Leaders of the KMT and PFP yesterday challenged President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to elaborate on his Sunday remark that "Taiwan would go its own way," which they suspect indicates Chen's intention to promote independence for Taiwan.
"We regret that he spoke such language on the first day in office as [DPP] chairman," said KMT Chairman Lien Chan (
"As a party chairman, he should articulate clearly what he means, instead of keeping people guessing," Lien added.
Lien was referring to Chen's inauguration speech as the 10th DPP chairman on Sunday, in which Chen said Taiwan would have to seriously consider going its own way unless China responded to its goodwill. The talk was Chen's immediate response to China's latest diplomatic attack against Taiwan -- giving money so that Nauru would switch recognition to Beijing.
Disapproving of Chen's position on the case, Lien said a country should not change its path because of the policy of another country.
Lien said China's isolation of Taiwan "has not started today" but has continued for decades.
The KMT, when it was in power in the past, had struggled for the country's survival despite China's military threat and diplomatic isolation, he said.
On Chen's proposition to hold a summit with opposition leaders to seek ruling-opposition reconciliation, Lien said it would be impossible for his party to join the DPP if Chen were to lead the country todisaster.
If Chen truly wanted to meet with the opposition leaders, the DPP's pro-independence platform would be a key issue that should be raised for discussion because the opposition parties are interested to know when the DPP would abolish such a platform, Lien suggested.
Sharing a similar view, PFP Chairman James Soong (
Chen Shih-meng said last week that the political summit should be held under an "anti-one China" premise.
"If we take part in the meeting without seeking a clarification of this question first, we will be betraying the Republic of China," Soong said.
The KMT and PFP have stuck to a "one China" principle, under which Taipei and Beijing are allowed to have different interpretations of its meaning. On the side of Taipei, the two parties insist that the "Republic of China" -- Taiwan's official designation -- represents China.
Soong noted that President Chen never mentioned "Republic of China" in his speech, when he was expecting other countries to recognize Taiwan.
"This is a dead-end path that will lead the Taiwanese people to destruction and war," Soong warned.
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