
"It is not a government that can be trusted. It has always claimed that it will peacefully resolve the Tibet issue and has promised that it will continue its dialogue with the Dalai Lama, " Chen responded to a reporter's question.
Chen expressed optimism that Beijing will become a democratic country one day and when that day comes, issues surrounding Taiwanese and Tibetan independence will be resolved.
However, before that day arrives, Taiwan and China must reach a consensus on how to achieve stability and harmony across the Taiwan Strait to better serve the interests of the people on both sides.
He reiterated Taipei's usual stance that it will never engage in a dialogue with China until Beijing agrees to remove the "one-China" principle framework as a precondition for talks.
He further defended both of Taiwan’s referendum proposals -- one proposed by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party on whether Taiwan should join the United Nations under the name Taiwan and the other put forward by the opposition Kuomintang on rejoining the U.N. under the name Republic of China or some other "suitable" title -- saying that they are "neither an independence movement nor a provocative act,
but rather the Taiwanese people's humble wish to receive a `license' to the international community after a long period of apartheid."
Beijing has been trying to distort the meaning of the DPP's referendum, which is simply a representation of will of the Taiwanese, he said.
"It’s hard for me to fathom people’s assumptions that the referendum will lead to a disaster, " he said, adding that the act of holding referendums has always been a tool for exercising the people's democratic will.
Chen also took the opportunity to ridicule Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's recent claim that Taiwan's fate must be determined by the people living both in China and in Taiwan and that the 1.3 billion Chinese citizens should be permitted to cast votes in Saturday's election.
"It is not a government that can be trusted. It has always claimed that it will peacefully resolve the Tibet issue and has promised that it will continue its dialogue with the Dalai Lama, " Chen responded to a reporter's question.
Chen expressed optimism that Beijing will become a democratic country one day and when that day comes, issues surrounding Taiwanese and Tibetan independence will be resolved.
However, before that day arrives, Taiwan and China must reach a consensus on how to achieve stability and harmony across the Taiwan Strait to better serve the interests of the people on both sides.
He reiterated Taipei's usual stance that it will never engage in a dialogue with China until Beijing agrees to remove the "one-China" principle framework as a precondition for talks.
He further defended both of Taiwan’s referendum proposals -- one proposed by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party on whether Taiwan should join the United Nations under the name Taiwan and the other put forward by the opposition Kuomintang on rejoining the U.N. under the name Republic of China or some other "suitable" title -- saying that they are "neither an independence movement nor a provocative act,
but rather the Taiwanese people's humble wish to receive a `license' to the international community after a long period of apartheid."
Beijing has been trying to distort the meaning of the DPP's referendum, which is simply a representation of will of the Taiwanese, he said.
"It’s hard for me to fathom people’s assumptions that the referendum will lead to a disaster, " he said, adding that the act of holding referendums has always been a tool for exercising the people's democratic will.
Chen also took the opportunity to ridicule Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's recent claim that Taiwan's fate must be determined by the people living both in China and in Taiwan and that the 1.3 billion Chinese citizens should be permitted to cast votes in Saturday's election.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Civic groups condemn China, extend compassion for Tibet
Taipei, March 18 (CNA) Civic groups condemned China’s military crackdown of Tibetan protesters and extended compassion for the victims in a press conference Tuesday, urging the Taiwan people to support Tibet.
“The military crackdown was not an independent case. Currently in China, there are protests against the Chinese regime as well as the ensuing crackdown, arrests and killings in every Tibetans-inhabited region, “said Wong Shih-chieh, Deputy Secretary-General of Taiwan Tibet Exchange Foundation (TTEF).
The cruel nature of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) did not change after the economical development, said Tsai Ting-kuei, President of Taiwan Association of University Professors (TAUP).
“Tibetans’forbearance and tolerance did not earn security but relentless suppression,”he added.
China launched a military action last week that has left over 100 people dead following a protest in Lhasa, capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) . Hundreds of Tibetans have died in unrest in Lhasa and elsewhere, the India-based Tibetan parliament-in-exile said in a statement Monday.
