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President's `four noes' predicated on peace, premier says

Premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) yesterday said that the "four noes" policy is only valid so long as the Chinese government does not initiate military action against Taiwan.

"This is our bottom line," Hsieh said. "Should military action begin in the Strait, the `four noes' policy will be automatically invalidated."

Hsieh made his remarks during the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday morning.

His pointed remarks about the "four noes" are unprecedented.

Promises

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) first made the pledges in 2000.

The "four noes" refer to the promise to refrain from declaring independence, changing the nation's title, pushing for the inclusion of the state-to-state description of cross-strait relations in the Constitution, or promoting a referendum to change the status quo on independence or unification during Chen's term in office.

Hsieh said that the Chinese government's proposed "anti-secession" law is regarded as a legal excuse for the People's Liberation Army to launch an attack against Taiwan anytime it wants.

Excuses

At the same time, the law was also a legal excuse for the Chinese government to try to limit the Taiwanese people's freedom to choose their future.

"However, it is not appropriate for the government to come up with any further comments at this moment, since the law is still pending," the premier said.

In addition, Hsieh said that national security-related offices and units are following the latest developments relating to the proposed anti-secession law and officials will prepare timely and appropriate reactions or responses whenever necessary.

"In the meantime, I can also tell you that the government's future policy in response to the establishment of the anti-secession law will be based on decisions made by national security offices," Hsieh said.
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