President Chen Shui-bian (
"I wish to make an earnest call for both sides to strive toward building a framework of interaction for peace and stability ? at this stage of cross-strait development," Chen said in his New Year's Day address.
PHOTO: SEAN CHIAO, TAIPEI TIMES
"Let us begin by creating a common niche for economic development ? consultation and promotion of direct transportation links as well as exchanges on other relevant economic issues," he said.
Chen said that he would not change the position on cross-strait policies that he set out when he came power two-and-a-half years ago.
In his 2000 inauguration speech, he proposed the "Five No's": no declaring of Taiwan independence; no change in the country's name; no changing the Constitution; no referendum on Taiwan's future; and no abolition of the unification guidelines.
He also expressed his hope that the Chinese government would recognize that the transparency of institutions is indispensable to sustainable national development and that "the people must be allowed greater opportunity to take part in public affairs."
The president said that the development of China was an important issue for the global community, East Asia and Taiwan.
"Given the appropriate opportunity, we would be willing to share Taiwan's unique experience in democratization," he said.
In Beijing, Chinese President Jiang Zemin (
In terms of domestic affairs, Chen pledged to achieve "one goal" and "two tasks," namely to provide a better life for the people, revive the economy and institute comprehensive reforms.
Mainland Affairs Council Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen (
"It is clear now that in the political sphere we want peace and stability, and in the economic sphere, direct links and economic issues are our top priorities when talking with China," Tsai said.
She said the first half of this year would be a good time for the two sides to hold talks since Taiwan and China have no major political events or domestic affairs to tackle.
Tsai said the most urgent issues were direct transportation links, the rights of Taiwanese businessmen in China, the "small three links" and allowing Chinese to visit Taiwan.
Tsai said the government had no particular agenda and that it "would not rule out any possibility to talk about any issue." She declined to prioritize the issues.
Taiwan's hope is that in the first 20 years of the this century, Taiwan and China can steadily develop their own societies, which could then provide a base for the two sides to further decide their fate.
"During these 20 years, the key to China's development of cross-strait relations is its democratization," Tsai said.
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