On Tuesday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in an international press conference in Beijing that the unrest in Tibet was obviously masterminded by the“Dalai Lama organization”and the People’s Liberation Army was in Lhasa to prevent more killings by the protesters.
“Chinese government lies whenever it needs to and has to. It said the troops were sent to Lhasa to perform street cleaning. And it has said in the past 12 years in the World Health Organization assembly that China was responsible for the protection of Taiwan’s public health,“said Wu Shue-min, President of Taiwan Society, main organizer of the press conference.
“They were all lies,”Wu said.
Taiwanese should be able to identify the essence of the Chinese Communist regime after witnessing what has happened in Tibet, Wong said.
“Over the past 50 years China claimed it had helped Tibet with it economic development. If Tibetans enjoy a happy life, why would they risk their lives to fight against China?“he said.
Wong called for all Taiwanese to step up and voice their non-partisan support for Tibetans’fight for cultural preservation and religious freedom.
Yu Shyi-kun, former chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, also urged the international community–especially the United Nations–to actively engaged in rescuing those Tibetans in suffer.
“The military crackdown was not an independent case. Currently in China, there are protests against the Chinese regime as well as the ensuing crackdown, arrests and killings in every Tibetans-inhabited region, “said Wong Shih-chieh, Deputy Secretary-General of Taiwan Tibet Exchange Foundation (TTEF).
The cruel nature of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) did not change after the economical development, said Tsai Ting-kuei, President of Taiwan Association of University Professors (TAUP).
“Tibetans’forbearance and tolerance did not earn security but relentless suppression,”he added.
China launched a military action last week that has left over 100 people dead following a protest in Lhasa, capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) . Hundreds of Tibetans have died in unrest in Lhasa and elsewhere, the India-based Tibetan parliament-in-exile said in a statement Monday.
On Tuesday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in an international press conference in Beijing that the unrest in Tibet was obviously masterminded by the“Dalai Lama organization”and the People’s Liberation Army was in Lhasa to prevent more killings by the protesters.
“Chinese government lies whenever it needs to and has to. It said the troops were sent to Lhasa to perform street cleaning. And it has said in the past 12 years in the World Health Organization assembly that China was responsible for the protection of Taiwan’s public health,“said Wu Shue-min, President of Taiwan Society, main organizer of the press conference.
“They were all lies,”Wu said.
Taiwanese should be able to identify the essence of the Chinese Communist regime after witnessing what has happened in Tibet, Wong said.
“Over the past 50 years China claimed it had helped Tibet with it economic development. If Tibetans enjoy a happy life, why would they risk their lives to fight against China?“he said.
Wong called for all Taiwanese to step up and voice their non-partisan support for Tibetans’fight for cultural preservation and religious freedom.
Yu Shyi-kun, former chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, also urged the international community–especially the United Nations–to actively engaged in rescuing those Tibetans in suffer.
Monday, March 17, 2008
SEF voices serious concerns over China's crackdown in Tibet
Taipei, March 17 (CNA) The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) expressed grave concern over China's crackdown on Tibetan protesters and urge China to respect its pledge of a "high degree of autonomy" in the Himalayan region, SEF Chairman Hung Chi-chang said Monday.
"We expressed our serious concerns over China's crackdown in Tibet and urged China to stop its military actions in Tibet and the adjoining provinces of Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan," Hung said.
"The culture and religious freedom of Tibetans should be respected by all, " Hung said of the military action that has left over 100 people dead following a protest in Lhasa, capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).
Hundreds of Tibetans have died in unrest in Lhasa and elsewhere, the India-based Tibetan parliament-in-exile said in a statement Monday.
Hung addressed the issue in a much softer tone and with cautious wording, using "concern" rather than "condemn, " which was seen in statements released earlier by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) .
The SEF is a semi-official organization funded by Taiwan's government to handle consultations and technical affairs with China in the absence of official ties.
The MOFA and MAC both condemned China for its human rights violations and use of force in official statements released last weekend.
Responding to a reporter's question, Hung said there were many ways to express concern and condemnation was one of them.
