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Cabinet says Ma humiliating Taiwan

From left to right, Democratic Progressive Party legislators Kao Chien-chih, Wu Fu-quei, and Wang Shu-hui attend a press conference to criticize Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou's direct links policy. They said Ma's policy reflected his ambition to unify Taiwan with China. PHOTO: CHEN TSE-MING, TAIPEI TIMES

Cabinet Spokesman Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉) yesterday accused Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of humiliating Taiwan and belittling the country with his campaign promises.

Shieh's comments came two days after Ma declared that he would immediately push for the establishment of direct shipping and air cross-strait links if he is elected president next year.

"His points embrace China's `one China' policy," Shieh said.

He said Ma's policy was aimed at flattering pan-blue supporters instead of carefully and seriously considering Taiwan's dignity, sovereignty and Beijing's "one China" policy.

"It is unthinkable that the DPP government would trade Taiwan's national sovereignty for opening direct transport links with China," Shieh said.

He said the government has put many opening measures in place, such as setting up the small three links and offering special charter flight services on major holidays.

He said the DPP's policies are based on what people need, while Ma's policies are based on the "one greater China" picture that will eventually lead to unification.

"Nobody is allowed to request that the government `cooperate' or `accept' China's rude and illogical policies against Taiwan just because she or he wants to win the election. Not even Ma," Shieh said.

Meanwhile, three Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators also criticized Ma's direct links policy, labeling it "a deception."

DPP Legislator We Fu-quei (吳富貴) told a press conference that it was reasonable to think Ma had reiterated his links policy ahead of China's national day in order to "give China a birthday present."

DPP Legislator Wang Shu-hui (王淑慧) said some Taiwanese businesspeople based in China have told her that they consider Ma's plan to open direct cross-strait links within a year tantamount to "surrendering" to China.

Ma rebutted his critics, saying yesterday in Miali that DPP rival Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) also favors direct cross-strait links: "I am not the only one who proposed direct transportation policies ... I am very confident [of the policies]. [They] will benefit the people."

Ma also challenged Hsieh to show his willingness to enhance cross-strait links by announcing in January that holiday charters will be expanded to weekend flights.
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