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MOFA unsurprised by Beijing reaction to UN participation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said it was “not too surprised” that China has struck up its usual tune in objecting to Taiwan’s bid for UN participation.

However, it said it was confident that Beijing and Taipei could reach a consensus on resolving the issue of Taiwan’s international space through continuing dialogue.

In a statement released last night, the ministry did not protest China’s interference as it has done in the past, but said China and Taiwan’s co-participation in international activities will help “establish cross-strait mutual trust, reduce misunderstanding and prevent hostility.”

The statement also said MOFA is confident a solution can be found as long as both sides can “shelve differences and build on common interests to create a win-win situation” — almost verbatim to the content of a letter written by Chinese Ambassador to the UN Wang Guangya (王光亞) to the secretariat office last Monday.

Wang said that the Chinese government had always looked after the welfare of the Taiwanese people and that “Taiwan region has unfettered access” to the WHO after Beijing signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the health body in 2005.

However, instead of pointing out China’s false claim that Taiwanese experts have enjoyed “unfettered” access, the MOFA statement only said Beijing was “incorrect” in claiming that the MOU has provided “convenience” to Taiwanese experts and that Taiwan’s participation level in WHO events still fell short of Taiwan’s expectations.

On Aug. 15, 17 of Taiwan’s allies officially pitched a draft resolution to the UN secretariat office calling on the General Assembly to “examine the fundamental rights of the 23 million people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to participate meaningfully in the activities of the UN specialized agencies.”

Three days later, Wang, in a letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said Taiwan’s bid to participate in UN specialized agencies under the “principle of universality” was “unfounded” because Taiwan is not a sovereign state.

Wang said any proposal for Taiwan’s UN participation violated China’s sovereignty.

Calling the issue of Taiwan’s international space an “internal affair of the Chinese people,” Wang said the issue “should be resolved through consultation” but stressed the talks must be held under the “one-China principle.”

Taiwan was refered to as “the Taiwan region” in Wang’s letter.

When asked if Taiwan would agree to China’s terms, MOFA Spokesman Henry Chen (陳銘政) said, “we strive to set aside differences.”

“So far, we have received positive feedback from the international community such as the US, Japan and the EU,” he said.

The Presidential Office yesterday declined to comment.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY KO SHU-LING

Also See: EDITORIAL: Another slap in Ma Ying-jeou’s face
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