"It was obvious the Tibetans could no longer tolerate China's 'cultural genocide, ' as the Dalai Lama described it, in Tibet. The Dalai Lama has literally given up the Tibetan independence movement and settled for a 'meaningful autonomy' and the preservation of Tibetan culture and religious freedom. Even so, China still pulled the triggers, " he said.
The Constitution of the Republic of China, which still claims sovereignty over Tibet, has put Taiwan in an awkward position on the "Tibet issue." The ministry-level Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission was established under the Executive Yuan to preserve Mongolian and Tibetan cultures.
The independence-seeking ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government has not publicly supported the Tibetan independence movement.
However, what is happening in Tibet will be an election issue, Hung said.
"It is a living lesson for Taiwan's 23 million people that China still decided to go ahead with the crackdown despite the enormous international attention focused on the Tibet situation, especially ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August, " he said.
"While China has repeatedly stressed its peaceful rise and intention to seek stability, Taiwan's sovereignty should be respected and affirmed in the process of cross-strait dialogue, " he said.
"Fortunately, Taiwan is able to enjoy full sovereignty while Tibet has been under China's control, " he said.
"We expressed our serious concerns over China's crackdown in Tibet and urged China to stop its military actions in Tibet and the adjoining provinces of Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan," Hung said.
"The culture and religious freedom of Tibetans should be respected by all, " Hung said of the military action that has left over 100 people dead following a protest in Lhasa, capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).
Hundreds of Tibetans have died in unrest in Lhasa and elsewhere, the India-based Tibetan parliament-in-exile said in a statement Monday.
Hung addressed the issue in a much softer tone and with cautious wording, using "concern" rather than "condemn, " which was seen in statements released earlier by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) .
The SEF is a semi-official organization funded by Taiwan's government to handle consultations and technical affairs with China in the absence of official ties.
The MOFA and MAC both condemned China for its human rights violations and use of force in official statements released last weekend.
Responding to a reporter's question, Hung said there were many ways to express concern and condemnation was one of them.
"It was obvious the Tibetans could no longer tolerate China's 'cultural genocide, ' as the Dalai Lama described it, in Tibet. The Dalai Lama has literally given up the Tibetan independence movement and settled for a 'meaningful autonomy' and the preservation of Tibetan culture and religious freedom. Even so, China still pulled the triggers, " he said.
The Constitution of the Republic of China, which still claims sovereignty over Tibet, has put Taiwan in an awkward position on the "Tibet issue." The ministry-level Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission was established under the Executive Yuan to preserve Mongolian and Tibetan cultures.
The independence-seeking ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government has not publicly supported the Tibetan independence movement.
However, what is happening in Tibet will be an election issue, Hung said.
"It is a living lesson for Taiwan's 23 million people that China still decided to go ahead with the crackdown despite the enormous international attention focused on the Tibet situation, especially ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August, " he said.
"While China has repeatedly stressed its peaceful rise and intention to seek stability, Taiwan's sovereignty should be respected and affirmed in the process of cross-strait dialogue, " he said.
"Fortunately, Taiwan is able to enjoy full sovereignty while Tibet has been under China's control, " he said.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Taiwan loses to South Korea, finishes third in baseball qualifiers
Taipei, March 14 (CNA) A hard-fought 4-3 loss to long-time Asian rival South Korea Friday did nothing to diminish Taiwan's third-place finish in the 2008 Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament, at least not in the eyes of a sellout crowd of 15,000 in Taichung.
Taiwan battled to the last at-bat before falling, but the team no one expected to do well 10 days ago has regained the confidence of skeptical home fans by gaining an Olympic berth with its surprising 5-2 record in the tourney.
Trailing by one with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Chiang Chih-hsien's double gave Taiwan a last chance to send the game in extra innings.
But after Korean closer Chong Tae-hyon intentionally walked Chang Chien-ming, he got Lin Che-hsuan on a pop up that was caught in foul territory in front of the Koreans' dugout.
