The government is calling on the public to pick up their pens to participate in a nationwide letter-writing campaign aimed at asking Taiwan's allies to help persuade China to dismantle its missiles along its southeast coast.
"To help ensure Taiwan's security as well as peace in this region, I hope that every one of us will take part in this global-oriented event, to covey to our friends abroad that China's missile threat is putting the lives and security of Taiwan's 23 million people in jeopardy," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Eugene Chien (簡又新).
China has deployed approximately 400 missiles along its southeastern coast aimed at Taiwan, according to the ministry.
"We should let it be known to others the tense situation that Taiwan is in," Chien said.
Chien also noted friendly gestures that have recently been made by other nations in regard to the cross-strait situation.
On Sept. 5, the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution entitled A strategic framework for enhanced partnerships, urging Beijing to dismantle all missiles deployed along its coast directed at Taiwan.
Aside from calling on China and Taiwan to resume dialogue, it also said that visits to Europe by high-level Taiwanese officials should not be limited to those traveling in a private capacity.
On Sept. 30th US President George W. Bush signed into law the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003, which officially recognizes Taiwan as "a mature democracy that fully respects human rights," and says US policy should be that "any resolution of the Taiwan Strait issue must be peaceful and include the assent of the people of Taiwan."
Chien also mentioned that earlier last month, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi told the US Council on Foreign Relations that he hopes China and Taiwan will find a way to resolve the cross-strait impasse in a peaceful manner through dialogue.
Ministry spokeswoman Katharine Chang (張小月) said yesterday the ministry hopes that through the "One letter per person" (一人一信) campaign the international community will put pressure on China.
"We encourage everyone to write letters to their friends abroad, or even to lawmakers in other countries, to convey the message to our friends around the world that Taiwan's existence is under China' threat," Chang told the Taipei Times.
According to Chang, in cooperation with international NGOs such as the International Junior Chamber and Lions Club International, the ministry will stage three promotional events to publicize the campaign.
The first will be on Oct. 26 at the National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall starting at 4pm, which President Chen Shui-bian (
The date is chosen to coincide with Chinese President Jiang Zemin's (
The second will be in Taichung on Nov. 2 and the third on Nov. 9 in Kaohsiung.
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