MAC blasts back at China

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) blasted Beijing yesterday for "distorting and insulting" President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) policies by interpreting his agenda for a new constitution and national referendum as a timetable for Taiwan's independence.

The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China's State Council broke its silence yesterday and held the first regular press conference since the March 20 presidential election in Taiwan.

TAO Spokesman Li Weiyi (李維一) dismissed Chen's proposal of a "peace and stability framework" between China and Taiwan as a move to deceive the people of Taiwan and the international community.

Chen has repeatedly spoken in public about his intention to hold a referendum on formulating a new constitution in 2006 and enacting it in 2008, in order to make Taiwan a "normal and complete" nation, Li said. He said that Chen's remarks betrayed the real intention of pushing for Taiwan's independence.

China's strongest criticism of Chen since the president won his second term came as US Vice President Dick Cheney visited Beijing and met with Chinese Central Military Commission Chairman Jiang Zemin (江澤民), President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) and Premier Wen Jiabao (溫家寶).

In their meetings with Cheney, the Chinese leaders urged the US to adhere to its commitment on the Taiwan issue and not send the wrong signals to Taiwan's "independence forces."

In response to the TAO's remarks, MAC Vice Chairman Chen Ming-tong (陳明通) held a press conference expressing the council's "deep regrets" about Beijing's "insults and false criticisms" of President Chen.

Chen Ming-tong said the timing of the TAO press conference had nothing to do with Cheney's visit.

"It is a regular press conference," he said.

The Chinese authorities have been emotional in dealing with issues concerning Taiwan and has unnecessarily politicized them, which "is the main reason that cross-strait relations can not develop smoothly," said Chen Ming-tong.

Referring to the draft amendment of the Chinese Constitution adopted by the China's National People's Congress, Chen Ming-tong said Beijing should be able to understand that constitutional reform is a necessary step in a country's development.

He said Beijing should not engage in senseless speculation about Taiwan's constitutional reform, and noted that the president has pledged not to change the country's title, flag or territorial definition in the new constitution.

MAC Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) previously said she hoped Taiwan and Beijing could exchange envoys before President Chen's inauguration ceremony on May 20, but Li avoided responding to the proposal.

Li reiterated that Taiwan must accept the "one China" principle in order to start a dialogue with China on the three direct links -- transportation, trade and postal service -- between the two sides.

But Chen Ming-tong, noting that direct links talks have always been hampered by China's political preconditions, called for Beijing to "immediately remove the preconditions" and open negotiations with Taiwan to prepare for the implementation of the links.

Asked whether the US would reduce its arms sales to Taiwan as requested by Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong (曾慶紅) during his meeting with Cheney, Chen Ming-tong said the US' cross-strait policy is aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.