DPP regrets Beijing's response to Chen's remarks

DPP officials yesterday expressed regret over Beijing's refusal to renounce military intimidation of Taiwan, saying the declaration has once again hurt the feelings of Taiwanese.

But the officials said that the public shouldn't be overly concerned with China's attitude, as it is merely a continuation of communist party policy and does not represent any new threat.

Taiwan received a flat rebuff from China two days after President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) called for peace from Beijing leaders.

Chen told the Chinese leaders that Taiwan would not change its status quo if Beijing stops threatening Taiwan militarily.

But yesterday, China's Defense Minister Chi Haotian (遲浩田) said at the People's Liberation Army's 75th Anniversary that insistence on peaceful unification with Taiwan and on the "one China, two systems" model for Taiwan remain unchanged. Chi also said China will not forgo the use of military force against Taiwan if necessary.

DPP Secretary-General Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄) said he regretted China's response to Chen's olive branches because Beijing has never taken the feelings of Taiwan's people into account.

The secretary general called on Beijing not to consider Taiwan its rival and asked that China work with Taiwan to seek peace.

Director of the DPP's Chinese Affairs Department Chen Chung-hsin (陳忠信) said China's comments weren't surprising because its leadership has to pull out the rhetoric on occasions such as Army Day.

He said that while the government does not expect China's attitude to be easily changed, there may be room for flexibility in terms of the tactics the government can use when dealing with Beijing.

The president has proposed using civil organizations to negotiate with China. Beijing has said it welcomes that initiative.

President Chen's recent tough remarks on China have triggered public concern that his shift in attitude could rile Beijing and make the resumption of dialogue impossible.

But DPP officials have said they do not believe the comments would affect cross-strait relations given that the DPP is still committed to a peaceful resolution of the cross-strait dispute.