Former president Lee Teng-hui(
Lee accused China of ``barbaric behavior'' because it rejected Taiwan's choice of an envoy for the APEC forum.
``Seeing Taiwan treated with little respect makes me cry,'' Lee said yesterday while campaigning for Taiwan Solidarity Union candidates running in the Dec. 1 legislative elections.
Lee yesterday also urged the Chen administration to be prepared for any possibility when it comes to international affairs -- especially when negotiating with China.
This weekend, Taiwan's chosen representative to attend APEC's informal leaders' summit was unable to go because Beijing refused to send an invitation.
In addition, when a Taiwanese official attempted to speak out on the matter at a press conference, he was quickly silenced by China's foreign minister.
"China is well known for its negotiation techniques, which have even given the United States a headache," Lee said at a media event hosted by the Taiwan Solidarity Union.
"Our government must draw up many `scripts' before sitting down at the negotiation table with China."
That way, what ever move Beijing makes, Taiwan has responses prepared.
Lee said that during negotiations with China, officials at all times must preserve the "state's dignity" and protect its interests.
"In dealing with cross-strait affairs -- especially when bargaining with China at international meetings -- Taiwan should take the initiative instead of adopting a passive attitude," Lee said.
And preparation is important. During the 1996 missile crisis, Lee said, he had mapped out 18 different "scripts" to react to China's saber rattling.
Lee noted that the government has many experts highly skilled in China affairs. He said President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) should organize this talent and prepare possible "scripts" to deal with Beijing.
Lee also said that Taiwan's internal disunity was one of the major reasons why Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan (唐家璇) felt he had the liberty to treat Taiwan poorly in Shanghai.
Last week, Tang refused to allow Minister of Economic Affairs Lin Hsin-yi (
Lee said the disunity in Taiwan emboldened Tang to be rude.
"The Legislative Yuan doesn't want harmony with the government and [opposition lawmakers] have continued to be uncooperative in their attitude," Lee said.
In addition, Lee yesterday said that rumors about his poor health were untrue.
He also said it was his responsibility to raise the awareness of the "silent majority" in Taiwan.
"The goal that I am advocating now is to help all people in this country to build the true spirit of democracy," the former president said.
"Only if the political situation stabilizes after the year-end elections can I really tell my family and friends that I am retired," Lee said.Also See Lee
RSS