Vice President Annette Lu (
The vice president reminded government agencies to carefully consider the move because "once the door to direct flights is open, there will be no way to stop them."
Lu's comments challenged the government's China policy, which appears to have adopted a more conciliatory manner.
"[I think] it is a myth that a direct links initiative would help resurrect Taiwan's economy," she said.
"The reality is that the scheme could be a harsh blow to the country's traditional industry," Lu said.
Lu made the remarks at an event where she announced the availability of NT$9.67 million in scholarships. Lu had spearheaded an effort to get contributions from companies for a scholarship fund.
The National Security Council is scheduled to release a report on direct links by the end of this month. The paper will also address opening up to Chinese nationals to visit Taiwan.
Lu said yesterday she was not in a position to comment before the council's reports are finished. Lu also said she believed the council will make a thorough assessment.
Lu said that the call for direct links grows louder because of the influence of local pro-China media.
The vice president's comments came just a few days after President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) expressed his goodwill to China by expressing his hope that Taiwan and China could pave the way for the realization of direct flights.
In his New Year's Day address, Chen called on China to establish a framework for cross-strait interaction under which issues such as direct transport links and trade could be discussed.
In a reference to the "Five No's" principle which he proposed in his 2000 inauguration speech, Chen pledged that he would not change his position on cross-strait policies that he set out when he came power two-and-a-half years ago.
RSS