In last night's other game, Canada beat Germany 2-1 to draw even with South Korea at the top of the standings with a 6-1 record, but the Canadians finished as tournament champion on the strength of winning their head-to-head battle 4-3 on Thursday.
Canada, Taiwan and South Korea will join five other five teams -- host China, Asian champion Japan, European title holder the Netherlands and two teams from the Americas, Cuba and the U.S. -- in the 2008 Olympics in August.
Although Taiwan and South Korea had clinched Olympic berths prior to last night's tournament finale, neither wanted to lose the "meaningless" game, broadcast live in both countries.
Taiwan jumped to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Lin Che-hsuan smashed an RBI-double off the centerfield wall and scored on an error when South Korea failed to convert a double play.
It didn't take long for the Koreans to retaliate. They capitalized on two Taiwanese errors and two hits from their power hitters, including Lee Seung-yeop's double, off Taiwan's surprise starter Lee Chen-chang to take a 3-2 lead in the second inning.
Korea made it 4-2 an inning later when Kim Joo-chan stole second and third and scored on Ko Young-min's single.
Taiwan cut the lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth when Chang Chien-ming scored on Peng Cheng-min's single after having walked and advanced to second on Lin Che-hsuan's sacrifice bunt.
Reliever Chang Chih-chia showed his best form since 2001, when he came out of nowhere and led Taiwan to the bronze medal in the Baseball World Cup. Chang allowed five hits in 6.1 shutout innings and twice picked off runners on first base.
"We didn't win this game but we did our best, " Chang said, also telling his fans that "the old Chang is coming back. I'm almost there."
Korean starter Kim Kwang-hyun, a 19-year-old lefthander, struck out five and gave up five hits before being relieved by Hwang Doo-sung in the sixth.
-- Final Standings: (* - clinched Olympic berths)
1. Canada 6-1*
2. South Korea 6-1*
3. Taiwan 5-2*
4. Mexico 4-3
5. Australia 4-3
6. Germany 2-5
7. Spain 1-6
8. South Africa 0-7
Taiwan battled to the last at-bat before falling, but the team no one expected to do well 10 days ago has regained the confidence of skeptical home fans by gaining an Olympic berth with its surprising 5-2 record in the tourney.
Trailing by one with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Chiang Chih-hsien's double gave Taiwan a last chance to send the game in extra innings.
But after Korean closer Chong Tae-hyon intentionally walked Chang Chien-ming, he got Lin Che-hsuan on a pop up that was caught in foul territory in front of the Koreans' dugout.
In last night's other game, Canada beat Germany 2-1 to draw even with South Korea at the top of the standings with a 6-1 record, but the Canadians finished as tournament champion on the strength of winning their head-to-head battle 4-3 on Thursday.
Canada, Taiwan and South Korea will join five other five teams -- host China, Asian champion Japan, European title holder the Netherlands and two teams from the Americas, Cuba and the U.S. -- in the 2008 Olympics in August.
Although Taiwan and South Korea had clinched Olympic berths prior to last night's tournament finale, neither wanted to lose the "meaningless" game, broadcast live in both countries.
Taiwan jumped to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Lin Che-hsuan smashed an RBI-double off the centerfield wall and scored on an error when South Korea failed to convert a double play.
It didn't take long for the Koreans to retaliate. They capitalized on two Taiwanese errors and two hits from their power hitters, including Lee Seung-yeop's double, off Taiwan's surprise starter Lee Chen-chang to take a 3-2 lead in the second inning.
Korea made it 4-2 an inning later when Kim Joo-chan stole second and third and scored on Ko Young-min's single.
Taiwan cut the lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth when Chang Chien-ming scored on Peng Cheng-min's single after having walked and advanced to second on Lin Che-hsuan's sacrifice bunt.
Reliever Chang Chih-chia showed his best form since 2001, when he came out of nowhere and led Taiwan to the bronze medal in the Baseball World Cup. Chang allowed five hits in 6.1 shutout innings and twice picked off runners on first base.
"We didn't win this game but we did our best, " Chang said, also telling his fans that "the old Chang is coming back. I'm almost there."
