Taipei Times: Since President Chen Shui-bian (
Chen Chien-jen (
Because of this the US and the PRC had some pre-conceived opinions about the [new government and President Chen]. But from March 18, President Chen, be it in word or in deed, has been different from the past. Moreover he has continually expressed his goodwill.
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
In the beginning there were some who took what he said with a grain of salt.
But from March 18 [the date of the presidential election], May 20 [the inauguration] to June 20 [Chen's first press conference], and developments up until now, the opinion of those friends of mine in the US, be it members of the government, members of Congress, think tanks, media, or those in overseas Chinese associations -- all have been positive.
This is because the US, the PRC and Taiwan all want the same thing, peace. This is our central interest.
To maintain peace and stability our new government will play a very important role.
Taking into consideration the new government's policy statements and responses, it is clear [the government] is headed in the right direction. If this continues it will help our relations with the US.
TT: What do you mean by the right direction?
Chen: This means that we are moving in a direction which will meet all of our interests, and the interests of the region. Focusing on peace, security, stability, communication and being reasonable.
Communication is very important and also we must stress that our thinking is not closed or framed. For the new government this is very important, especially when all that was understood [about the new government] was what it was in the past.
We should give [the new government] our approval for what it has done over the past month. But this doesn't mean that the current approach of the new government and its positive responses can solve all the problems that exist. There are still problems that need to be resolved.
TT: How much of your work when you get to Washington will be focused on resolving tensions created by the frame that has been put around President Chen and the DPP?
Chen: Number one, as for the people working with TECRO, I know nearly all of them. Nearly all of them are professionals and some of them are veterans. They are not unfamiliar with the change of governments, particularly from working in the foreign service and observing what has happened in the US.
So I think that there should be no problem in adjusting and adapting themselves to the new administration. After all, their responsibility is to implement the policy of the government of the Republic of China and not of any particular political party or any particular individual.
As far as policy is concerned, it has to a large extent stayed consistent. Especially our policy toward the US.
I personally don't believe there will be any difficulty in working together with my future colleagues at TECRO.
To faithfully implement the policy of the government, there could be some people who could try to understand better the differences or the nuances of the differences between the new administration and its predecessor.
I am confident that there will be no problems and as far as my counterparts in the US are concerned -- whether its members of the Executive Branch, or at think tanks or members of the overseas Chinese communities -- many of them are old friends and they know me very well.
And not only do we maintain friendship but we have mutual trust. We can communicate very honestly and sincerely.
What's most important, I believe, is what we have achieved on this island.
In addition to economic prosperity there is democratization, this new democracy. These are the things that not only make us proud of ourselves. I think it is easier for our friends in the US to appreciate and to communicate with us much more easily. In turn it is going to help mutual understanding.
TT: Even though you have these close relationships do you think that some people will take you as a wolf in sheep's clothings because you now work for a different political party?
Chen: This point is really not that difficult to explain. The reason for me joining any particular organization or political party does not imply that I want to promote the interests of a particular party. The reason why I work for the government is not for my own interests or the interests of any particular sub-group or individual. The reason is that it provides me with an opportunity to serve the people and my country. That's the main reason why I stay and work in public life. If I wanted to find a better job -- ?a better rewarded job that is -- I could get one.
But, I think that this is a very important stage in the history of the Republic of China. By remaining in the government's service with my knowledge and experience I can contribute in a small way to the government, the people and this country. It has nothing to do with any political considerations. It's merely trying to fulfill what I set out to achieve since my college days.
I think that all the people working in government should keep this in mind. They are not working for a particular individual, a particular party or organization, or representing just one interest or a vested interest. They are working for the people as a whole.
TT: How do you feel about the way the KMT treated you when it was known that you were taking up a position with the new government and barred you from attending the party's provisional congress in June?
Chen: That I can appreciate, because I am now working in the new government. This was not only applied to me but applied to other members of the new government as well.
Frankly, I've received a lot of phone calls and letters from my friends in the KMT and others who have encouraged me to stay and work [laughs]. I have logs. I think they know my background very well, they know my personality, my record, and the public in general knows very well what I have done. I can't say that my record is impeccable, but it's close to that.
TT: Will one of your tasks in the US be to find a replacement for lobbying firm Cassidy and Associates?
Chen: Cassidy has never had anything to do with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In reality we have some PR firms that work for us. This is on the record of the (US) Department of Justice, those who are helping us meet and make friends and explain our stance. There are those I am very familiar with and I understand very well the situation. When I was in Washington DC as deputy representative (at TECRO) from 1982 to 1989, I was in charge of communicating with these companies. If they do a good job, then of course we will keep our contracts with them, but if they do not, then we will have to consider how things can be improved. But, whether or not we will hire some new companies, will be a matter that will have to be decided after I get there. If there is a need then we will invite others. If not, then there is no need to spend additional funds.
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