President Chen Shui-bian (
Chen's remarks came in response to statements made by Soong's meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao (
In an interview with the FTV news network last night, Chen reiterated that the "1992 consensus" does not exist, and asked rhetorically "how can you ask me to accept something that does not exist?"
Chen said that to China, the "1992 consensus" is tantamount to the "one China" principle, and that accepting the "one China" principle would mean that Taiwan would be turned into another Hong Kong.
"Not only can I not accept [the `one China' principle], but the 23 million people in Taiwan will not accept it either," Chen said.
Chen lashed out at Soong for vowing to oppose independence, despite agreeing to a 10-point consensus on Feb. 24 in which he stated that any changes to the status quo between Taiwan and China had to be determined by Taiwan's 23 million people -- and that no option would be ruled out.
During the interview, which lasted about two hours, the president took the opportunity to speak about his respect for former president Lee Teng-hui (
The remarks were apparently intended to mend fences between him and Lee, after Chen bitterly lashed out at Lee earlier in the week. Chen's criticism about Lee had subsequently drawn much fire from pan-green supporters.
"There is no problem between me and former president Lee ... the only difference is that this time we [the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU)] stand on opposing sides in terms of our stance over amending the Constitution," Chen said, referring to the DPP's position about the Legislative Yuan's constitutional amendments package in the National Assembly elections tomorrow.
"Former president Lee is the person I respect the most ... I believe our relationship has not changed and will not change," Chen said, adding that he will seek chance in the immediate future to visit Lee and seek the former president's advice on national affairs.
Acknowledging that many in the public have been lukewarm about Saturday's elections, Chen took also the advantage of the interview last night urging the public to vote in Saturday's elections.
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