Lien Chan jumps gun, congratulates Bush on victory

KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) jumped the gun yesterday, sending George W. Bush a congratulatory message before it was clear whether the former Texas governor had actually won the presidential election.

Lien Chan congratulated Bush via a telegram and urged him to help strengthen Taiwan's security and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Lien, who is currently embroiled in a vicious political battle with President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), said that he did not rule out making a visit to the US before Bush steps into office.

Lien also said that his message was sent to urge Bush to follow through with pro-Taiwan policy the presidential hopeful had mentioned during his campaign -- to support peaceful negotiations between both sides of the Taiwan Strait and help Taiwan meet its defensive needs.

"This is not only what the KMT would hope to see but is also the hope of most of the people of Taiwan," Lien announced after sending the brief telegram.

The presidential office also postponed making any comments, stopping a telegram from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before it was sent.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Hong-mao (田弘茂) said that "no matter who was elected we believe that Washington's policy will remain the same."