Washington expects President Chen Shui-bian (
Duty press officer Janelle Hironimus said the US does not object to the promotion of good governance in Taiwan through referendums or constitutional reforms.
"Chen Shui-bian has repeatedly pledged not to declare independence, not to change Taiwan's name, not to add the state-to-state theory into the constitution and not to promote a referendum to change the status quo on independence or unification," Hironimus said.
PHOTO: SUNG CHIH-HSIUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
"We expect that President Chen will adhere to his pledges, which we take very seriously, when undertaking any further constitutional reforms," she added.
In his New Year address, Chen renewed his promise to give the people of Taiwan a new constitution that is timely, relevant and viable by 2008, saying he hopes a draft on the new constitution initiated by civic groups could be completed this year and that a referendum on the draft could be held next year.
Also in his address, Chen said the development of relations between Taiwan and China must adhere to the four principles of "sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity."
Hironimus reiterated that Washington does not support Taiwan independence and opposes unilateral changes to the cross-strait "status quo" by either Taipei or Beijing.
"We have consistently urged Taipei and Beijing to work to achieve direct dialogue, and we believe such efforts should continue at all levels as opportunities permit," she said.
She noted that the "one China" policy, the Taiwan Relations Act and the three US-China joint communiques remain the basis guiding unofficial relations between the US and Taiwan.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) today issued a "tsunami watch" alert after a magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula in northeastern Russia earlier in the morning. The quake struck off the east coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula at 7:25am (Taiwan time) at a depth of about 19km, the CWA said, citing figures from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. The CWA's Seismological Center said preliminary assessments indicate that a tsunami could reach Taiwan's coastal areas by 1:18pm today. The CWA urged residents along the coast to stay alert and take necessary precautions as waves as high as 1m could hit the southeastern
The National Museum of Taiwan Literature is next month to hold an exhibition in Osaka, Japan, showcasing the rich and unique history of Taiwanese folklore and literature. The exhibition, which is to run from Aug. 10 to Aug. 20 at the city’s Central Public Hall, is part of the “We Taiwan” at Expo 2025 series, highlighting Taiwan’s cultural ties with the international community, National Museum of Taiwan Literature director Chen Ying-fang (陳瑩芳) said. Folklore and literature, among Taiwan’s richest cultural heritages, naturally deserve a central place in the global dialogue, Chen said. Taiwan’s folklore would be immediately apparent at the entrance of the
“China is preparing to invade Taiwan,” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois Wu (吳志中) said in an exclusive interview with British media channel Sky News for a special report titled, “Is Taiwan ready for a Chinese invasion?” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today in a statement. The 25-minute-long special report by Helen Ann-Smith released yesterday saw Sky News travel to Penghu, Taoyuan and Taipei to discuss the possibility of a Chinese invasion and how Taiwan is preparing for an attack. The film observed emergency response drills, interviewed baseball fans at the Taipei Dome on their views of US President
Speeding and badly maintained roads were the main causes of a school bus accident on a rainy day in Taipei last year that severely injured two people and left 22 with minor injuries, the Taiwan Transportation and Safety Board said. On March 11 last year, a Kang Chiao International School bus overturned inside the Wenshan Tunnel (文山隧道) on the northbound lane of the Xinyi Expressway. The tour bus, owned by Long Lai Co, exceeded the speed limit after entering the tunnel, the board’s investigation found. Sensing that the rear of the vehicle was swaying, the driver attempted to use the service and exhaust