US officials reacted with dismay over President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) comments in a Washington Post article questioning the "one China" policy and refusing to bow to US pressure on cross-strait issues, according to Washington sources.
But the official reaction was no more than a muted repetition of past statements on cross-strait relations.
Taiwanese officials in Washington described Chen's statements as positive and reflecting the feelings of the people of Taiwan.
US officials did not contact officials of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) after the article appeared Tuesday morning, according to Taiwanese officials, and it is unclear what impact Chen's reported statements will have on Taiwan-US ties.
Some observers say Washington views Chen's remarks as little more than campaign verbiage.
"Washington should be used to this by now," said one strong Taiwan supporter in the city. Nevertheless, he said, Washington's reaction has been "dismay ... and fear of what China might do" in response to Chen's remarks.
Emergency tea party
TECRO head Chen Chien-jen (
Chen Chien-jen said he thought the president's remarks were positive and that the president spoke on behalf of the majority of the people of Taiwan.
Most people in Taiwan believe the country should stand up and speak out, and that as a free and democratic country, Taiwan has the right to continue to struggle for greater international recognition, he said.
The George W. Bush administration has not contacted TECRO to complain about the president's interview, Chen Chien-jen's deputy, Michael Tsai (
Tsai said the interview should not affect US-Taiwan relations.
"We maintain very free and open communications," and that should continue, he said.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher, asked about the interview in his regular daily press briefing, largely reiterated administration statements on cross-strait crises.
"The United States has long had a `one China' policy. We have consistently urged both the PRC and Taiwan to work to achieve dialogue. We believe such efforts should continue," he told reporters.
Familiar refrain
"We welcome steps that foster dialogue, reduce tensions, emphasize peaceful resolution and promote mutual understanding. And we have urged both sides to refrain from actions or statements that increase tensions or make dialogues more difficult to achieve," he said.
Pressed to explain, Boucher said, "I think our message has been stated clearly. I think the leaders in Taiwan, the people of Taiwan understand very clearly what our policy is."
He did not elaborate on the details of that policy.
Rights award
Boucher defended the department's decision to grant President Chen a two-day transit visa for New York later this month en route to Panama, and categorized a prestigious human rights award President Chen will receive from the International League for Human Rights in New York as a private affair.
"As far as I know, there's no public or media events planned," he said.
He described Chen Shui-bian's activities in New York as "unofficial and consistent with the purposes of the transit."
He also said he doubted that Chen Shui-bian would meet Secretary of State Colin Powell in New York or Panama, where Powell will also attend the celebration of the country's centennial along with Chen Shui-bian and other dignitaries.
Tsai, however, indicated that the two might meet in Panama.
"I would be surprised if they don't have an occasional chat," Tsai said.
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