Taiwan vows to enhance comprehensive ties with Southeast Asian countries despite Beijing's continuing endeavors to squeeze Taipei internationally, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Katharine Chang (張小月) said yesterday.
"Not a long time ago, the foreign ministry informed our representative offices in Southeast Asian countries to endeavor to enhance exchanges with these countries," Chang said in a press conference yesterday.
Chang said Taiwan has established substantive ties with various Southeast Asian countries over the years, and it's time to cement these ties further, especially after President Chen Shui-bian's (
"Aside from existing substantive ties, we hope that bilateral visits of political figures, both in terms of frequency and level of representation, will grow over time," Chang said.
Chang put the blame on Beijing for having endeavored to conduct a "zero-sum" game with Taipei on diplomatic frontlines.
"We are unwilling to go ahead with a `zero-sum' diplomatic battle with Beijing, as we consider it meaningless. Both sides should sit down and talk to each other," Chang said.
"But instead, China has endeavored to suppress us, leaving us with no space. The question is on their side, nor ours," Chang continued.
Chang also said she found it a "pity" when she learnt of recent remarks by Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Lauro Baja with regard to Manila's refusal to accept any possible visit by Chen regardless of his visiting capacity.
"With regard to his remarks, I found it quite a pity. It's crystal clear that China was the behind-the-scenes instigator," Chang said.
Baja said on Monday of Manila's refusal to allow Chen to visit the country: "Whether he's [referring to Chen] coming in as a private citizen, official or as chairman of a political party, no way."
China's embassy in Jakarta announced yesterday that Li Peng (
The announcement came after Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) completed a four-day surprise visit to Indonesia. Lu was barred from entry into Jakarta last Wednesday due to Beijing's stark opposition and went to Bali instead. Lu then managed to slip into Jakarta on her return journey after wrapping up a short stay on the resort island.
During her visit to Indonesia, Lu managed to meet with various incumbent and former officials as well as congressmen.
While local newspapers said Lu's trip successfully cracked the door open to Indonesia, taking advantage of Taiwan's plan to import US$11.8 billion worth of natural gas over 25 years, Chang stressed that related procurement procedures should be in accordance with WTO rules.
"The vice president never made any promise with regard to this procurement, nor did she conduct any consultations [during her visit to Indonesia]," Chang said.
Meanwhile, visiting Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel A. Roxas said in Taipei yesterday that the Philippines is one of the best destinations for Taiwanese companies to set up computer software and electronics-parts production facilities.
Roxas made the statement at the opening of an annual joint conference of the private ROC-Philippines Economic Council and Philippines-ROC Economic Council, which is being held in connection with the 10th ROC-Philippines Economic Cooperation Conference, an official event.
Roxas said Taiwan's direct investment in the Philippines has reached US$381 million over the past 10 years.
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