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CROSS-STRAIT TALKS: Chen hounded by protesters

Members of the pan-green camp and independence supporters chanted slogans inside the Grand Formosa Regent Hotel when Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) Chairman Chen Yunlin (陳雲林) arrived for a banquet hosted by Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung (吳伯雄) last night.

Chanting “Taiwan, China, one country on each side” and “Remove the missiles; communists get out,” dozens of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators, Taipei City councilors and independence activists occupied the cafe on the second floor and shouted at Chen and Chinese delegates as they entered the elevator on the other side of the same floor.

Chen did not react to the deafening protest and entered the elevator directly without turning his attention to the protesters, while hotel employees sought to outdo the protesters by applauding loudly.

More than 700 police officers were dispatched to maintain order at the hotel yesterday and, one hour before the banquet began, refused to allow pan-green supporters to leave the second floor.

DPP Legislator Kuo Wen-chen (郭玟成), DPP Taipei City Councilor Chuang Ruei-hsiung (莊瑞雄) and other DPP politicians pushed off the police, but failed to make their way out.

“We want to get out!” “Do not violate our rights!” they shouted at police.

Outside the hotel, a crowd protested against Chen’s visit, but was blocked by police. A group of pro-Tibetans putting up a skit outside the hotel was also dispersed by police. Some police officers and demonstrators suffered minor injuries in the melee.

Meanwhile, on the third floor where the banquet was being held, Wu and Chen were all smiles as Wu lauded the signing of the four agreements, calling it a great achievement in cross-strait relations.

During Wu’s speech, he addressed President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) as “Mr Ma,” rather than “President Ma.”

“The ARATS and SEF [Straits Exchange Foundation] completed two major negotiations — allowing Chinese to visit Taiwan and implementing weekend charter flights on July 4, allowing Mr Ma to realize his campaign promises on time,” Wu said.

In response to the DPP protests before the banquet, Wu said Taiwan was a democratic society where various opinions were held.

“There are different voices in our society and I believe Chairman Chen will gradually get used to it,” Wu said.

Chen said a ceremony would be held this morning, during which China would formally announce the offering of two pandas and 17 plants as gifts to Taiwan. Chen said the gifts would be presented to express China’s appreciation for the assistance offered by Taiwan during the earthquake in Sichuan earlier this year.

“This is the first time I ever set foot on this beautiful land and I truly love the people here,” he said.

Earlier yesterday at a lunch banquet hosted by People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜), Chen said he had seen the protests by pro-independence groups and heard the voice of Taiwanese, but insisted that Taiwan and China must continue improving cross-strait relations.

“Some Taiwanese people may be discontented because of misunderstandings or some unsolved cross-strait issues, and I had anticipated situations like this,” Chen said at the Grand Hotel.

Brushing off strong protests against his visit, Chen said he expected Taiwan and China to continue cross-strait dialogue and create a win-win situation with closer cooperation.

“Cross-strait relations can proceed slowly, but should never stop or fall back … I hope the brothers from the two sides can move forward hand in hand to push for a peaceful cross-strait relationship,” he said.

During Chen’s visit to the Hsinchu Science Park yesterday, some 20 Falun Gong members staged a protest at the front gate of the park

“Taiwan and China are different countries! Stop repressing Falun Gong!” these protesters chanted.

Chen and his delegation are scheduled to watch the movie Cape No. 7 today at the Grand Hotel, Executive Yuan Spokeswoman Vanessa Shih (史亞平) said yesterday.

“Cape No. 7 highlights the characteristics of Taiwan, its local customs and practices, cultural diversity and beautiful scenery,” Shih said. “We are happy they can watch such an excellent film.”

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY SHIH HSIU-CHUAN AND JIMMY CHUANG
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