President says he doesn't need HP to help with China

The Presidential Office said yesterday that President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) does not need a cross-strait messenger, after the visiting head of Hewlett-Packard Co (HP)refused to press China to open direct charter air links with Taiwan.

"The president, keeping his goodwill and commitment expressed in his National Day address, mentioned the opening of direct cross-strait charter passenger and cargo flights to HP chairwoman and CEO Carly Fiorina, because he hopes the government and the private sectors can work together toward the goal," presidential spokesman Chen Wen-tsung (陳文宗) said.

"The president has not asked, and does not need, any businesses or people to pass messages on his behalf or be his messenger," Chen Wen-tsung said.

According to a statement issued by the Presidential Office on Friday, after Chen's meeting with Fiorina, Chen told the HP head that the opening of direct charter passenger and cargo flights between China and Taiwan was in the interest of the international community.

"The president hopes visiting guests can continue to express this to the Beijing authorities based on this principle and seek support from the US," the statement said.

Chen also said Taiwan wants normal trade and economic relations with China, and reiterated his call for early two-way negotiations on cross-strait charter flights, which he advocated in his Double Ten National Day address.

The two sides of the Taiwan Strait should put aside their political disputes and engage in talks "the sooner the better," said the president, according to the statement.

Fiorina publicly called for cargo charter flights between Taiwan and China last year.

During Friday's meeting, Chen explained to her the government unveiled its cross-strait charter cargo flights last September.

"However, as Taiwan's presidential election was near at that time, the Beijing authorities rejected the proposal for political reasons," Chen said.

In response to Chen's call, HP later on Friday said Fiorina's visit to Taiwan was strictly for business.

"The purpose of her visit is to meet with our customers and she believes that businesses should stick to business, and leave politics to politicians," the company said in a statement.

Commenting on Fiorina's refusal to get involved in opening direct cross-strait charter air links, Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) said it is normal for a businessperson to have such response. Fiorina left for the US on Friday.

Fiorina told the president during their meeting Taiwan is one of HP's important partners.

"I am proud our company chose to set up a research and development center in Taiwan ... Taiwan has vast investment in education and research and development facilities. We have made the right decision," Fiorina said.

HP purchased a total of US$16.2 billion in products from Taiwan last year, accounting for one-third of the total value registered by all foreign buyers.

The US company is planning to buy NT$580 billion (US$17 billion) worth of Taiwanese products this year, and set up a high-tech research and development center here in three years, which is expected to draw NT$980 million (US$29 billion) into the country.