China's saber rattling and diplomatic suppression only undermine cross-strait ties and make the notion of unification impossible, President Chen Shui-bian (
"The PRC's one-China principle insists that there is only one China and the PRC is the sole legitimate government of China, and Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China. This is a position that cannot be accepted by the 23 million people here in Taiwan," Chen said.
When asked if he sees any benefits to unification, Chen said: "So far there is no way I can accept it because I have to ask, what are the advantages of unification for the 23 million people here in Taiwan?"
Chen said that China continues to increase its military budget, a fact that the people of Taiwan cannot tolerate.
"The PRC is trying to suffocate us in the international community. They point guns and missiles at us and this simply cannot be tolerated by anyone," he said. "The PRC's military threat and diplomatic suppression will only undermine the friendship between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and will make the notion of unification simply impossible."
On the issue of China investment, Chen said it is normal for Taiwanese businesses to look across the Strait.
"If we want to deeply cultivate Taiwan with a global perspective, then we cannot ignore the mainland market," he said.
"As long as our roots and our hearts and our research and development remains in Taiwan, then I think it's quite all right for our businessmen to invest in mainland China, and I think this is normal," the president said.
He added that he is not afraid of "China fever" and said that it will cool down.
Chen also said that direct links with China must be opened, but only in a way that does not belittle, localize or marginalize Taiwan.
"Under the control and the lead of the government," Chen stressed, "it is possible that the government will ask the private sector to make contacts with the other side of the Strait and help the government enter into cross-strait consultations [on the matter]."
When asked about possible fallout from Beijing should he be able to visit Washington, Chen called China's threats "interference in the internal affairs of the US."
"I believe the United States is not a local province of the People's Republic of China," he said.
"I believe that in the future, when the opportunity presents itself and when we have to make such an arrangement, the United States government will provide courteous treatment to me under the principle of safe comfort and dignity," Chen said.
The interview was part of a CNN special television edition of Inside Asia, and a transcript of the interview is posted on its Web site.
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