Taiwan will never give up its efforts to participate in international organizations, regardless of China's objections, Minister of Foreign Affairs Eugene Chien (
Chien made the comment in a special report at the DPP's Central Executive Committee in which he addressed the nation's diplomatic challenges and behavior, given China's recent moves to block the country from joining various international organizations.
Even though US President George W. Bush said on Monday that he opposed Taiwanese independence, Chien told reporters yesterday that it has been the US position to oppose both Taiwan independence and China's use of force against Taiwan.
"In addition, it has also been the US government's stance to adhere to the `one China' policy as well as the three communiques and the Taiwan Relations Act," he said.
Compared with the administration of former US president Bill Clinton, which was more vague in terms of relations with Taiwan, the Bush administration is more clear-cut.
"Judging from the US statements, the US has not changed its stance in order to ensure the peace and security of Taiwan," Chien said.
On China's effort to block Taiwan's WHO bid, Chien was quoted as saying yesterday that Beijing had not only used its position in the health body, but had also mobilized its resources in international economic and trade negotiations to trip up Taiwan.
"China's delegation to the World Health Assembly, led by the vice premier and health minister, Wu Yi (
In addition, Chien said China is demanding Taiwan downgrade its status at the WTO to the "Office of Permanent Representative" and is insisting that the nation's official documents avoid any titles that indicate sovereignty .
Mason Yang (
Meanwhile, the DPP Central Executive Committee ruled that DPP Chairman Chen Shui-bian (
No volunteer from the party had registered for the race as of the end of last month.
"The candidate will not necessarily be a DPP member," DPP Secretary-General Chang Chun-hsiung (
Taiwan has received more than US$70 million in royalties as of the end of last year from developing the F-16V jet as countries worldwide purchase or upgrade to this popular model, government and military officials said on Saturday. Taiwan funded the development of the F-16V jet and ended up the sole investor as other countries withdrew from the program. Now the F-16V is increasingly popular and countries must pay Taiwan a percentage in royalties when they purchase new F-16V aircraft or upgrade older F-16 models. The next five years are expected to be the peak for these royalties, with Taiwan potentially earning
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