Wed, Aug 21, 2002 page3

• Chen talks more softly to China

  CONCILIATORY Saying that he does not want a `zero-sum' game with China, the president told delegations from Taiwan's allies that positive talks were the best way

  • By Ko Shu-ling / STAFF REPORTER
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  Taiwan will continue to push for "all-dimensional" diplomacy and does not want to engage China in a "zero-sum" game, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) told delegations from four of Taiwan's diplomatic allies from the Caribbean yesterday.

  "Taiwan has no intention of engaging in a zero-sum game with China. We prefer to conduct positive negotiations with it on the basis of equality, mutual interest, rationality and dignity," Chen said.

  As a member of the global village, Chen added, Taiwan is willing and has the capability to contribute and give back to the international community.

  "While the Republic of China is an independent sovereign state, China has irrationally suppressed our diplomatic space," Chen said. "To rationally and wisely resolve the differences across the Taiwan Strait, we'll continue our efforts in trying to hold peaceful dialogue with Beijing."

  Chen said that although the four Caribbean countries were a long way from each other, they had developed sound friendships because they believed in universal values such as democracy, peace, justice and public well-being.

  Chen said he was glad Taiwan's democratic development over the past 50 years had received international recognition.

  "Two of the important milestones in the history of Taiwan's democratic development were the peaceful transfer of power in May 2000 and the legislative elections on Dec. 1, 2001," he said. "We're more than happy to offer our unique experience and exchange views in this regard with other countries in the world."

  Chen expressed his appreciation to the four countries for supporting Taiwan's bids to join international organizations over the years and called on them to continue their backing and assistance in the future.

  Chen also pledged to continue providing humanitarian aid to foreign countries.

  "We'll continue the foreign aid programs in a transparent and systematic manner," Chen said. "Of course, it's equally important that they receive public support."

  Before meeting with Chen, the delegations visited the Government Information Office (GIO) yesterday morning.

  David Chen (陳國明), acting director of the GIO's information and protocol division, received the delegations on behalf of GIO Secretary-General Arthur Iap (葉國興), who was on personal leave.

  Dominican Minister of Foreign Affairs Osborne Riviere told the Taipei Times that there had been speculation China wanted to establish diplomatic ties with his country but that it had not offered any substantial incentives.

  "They haven't reached that stage yet," Riviere said. "Although one or two territories in the region have in fact moved away from [Taiwan], we and the other four territories have remained friends with Taiwan."

  The delegations, which arrived on Monday evening, are here to attend the sixth ROC-Eastern Caribbean Foreign Ministers Conference tomorrow.

  The four delegations are from the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

  The delegations left for Hualien after meeting with Chen. They are due back tonight.

  Tomorrow morning, they will meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs Eugene Chien (簡又新) before attending the the conference.

  The first conference was first held in 1997. Its purpose is to expand and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in politics, trade, economy, culture and education between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies in the East Caribbean.
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