Chen `emboldened' by strong American support, Lien says

KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) yesterday said he worried that Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) government, emboldened by an almost unprecedented amount of US support, had a policy of "creeping independence."

Lien made the comment in an interview with The Associated Press.

He warned that the US would not help defend Taiwan if the nation precipitated a war with China by moving too far toward independence.

"I hope my government will not miscalculate the American determination to support Taiwan," Lien said.

Also, Lien criticized Chen's government for having performed poorly over the past two years.

In addition to failing to make good on his promises to become "a president for all the people" and to boost Taiwan's economic development, Chen has not been able to improve cross-strait relations, Lien said.

In the interview, Lien gave his clearest endorsement for plans to link the KMT with the PFP in challenging Chen in the 2004 presidential election.

"Together we shall prevail," Lien said.

He declined to say whether he thinks his party will pick him to run in the race or whether he would accept a nomination as president or vice president. "I really can't elaborate for the time being, because there are still two more years," he said.

Lien spent much of the interview discussing Taiwan's relations with China.

China is preparing for a leadership transition in the coming year, a change many believe will put Vice President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) in the top Communist Party and government posts.

Outside of China's secretive leadership circles, little is known about Hu's views on the big issues, and Lien declined to say what his expectations of Hu are.

``I don't know much about this man and I don't want to speculate about his character and future,'' he said.

But Lien said that the global trend is toward democracy and freedom and that China would eventually reform its political system.