Direct cross-strait flights, as suggested by opposition lawmakers, would endanger Taiwan's security, TSU legislators quoted National Security Bureau officials as saying yesterday.
According to the legislators, NSB Deputy Director-general Hu Chen-chiu (胡鎮球) told them in the meeting that opening direct cross-strait air links would have a serious effect on the country's security because it takes only seven minutes to fly from China to Taiwan's air space.
Furthermore, Hu was quoted as saying, Taipei's Sungshan Airport would be unsuitable as a destination for Chinese aircraft if direct cross-strait air links were to be established because military facilities are located just 4km from the airport.
Also, as the airport is in the capital city, it would be easier for China to launch an attack similar to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Hu reportedly said.
According to a report in the Liberty Times yesterday, which cited an evaluation completed by the military, the present understanding between Taiwan and China to maintain a border along the middle of the Taiwan Strait would become ineffective after direct cross-strait transport links are developed.
As a result, Taiwan would lose its advantages in air and sea defense, the evaluation said.
The TSU yesterday urged the KMT and PFP to make national security, instead of the economy, their prime consideration when pushing the government to lift the ban on direct cross-strait transport links.
TSU spokesman Hsiao Kwan-yu (蕭貫譽) said that before China renounces the use of military force against Taiwan, efforts to promote direct transport links with China would be tantamount to "relinquishing Taiwan's sovereignty and bringing humiliation to the country."
The 400 Chinese missiles aimed at Taiwan and the operations conducted by Chinese frigates in waters close to Taiwan indicate that the PRC still considers Taiwan a rival country, Hsiao said.
President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday also discussed the issue when receiving members of the European Parliament. The delegation was led by Graham Watson, chairman of the European Liberal, Democrat and Reform Party.
Chen told the visitors that the normalization of cross-strait economic and trade ties is the first step toward normalization of cross-strait relations, but as the head of state, he is obliged to safeguard the sovereignty, dignity and security of the country.
Though opening direct cross-strait transport is inevitable, the links must be established on the basis of sincerity and goodwill from both sides, Chen said.
Dialogue between Taiwan and China must be conducted according to the principles of democracy, equality and peace, he said.
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