Amid China's opposition to Taiwan's support for the US-led war on Iraq, Premier Yu Shyi-kun yesterday defended the government's policy, saying that any government decision was made to safeguard the nation's interests.
Yu said that Taiwan is among the dozens of countries that endorsed the US decision to attack Iraq and that its position was based on a UN resolution to combat terrorism.
The government faces increased pressure both externally and internally for its open support for the US-led war to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Local anti-war activists said it is inconsistent for the government to support US action against Iraq while denouncing China's military intimidation of Taiwan.
China criticized Taiwan after war broke out.
Beijing urged Taipei to comply with its "one China" policy by not siding with the US. China has called for the US to end the war and resolve its issues with Iraq through political measures.
Yu said that Taiwan is not the only country to support the US action and that any decision the government reaches is in the nation's best interests.
Yu, along with key Cabinet members, was at the Legislative Yuan to report on the government's measures to deal with the war.
He said at a press conference afterward that the war would have an impact worldwide and that the government will keep tabs on developments and their impact on international affairs.
The premier said it would be premature to speculate on how the war would affect cross-strait relations, but said that, so far, the military has not increased its security as there is nothing unusual happening across the Taiwan Strait.
Legislative speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) said the legislature will endorse the government's initiatives to stabilize the economy and safeguard national security.
Wang also agreed with the government's support for the US, saying it is "understandable."
To thwart China's request, a top security official told the Taipei Times that during a national security meeting held by the president on Thursday, officials suggested that the government highlight its pro-US stance in a bid to differentiate Taiwan from China in the international community.
According to PFP Legislator Lin Yu-fang (林郁方), who attended the meeting, national security agencies are keeping a close eye on foreigners and Middle East nationals residing in Taiwan.
Lin said security officials are not worried that terrorists would slip into Taiwan.
During the question-and-answer session, Yu said that the war would likely hurt the economy if it lasts more than six weeks.
Cabinet officials said that the government is safeguarding oil supplies and is buying oil from non-Arab countries including Australia and Ukraine, as well as nations in West Africa and Southeast Asia.
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