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Taiwan will boost communications with US: official

The government will strengthen its communication with the US to enable it to understand Taiwan's democratic development and the importance of consolidating democracy in Taiwan, a Presidential Office official said yesterday.

The official, who wished to remain anonymous, made the remarks in response to comments made by a US State Department official, who on Monday urged President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to drop his proposal to hold a referendum on joining the UN under the name of "Taiwan."

The US official from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs -- speaking on the condition of anonymity -- made the call while responding to Chinese-language media requests for comment on Chen's announcement that he would push for a referendum on applying for UN membership to be held simultaneously with next year's presidential election.

The US official reiterated that the US supports "Taiwan's inclusion in appropriate international organizations that do not require statehood for membership," adding that such practice is consistent with Washington's "one China" policy.

However, that policy does not include supporting Taiwan's quest to gain membership in international organizations that require statehood, the US official said.

While saying that Taiwan understands the US' stance, the Presidential Office official added that the president has stressed that his proposed referendum would not broach the idea of changing Taiwan's official title.

Government Information Office Minister Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉) said the president's proposed referendum was not an offensive one but one that aimed to consolidate Taiwan's internal strength.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary-General Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said the US was opposed to the holding of the referendum because of China.

Lin said his party would push for the referendum whether or not the US was opposed to it.
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