Chen was referring to the transit controversy ahead of his last overseas trip to Latin America. During his nine-day trip to South American allies, Chen's plane was diverted in mid-air and he visited five countries not on his original schedule, while skipping a stopover in the US. The move deepened a spat with the US and put two of his hosts in hot water with China.
Chen spent most of yesterday morning fishing. He and Palauan President Tommy Remengesau Jr. won the Fish Derby, catching 30 ocean water fish weighing 11.3kg.
They were followed by Marshall Islands President Kessai Note and Tuvalu President Apisai Ielemia, who caught 9.5kg of fish. Note was the first to catch a fish.
The second runner-up was Solomon Islands President Manasseh Sogavare and Nauru President Ludwig Scotty, who caught 19 pounds of fish.
Wives of the leaders caught 12.2kg of fish, but they did not get a trophy because they did not enter the contest.
In a meeting with Taiwanese reporters yesterday -- which ran almost 140 minutes -- Chen took 26 questions, including those about the controversies over the Presidential Office's special allowance fund, first lady Wu Shu-jen's (吳淑珍) use of Sogo Department Store vouchers and his in-laws.
Chen said he believed the truth of the controversies would come out soon.
Chen said "none of the money [from the Presidential Office's special allowance fund] went to my own pocket."
"As prosecutors are investigating the case, I cannot comment on the details. The Presidential Office and I will continue to respect the judicial investigation and fully cooperate," he said.
On controversy over the first family's asset declaration, including Wu's jewelry and watches, Chen said the declaration was filed in accordance with the law and they had corrected the declaration as requested by the Control Yuan.
Since the law does not require Wu to say who has lent her pieces of jewelry, Chen said he and Wu would protect the privacy of the lenders.
"In response to questions on whether he planned to step down, Chen said he will not shirk any responsibility that he should shoulder, but “for me to assume the responsibilities that are not mine is far from necessary. I don't think I need to act as if I am morally better than others.”
“People can try to topple me, but they can't try to topple Taiwan. Now people are supporting me and encouraging me. Instead of protecting me, I would rather they protect Taiwan — protect its democracy, rule of law and constitutional system,” Chen said."
During an interview with Fuji TV yesterday morning, Chen said that he would like to invite Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to attend the opening of Taiwan's high-speed railway next month.
Chen said Taiwan wanted to express its gratitude to Japan for the assistance, since the system uses Shinkansen technology.
Calling Shinzo Abe his “good friend,” Chen said that many polls have placed Abe ahead of other candidates vying for Japan's next prime minister. Chen said that he believed Abe would win the Sept. 20 contest for president of the ruling party, a post that virtually guarantees election as prime minister.
During his four-hour visit in Guam today, Chen is scheduled to meet with American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman Raymond Burghardt and other officials and expatriates.
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