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Hsieh urges China to be constructive

Premier Frank Hsieh gestures during the weekly meeting for Cabinet members yesterday morning in which he pointed out that Taiwanese people are angered by China's proposed "anti-secession law," and hopes that the China's leadership gets this message. PHOTO: CNA

Premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) yesterday said that peace and acceptance of an equal state-to-state relationship are still Taiwan's bottom lines when it comes to the cross-strait relationship.

"Taiwanese people are irritated by China's proposed `anti-secession' law -- and that means the majority of people in Taiwan, regardless of their political orientation. I hope that the Chinese government gets the message," Hsieh said.

"The Chinese government once said that its leaders will `respect the Taiwanese people's decision' but unfortunately, I do not see that in this issue," the premier continued.

Hsieh made his remarks during the weekly meeting for Cabinet members yesterday morning. He mentioned the anti-secession law in the beginning of the meeting.

In addition to speaking up on behalf of Taiwan, Hsieh also urged the international community to pay attention to the issue of security in the Taiwan Strait and use its influence and relationship with Beijing to encourage Chinese officials not to adopt the provocative law.

"It is quite foolish for them [Chinese officials] to come up with such a law, because this kind of action will destroy the balance and harmony in the Strait," Hsieh said. "We have fought very hard to come to this stage [in cross-strait relations], but the establishment of this law will easily tear apart everything that has been accomplished. This is stupid."

The premier said that Taiwan has made numerous friendly overtures toward the Chinese government and has tried to work out the disagreements between them. He said the Chinese government should do the same in return.

"I hereby request the Chinese government do something postive, instead of just `warning' us with threats," he said.

However, Hsieh also reassured the public and said that the issues surrounding the establishment of the anti-secession law are under President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) control, and national security officials have made many different plans for all kinds of outcomes.

"I assure you that the country will not be hurt, no matter what," Hsieh said.

The Standing Committee of Beijing's National People's Congress approved the bill for deliberation in December, and the review session will begin on Saturday. However, no detailed articles of the law have been revealed.

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