Korean starter Kim Kwang-hyun, a 19-year-old lefthander, struck out five and gave up five hits before being relieved by Hwang Doo-sung in the sixth.
-- Final Standings: (* - clinched Olympic berths)
1. Canada 6-1*
2. South Korea 6-1*
3. Taiwan 5-2*
4. Mexico 4-3
5. Australia 4-3
6. Germany 2-5
7. Spain 1-6
8. South Africa 0-7
Taiwan shackled by 'Anti-Secession Law,' two communiques: MAC
Taipei, March 14 (CNA) China's "Anti-Secession Law" and the Chinese Communist Party's two communiques with Taiwan's opposition parties have had a structural impact on cross-strait relations and shackled Taiwan, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) argued Friday.
Addressing the media on the third anniversary of the passage of the law and less than 10 days before the March 22 presidential election, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong said that Beijing was the behind-the-scene mastermind of the "one law, two communiques, " strategy to box in Taiwan's future.
China passed the "Anti-Secession Law" on March 14, 2005, claiming the Taiwan Strait situation was a residual issue of the Chinese civil war in the 1940s. The law did not rule out resolving the impasse by "non-peaceful measures."
Passage of the measure ignited opposition and condemnation from Japan, the U.S. and the European Union (EU). Hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese marched in Taipei to oppose the law on March 26, 2005.
The two communiques were signed in the same year by Kuomintang (KMT) Honorary Chairman Lien Chan and People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong, respectively, with Chinese President Hu Jintao.
The communiques were seen by the opposition as progress in cross-strait relations. However, "politically, China will not change its 'one-China' principle; militarily, China will not tone down its military threat nor withdraw more than 1,000 missiles aimed at Taiwan,' Chen warned.
"The communiques signified, to some extent, an extension of the 'Anti-Secession Law,'" Chen suggested.
Lien, Soong and Hu jointly established a "one law, two communiques" framework that confines Taiwan to economic incorporation, de facto unification and de jure annexation, he argued.
MAC Vice Chairman Liu Te-hsun echoed Chen's comments later in the day, saying that Article Five of the "Anti-Secession Law," which has set a "high degree of autonomy" as Taiwan's ultimate status after unification, has been overlooked by many.
"The vision of the future should be better than the current reality. Is a 'high-degree of autonomy' a better offer than what Taiwan has right now? " he wondered, arguing that China needed to offer something more lucrative for Taiwan.
Addressing the media on the third anniversary of the passage of the law and less than 10 days before the March 22 presidential election, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong said that Beijing was the behind-the-scene mastermind of the "one law, two communiques, " strategy to box in Taiwan's future.
China passed the "Anti-Secession Law" on March 14, 2005, claiming the Taiwan Strait situation was a residual issue of the Chinese civil war in the 1940s. The law did not rule out resolving the impasse by "non-peaceful measures."
Passage of the measure ignited opposition and condemnation from Japan, the U.S. and the European Union (EU). Hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese marched in Taipei to oppose the law on March 26, 2005.
The two communiques were signed in the same year by Kuomintang (KMT) Honorary Chairman Lien Chan and People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong, respectively, with Chinese President Hu Jintao.
The communiques were seen by the opposition as progress in cross-strait relations. However, "politically, China will not change its 'one-China' principle; militarily, China will not tone down its military threat nor withdraw more than 1,000 missiles aimed at Taiwan,' Chen warned.
"The communiques signified, to some extent, an extension of the 'Anti-Secession Law,'" Chen suggested.
Lien, Soong and Hu jointly established a "one law, two communiques" framework that confines Taiwan to economic incorporation, de facto unification and de jure annexation, he argued.
MAC Vice Chairman Liu Te-hsun echoed Chen's comments later in the day, saying that Article Five of the "Anti-Secession Law," which has set a "high degree of autonomy" as Taiwan's ultimate status after unification, has been overlooked by many.
"The vision of the future should be better than the current reality. Is a 'high-degree of autonomy' a better offer than what Taiwan has right now? " he wondered, arguing that China needed to offer something more lucrative for Taiwan.
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