The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative caucus yesterday demanded that People First Party (PFP) Legislator Sun Ta-chien (
"We are very disappointed at seeing a caucus leader make such an irresponsible and groundless accusation," DPP caucus whip William Lai (
At a press conference earlier yesterday, Sun accused Chen of succumbing to blackmail from Guatemala, which he said was extorting money from Taipei by threatening to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
PHOTO: CNA
Sun said Guatemala has asked Taiwan to help it build an international airport and launch an international airline costing NT$1.5 billion (US$46.8 million).
"If Taiwan does not meet the demands, Guatemala threatened it would cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan to recognize China," Sun said, adding that Chen will close the aviation deals during his visit to Guatemala.
Lai asked for proof.
"We'd like him to provide the source of information and evidence or offer a public apology," Lai said, stating that Chen's overseas trip was aimed at consolidating diplomatic ties and safeguarding the nation's international space.
"Beijing has launched a `zero diplomatic ally' scheme to force our diplomatic allies to sever ties with us and then switch them to China," he said.
It is alright for opposition parties to disapprove of the president's efforts, but they should not fail to tell friends from foes, Lai said.
Citing the example of Nauru, Lai said that China is a real pro in conducting "money diplomacy."
In July 2002, the tiny Pacific island state switched its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing on the day Chen was inaugurated chairman of the DPP.
The China-Nauru deal was sealed on the basis of Beijing's promise to offer around US$137 million in aid and debt relief, while the nation refused to accept a request of US$10 million from the country on the verge of bankruptcy.
DPP Legislator Hsiao Bi-khim (
Describing Sun's allegations as a "fabrication," DPP Legislator Cheng Yun-peng (
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Michel Lu (
"During President Chen's visit to Guatemala, he will sign the free trade agreement and an agreement on cooperation in aviation and shipping with President Oscar Berger," he said. "There is no promise or plan regarding the international airport or international airline."
Taiwan is to receive the first batch of Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 jets from the US late this month, a defense official said yesterday, after a year-long delay due to a logjam in US arms deliveries. Completing the NT$247.2 billion (US$7.69 billion) arms deal for 66 jets would make Taiwan the third nation in the world to receive factory-fresh advanced fighter jets of the same make and model, following Bahrain and Slovakia, the official said on condition of anonymity. F-16 Block 70/72 are newly manufactured F-16 jets built by Lockheed Martin to the standards of the F-16V upgrade package. Republic of China
Taiwan-Japan Travel Passes are available for use on public transit networks in the two countries, Taoyuan Metro Corp said yesterday, adding that discounts of up to 7 percent are available. Taoyuan Metro, the Taipei MRT and Japan’s Keisei Electric Railway teamed up to develop the pass. Taoyuan Metro operates the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport MRT Line, while Keisei Electric Railway offers express services between Tokyo’s Narita Airport, and the Keisei Ueno and Nippori stations in the Japanese capital, as well as between Narita and Haneda airports. The basic package comprises one one-way ticket on the Taoyuan MRT Line and one Skyliner ticket on
Starlux Airlines, Taiwan’s newest international carrier, has announced it would apply to join the Oneworld global airline alliance before the end of next year. In an investor conference on Monday, Starlux Airlines chief executive officer Glenn Chai (翟健華) said joining the alliance would help it access Taiwan. Chai said that if accepted, Starlux would work with other airlines in the alliance on flight schedules, passenger transits and frequent flyer programs. The Oneworld alliance has 13 members, including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, and serves more than 900 destinations in 170 territories. Joining Oneworld would also help boost
A new tropical storm formed late yesterday near Guam and is to approach closest to Taiwan on Thursday, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. Tropical Storm Pulasan became the 14th named storm of the year at 9:25pm yesterday, the agency said. As of 8am today, it was near Guam traveling northwest at 21kph, it said. The storm’s structure is relatively loose and conditions for strengthening are limited, WeatherRisk analyst Wu Sheng-yu (吳聖宇) said on Facebook. Its path is likely to be similar to Typhoon Bebinca, which passed north of Taiwan over Japan’s Ryukyu Islands and made landfall in Shanghai this morning, he said. However, it