Taiwan´s Chen Shui-bian pushes forward "Independence"

cctv.com 01-18-2004 09:11

Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian is moving another step toward taking the island to independence. In a televised address aired on Friday, he outlined his plans and set the ballot issues for the March 20 referendum in defiance of blunt warnings from both the mainland and the United States. Although he watered down his words, analysts say that he will never abandon the cause of Taiwan's independence.

Chen Shui-bian directed the passage of a bill that allows referendums to be held for the first time last November. The act was criticized by the international community. Under external pressures, Chen Shui-bian has again released two questions for the March 20th referendum that could be interpreted as an excuse to cover his ambition of "Taiwan independence."

According to Li Jiaquan, professor with Beijing-Taiwan Economics Research Center, "Chen Shui-bian's action could be summarized as fawning to American arms dealers, softening Washington's stance on the One-China Policy, insisting on a referendum to realize Taiwan Independence and provoking the mainland to see if the mainland dares fight."

Chen Shui-bian put forward two questions to Taiwan's voters -- whether Taiwan should acquire more advanced anti-missile weapons if the mainland refuses to withdraw missiles pointed at the island, and whether Taiwan should negotiate with the mainland to establish a peaceful and stable framework for interaction.

"Chen Shui-bian is deliberately misleading the Taiwan people. The mainland's missiles are to be used against Taiwan Independence. If he demands the mainland redirect the missiles, why doesn't he remove the idea of Taiwan Independence from his party's guiding principles? The mainland insists that the two-party negotiations should be held in accordance with the principle that there is one China. If he wants to talk with the mainland, why doesn't he admit the One China fact? " Li said.

Chen Shui-bian's words in his televised speech were less aggressive than expected. Analysts say that he tried to use toned-down language to convince Washington that he is not a trouble maker. But in his heart, Taiwan's independence remains the top priority.

Whatever tone Chen Shui-bian's taken, the Taiwan Authorities should be focused more on ensuring the peace and prosperity of the island. An individual ambition should never go beyond the well-being of the 23 million people on the island.

Editor:Xiao  Source:CCTV.com