Stay wary of Beijing's 'one China'

Beijing's arbitrary omission of Wu's comments is an indication that Chinese leaders have no respect whatsoever for the KMT leadership. As far as I can see, they only view the KMT as the remnants of a defeated opponent. There have been reports that KMT chairman Lien Chan (連戰) also wants to visit China. I would like to suggest here, that, if Beijing leaders invite him to visit, Lien should work out a proper agreement with them on the format, procedure and manner of the meetings, as well as on the news releases that follow it.

Judging from the results of the Wu-Qian meeting in Zhongnanhai, I believe there are warning signs that the Taiwan government should not accept Beijing's "one China" principle. Taiwan should stick to the position that the ROC, established by Sun Yat-sen (孫逸仙) in 1911 after the overthrow of the Ching dynasty, still exists in Taiwan, which is part of China's existing territory.

As to the question of when negotiations can begin on a "future one China," much will depend on when China builds a free, democratic and prosperous mainland.

Kam Yiu-yu is a former editor-in-chief of Hong Kong's Wen Wei Po.

Translated by Francis Huang