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Wen places bets on 'consensus'

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (溫家寶) made a more concrete offer of peace yesterday to Taiwan, saying Beijing was willing to discuss direct transport links with Taiwan under the "one China" principle.

"Based upon the foundation of the `1992 consensus,' we can revive discussion and negotiations. We can talk about any issue, including materialization of the three links," Wen told Hong Kong reporters in Laos on the sidelines of an environment summit.

Wen's "three links" was a reference to the resumption of direct trade, transport and mail delivery.

Wen painted a picture of more than just the "three links."

"We can increase economic, trade and cultural exchange," he said, adding that Hong Kong, which has long benefitted as a middleman between both polities, would not suffer.

"I think it won't affect Hong Kong. Economic exchange across the [Taiwan] Strait and among the three places will enhance Hong Kong's economic development and economic development across the Taiwan Strait," he said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) reportedly said during a telephone conversation with US President George W. Bush on Wednesday that he would be willing to reopen cross-strait talks on the basis of the (so-called) "1992 consensus," which stipulates that both sides concede separate interpretations of the "one China" policy.

The "consensus" is not universally recognized as valid in Taiwan. President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) said the "consensus" had been made up by then Mainland Affairs Council chairman Su Chi (蘇起) on April 28, 2000, a few weeks before Chen's inauguration.

Su has openly admitted that he had made up the term.

President-elect Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who will be inaugurated on May 20, recognizes the existence of the consensus.

In an English release, Xinhua news agency quoted Hu as telling Bush on Wednesday: "It is China's consistent stand that the Chinese mainland [sic] and Taiwan should restore consultation and talks on the basis of the `1992 consensus.'"

Xinhua only mentioned the "1992 consensus" in the Chinese version of the report.

Ma on Friday said it was important for China to accept that the "1992 consensus" stipulated separate interpretations of "one China."

As Xinhua did not make any mention of "one China, with each side having its own interpretation" in its Chinese news release, Ma at the time said he would approach Hu's comments with caution and continue to seek more information on the content of Hu and Bush's conversation.
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