Chen closes door on China, for now

A team of reserves practices preventing enemy boats from reaching land during the Tunghsing military drills in Wuchia Harbor in Taichung County's Taan Township yesterday. The harbor was closed for the duration of the drills, which were also held in Tachia Township in Taichung County and in Miaoli County's Yuanli Township. PHOTO: CHIEN JUNG-FENG, TAIPEI TIMES

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday said there was no need for further communication with China for the moment.

Observing a military exercise in Taichung County yesterday, Chen said, "There will be another wave of `China fever' this summer. Some legislators are proposing visits to China, but I think there is presently no need for further communication or understanding between Taiwan and China."

"China has been attempting to bring disunity to Taiwanese people. I hope that all Taiwanese people, legislators, local representatives and public-sector workers can recognize China's trickery, and not serve as tools for disuniting Taiwanese people," he said.

Chen said reconciliation between China and Taiwan required more honesty and goodwill.

However, he said, Beijing had not only been stirring up difficulties among Taiwanese but also suppressing the country internationally, adding more uncertainty to the potential for dialogue between both sides.

China's expanding military and the increase in missiles targeting Taiwan had tipped the military balance in China's favor, he said, causing consternation in the US and Japan. As a result, he said, Taiwan urgently needed to procure advanced arms to defend the country.

Chen and Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) watched reserve drills yesterday morning, part of this year's annual "Han Kuang" military exercises. The army reserve was practicing street warfare and anti-landing strategies.

Ministry of National Defense spokesman Rear Admiral Liu Chih-chien (劉志堅) said more than 5,000 reserves reported for duty after they were summoned. The 97 percent attendance rate was a record high, he said, a fact that pleased Chen.

The live-fire drill yesterday was based on a scenario in which China launches a surprise raid on the Taichung County coastline.

At the beginning of the drill, "enemy forces" attempted to land along the coast. They were to be engaged by reserves along the waterfront and in nearby houses. The reserves also used fishing nets and fishing boats to block enemy routes, preventing the boats and their personnel from landing.