Negotiations on economic matters could facilitate mutual trust in the cross-strait relationship, which could then help create favorable conditions for political reconciliation, President Chen Shui-bian (
"Although a breakthrough in cross-strait political relations will be hard to obtain in the short term, both sides can still bring about improvements in relation to economic matters -- such as direct cargo links, opening up Taiwan's tourism market to Chinese visitors and cooperation in the fishery and agricultural industries," Chen said.
"That way, through government negotiations and expansion of exchanges, mutual trust can be cultivated, as can the conditions for eventual political reconciliation," he said.
PHOTO: LIAO CHEN-HUI, TAIPEI TIMES
But Chen also had harsh words for Beijing, criticizing it for interfering in Hong Kong's affairs.
The president's earlier comments were part of a speech to participants attending the opening ceremony for the Executive Yuan's training program.
While affirming the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration's "willingness" to seek dialogue and rapprochement with China, Chen stressed that "the government will never change its pragmatic and rational policy upholding Taiwan's national sovereignty and insisting on Taiwan's national identity."
Chen said that exchanges over the past 10 years between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait had developed into "extremely close ties which hold great value and significance in the development of bilateral cross-strait relations."
Chen also said that he hoped efforts would be made to resume cross-strait dialogue, "because only through dialogue can both sides shorten the distance between them and lay the foundations for building mutual confidence."
In addition to insisting on cross-strait rapprochement, Chen said his administration would continue to insist on constitutional reform, fairness and justice.
"This is what the people have been expecting, and this will enable our next generation to live in a fair and just Taiwan where social, economic, judicial, gender and international justice will prevail," Chen said.
He added that the government would not neglect the less privileged while generating economic development and international competitiveness.
But at another event later in the day, Chen lashed out at Beijing for encroaching on Hong Kong's autonomy since its return to China.
"Over the past eight years, Hong Kong has been one of the few regions in the world where personal freedom, democracy and law and order have suffered serious setbacks ... All peace and democracy lovers in the world should take careful note of this lesson," Chen said.
This year marks the eighth year of China's rule of the former British territory.
Chen made the comments while meeting a group of Hong Kong-based Taiwan Commerce and Industry Association rep-resentatives at the Presidential Office.
In addition, the president told his visitors that Beijing should put more emphasis on the spirit of "peace and freedom" in its slogan for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Beijing's Olympics organizing committee announced on Sunday that the slogan for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games is "One world, one dream." The slogan was selected to "embody the common aspirations of the 1.3 billion Chinese people in establishing a world of peace and a better future," according to the committee.
"China looks forward to joining the ranks of world powers through hosting the 2008 Olympic Games. However, a big power may not necessarily win respect and acclaim in the international community," Chen said.
"If Beijing changes its slogan to `One peaceful world, one dream of freedom,' then it would receive even more world recognition and esteem," Chen said.
He added that this revision would better embody the meaning and significance of the Olympic Games.
MISINFORMATION: The generated content tends to adopt China’s official stance, such as ‘Taiwan is currently governed by the Chinese central government,’ the NSB said Five China-developed artificial intelligence (AI) language models exhibit cybersecurity risks and content biases, an inspection conducted by the National Security Bureau (NSB) showed. The five AI tools are: DeepSeek, Doubao (豆包), Yiyan (文心一言), Tongyi (通義千問) and Yuanbao (騰訊元寶), the bureau said, advising people to remain vigilant to protect personal data privacy and corporate business secrets. The NSB said it, in accordance with the National Intelligence Services Act (國家情報工作法), has reviewed international cybersecurity reports and intelligence, and coordinated with the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau and the National Police Agency’s Criminal Investigation Bureau to conduct an inspection of China-made AI language
BOOST IN CONFIDENCE: The sale sends a clear message of support for Taiwan and dispels rumors that US President Donald Trump ‘sold out’ the nation, an expert said The US government on Thursday announced a possible sale to Taiwan of fighter jet parts, which was estimated to cost about US$330 million, in a move that an expert said “sends a clear message of support for Taiwan” amid fears that Washington might be wavering in its attitude toward Taipei. It was the first announcement of an arms sale to Taiwan since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House earlier this year. The proposed package includes non-standard components, spare and repair parts, consumables and accessories, as well repair and return support for the F-16, C-130 and Indigenous Defense Fighter aircraft,
CHECKING BOUNDARIES: China wants to disrupt solidarity among democracies and test their red lines, but it is instead pushing nations to become more united, an expert said The US Department of State on Friday expressed deep concern over a Chinese public security agency’s investigation into Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋) for “secession.” “China’s actions threaten free speech and erode norms that have underpinned the cross-strait ‘status quo’ for decades,” a US Department of State spokesperson said. The Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau late last month listed Shen as “wanted” and launched an investigation into alleged “secession-related” criminal activities, including his founding of the Kuma Academy, a civil defense organization that prepares people for an invasion by China. The spokesperson said that the US was “deeply concerned” about the bureau investigating Shen
‘TROUBLEMAKER’: Most countries believe that it is China — rather than Taiwan — that is undermining regional peace and stability with its coercive tactics, the president said China should restrain itself and refrain from being a troublemaker that sabotages peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks after China Coast Guard vessels sailed into disputed waters off the Senkaku Islands — known as the Diaoyutai Islands (釣魚台) in Taiwan — following a remark Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made regarding Taiwan. Takaichi during a parliamentary session on Nov. 7 said that a “Taiwan contingency” involving a Chinese naval blockade could qualify as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, and trigger Tokyo’s deployment of its military for defense. Asked about the escalating tensions
RSS