Stressing that self-defense is the rationale for the nation's arm procurements, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday rebuffed China's accusation that arms purchases are linked to the pursuit of Taiwan's independence.
"Arms purchases and Taiwan independence are completely unrelated," Chen said while receiving Atlantic Council chairman Henry Catto and a group of researchers from the US group.
The administration's NT$610.8 billion (US$18 billion) arms procurement plan is awaiting legislative approval. The budget would cover the cost of eight diesel submarines, 12 P-3C maritime patrol aircraft and six PAC-3 Patriot anti-missile batteries.
"China has accused Taiwan of provocation and has been linking any action by Taiwan with the issue of Taiwan independence, whether it is arm purchases, participation in the international community, national title or constitutional amendments," Chen said.
"The accusations are completely untrue," he said.
"Maintaining our national defense is our biggest strength in terms of opening cross-strait dialogue," Chen said. "We won't give up purchasing arms just because China has accused us of provocation because we believe self-defense depends on our own efforts."
Maintaining an adequate self-defense and cross-strait military balance is key to cross-strait peace and stability, he said.
Noting that he has repeatedly explained that his administration's constitutional reform plan is aimed at creating a modern and efficient administrative system and that it will not touch on issues relating to sovereignty, territory or unification versus independence, Chen said that Taiwan, after more than 50 years of development, needs a new viable constitution that fits its present situation.
"China should not keep associating this issue with Taiwan's independence," he said.
Chen said the quest for international breathing space reflects a desire for respect in the international community: "We can't understand why China opposes our participation in international security dialogues, the global campaign against terrorism and the campaign against the spread of contagious diseases."
"The people don't understand why we can't use `Republic of China' or Taiwan," Chen said. "Why is using our name regarded as provocation and moves toward independence?"
Reaffirming that Taiwan looks forward to forging a stable relationship with China for peaceful development, he stressed that such a relationship should be developed in line with the principles of democracy, parity and peace.
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