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Chen attempts to soothe Washington on missiles, UN bid

A referendum on Taiwanese membership in the UN is not a move toward independence but a rejection of unification with China, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) said yesterday.

Chen also said that a cruise missile under development is defensive in nature and would never be fired without Washington's permission.

ASSUAGING

Chen's remarks appeared to be aimed at assuaging concerns in the US, which has criticized both the referendum and development of the cruise missile as steps that could increase cross-strait tensions.

The referendum, which is to be held in tandem with presidential elections in March, will ask voters if they support entry into the UN under the name "Taiwan" rather than "Republic of China."

Speaking to reporters, Chen denied the referendum was aimed at advancing independence, despite its rejection of the name "Republic of China."

"It is not a move toward independence," Chen said. "It is an indication that we are against unification with China."

CRUISE MISSILE

The US has also criticized Taiwan's development of the Hsiung Feng II-E cruise missile, which Taiwan refers to as a "tactical shore-based missile for fire suppression."

Earlier this month Taiwan decided against displaying the missile during a national day military parade, possibly because of US objections.

Chen made it clear that he was not hoping to provoke Washington's anger over the missile.

The missile "will only be used tactically, that is, in self-defense," he said, "and it will only be used if the US gives its approval."

THREAT TO PEACE

Despite his conciliatory remarks toward Washington, Chen attacked China as a threat to regional peace, saying it was engaged in a furious military buildup aimed at subjugating Taiwan.

He said that Beijing now has 988 missiles aimed at Taiwan and that it is preparing its armed forces to take Taiwan by force by 2015.
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