KMT Chairman Lien Chan (
Speaking at a symposium on cross-strait relations sponsored by the New Taiwanese Cultural Foundation, Lien said Chen's integration dictum will be "something to rejoice" if it works, adding that he hoped it would not be just "one of [Chen's] many [policy] changes."
In his "Cross Century Remarks" on Dec. 31, Chen said economic, trade and cultural integration across the Strait can be a starting point for gradually building faith and confidence in each other. "This, in turn, can be the basis for a new framework of permanent peace and political integration," Chen said.
Lien also called on Beijing yesterday to stop pretending that "the Republic of China has ceased to exist" or viewing Taiwan as a local-level government.
"If Beijing continues treating Taiwan with a bullying or superior attitude, cross-strait ties cannot come out of its current impasse," Lien added.
The two sides of the Taiwan Strait should shed their "victim mentality" to break the current deadlock and build lasting peace, Lien said. Lien summed up his policy direction in a 16-character punch line, which translates as: "Give up the independence-unification dispute internally; build harmony externally; the two sides [of the Strait seek] co-prosperity; embrace the world." Lien also called on the Taiwan government to accept "one China, with both sides having its own interpretation."
"The KMT has always been anti-communist but not anti-China," Lien said.
At the meeting, former Mainland Affairs Council chairman Su Chi (蘇起) rapped Chen for what he said was a failure to come up with a complete set of China policies. Su also compared Chen unfavorably to former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝), saying Lee's policies had been consistent and given the public a sense of direction.
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