News reports yesterday pointed to what could be a return to the cross-strait tensions of old, after Chinese President Jiang Zemin (
According to the South China Morning Post, the comment -- which "startled the ambassador's aides" because they knew Chinese -- came during a meeting between the two after Ambassador Prueher arrived in Beijing last week.
The report quoted sources as saying that Jiang's interpreter actually "used the more neutral English word `re-unify' (
Jiang then continued by saying that even though China wished for a peaceful solution to the cross-strait conflict, "it would not wait indefinitely," according to the source.
The sources also quoted a US embassy staff member as suggesting that Jiang "wanted to send Washington a message" with his retro use of vocabulary.
Japanese pop stars donate NT$10 million
Three of Japan's major pop singers met with Vice President Lien Chan earlier this week at the Presidential Office and presented him with a check for NT$10 million for 921 earthquake relief efforts. The money was raised at a Nov. 16 benefit concert in Tokyo, according to the Kyodo News Service.
Meeting with Lien were Taiwan-born Judy Ong, rock singer Izam and Japanese enka balladeer Shinji Tanimura. The three performed at the benefit concert in November, with pop stars Chage & Aska putting in an appearance as well.
Speaking with reporters in Taipei on Tuesday, the perennially multicolored singer Izam said he wanted to express his appreciation to his fans in Taiwan, adding: "If this piece of land needs my help, no matter what, I will find the time to come and show my affection."
The hard rock singer had told reporters that he planned to wear formal attire and return his hair color to its normal hue, black, when he met with Lien. But when the meeting took place, Izam -- dressed in a black suit and tie -- left his multicolored locks as they were, according to Kyodo.
After the meeting with the three singers, Lien expressed his appreciation for the donation and for all the other financial and humanitarian aid that Japan sent to Taiwan after the 921 quake.
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