TAIWAN (ROC) Political Updates (Philippines Defense Forces Forum)

Taiwan president mulls ‘second republic’

Agence France-Presse
Last updated 06:35pm (Mla time) 10/16/2006

TAIPEI -- Taiwan's independence-leaning President Chen Shui-bian has stepped up his campaign to revamp the island's constitution, saying he is considering a so-called "second republic," media reported Monday.

"Whether the idea of a 'second republic' is good or bad, whether it works or not ... I think it is worthy of our thinking about it," Chen said, according to television and newspaper reports.

"Establishing our own country is the correct path to democracy," said Chen, speaking at a birthday party Sunday for long-time independence advocate Koo Kwang-ming, they reported.

Koo, a former senior adviser to Chen, reportedly explained that his proposal entailed freezing the existing constitution of the Republic of China -- Taiwan's official title -- and enacting a new one in line with Taiwan's needs.

Chen's remarks sparked strong criticism from the opposition, which feared a strong reaction from Beijing.

"Should Chen do so, it would lead to suspicion from the international community ... and risk to the country," said legislator Joanna Lei, from the Kuomintang (KMT) party.

Chen last month reiterated his pledges to push for a new constitution as he marked the 20th anniversary of his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

He said Taiwan should overhaul its constitution, which was enacted by the KMT, or nationalist, government in China in 1947, and has gone through seven amendments since 1991.

Taiwan and China split in 1949 at the end of a civil war after KMT troops were defeated by communist forces led by Mao Zedong and fled to the island.

China still regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/worl...rticle_id=27003

TRYING TO REASON WITH THOSE BEYOND REASONING

QUOTE (epigone @ Oct 17 2006, 08:06 AM)

TRYING TO REASON WITH THOSE BEYOND REASONING

Look who's talking.

:armyroleyes:

BTW, if one follows any Mandarin language news source (Xinhua is crap by the way), one will notice that in the past three years Pres. Chen Shui-Bian of Taiwan/the ROC has been taking an increasingly nationalistic stance with regard to Taiwan as a sovereign nation instead of the last remaining province of the ROC. Pictures and other memorials of Guo Min Dang leader Chiang-Kai Shek (Jiang Jie Shi)were supposedly removed from their display areas in spite of expected protests from ethnic mainlanderswaishengren who live on the island. Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport has changed its name and ROC passports now have the word "TAIWAN" instead of the ROC printed on them.One can infer that since Chen was imprisoned during the Martial Law years when Chiang and then his son Chiang Ching Kuo (Jiang Jing Guo) were in power, Chen wanted to "get some payback" and assert Taiwanese nationalism by expunging all references and memorials to Chiang. One has to take in mind that this happened even when Chen has had to manuever through the corruption/bribery charges thrown on his wife and brother-in-law not too long ago. Furthermore, although Chen is supposed to step down in March when new elections are held, it is rumored that Chen himself may declare martial law partially as a means to stay in power and effect more measures that will completely abolish all trappings of the old ROC and declare Taiwan independence. These martial law rumors do not come from the official media, but the last time I went there, ICRT radio reported that it would be more likely that a popular referendum might be held by the govt. on the independence question. We can only wait till March and wait and see what happens.

It's interesting to note as well that Chen has gotten as far as he has, from the humble maritime lawyer he used to be who was also imprisoned during the Martial Law years.

Here's a source that confirms what I stated above: (scroll to the section on Chen Shui-Bian's biography)

http://www.ibiblio.org/chinesehistory/cont...t/bio.5roc.html

Here are also two interpretations of Chen's actions during his term:

QUOTE

There have been two interpretations of Chen's actions during the election in terms of independence politics. The first is that he is ideologically committed to advancing Taiwan independence and that his actions are intended to systematically remove the constraints which prevent this from occurring. Seen in this light, his actions are intended to provoke a crisis in which the PRC must either start a war or accept independence, with the expectation that the PRC would back down. Ironically, this interpretation of his actions is shared both among his most fervent supporters (who think it is a good thing) and his most bitter opponents (who think that it is a bad thing). It is largely to counter this possibility that the PRC has issued statements that it will definitely go to war if certain red lines are crossed. However, they in reality carry little meaning, as Beijing has made such statements warning against electing former President Lee and Chen in the 1996 and 2000 elections, which both failed to materialize. Some people regard these statements now as reverse psychology, as Lee and Chen may help to weaken ROC and advance the unification process.
The second interpretation is that Chen's actions are primarily intended to placate his core supporters rather than provoke a crisis. People who subscribe to this interpretation point out that Chen's early efforts to moderate his pro-independence position did not create a positive reaction either from Mainland China or from his anti-independence opponents on Taiwan. He also alienated some pro-independence supporters. Therefore Chen was forced to take a more assertive approach both as a negotiation tactic with the PRC and to keep support from his core supporters. This strategy is consistent with the oft-stated position that Taiwan would only seek independence as a preemptive measure in the face of evidence of PRC military aggression. However, even this interpretation provokes unease among many people, especially among policy makers in Mainland China and the United States. The first problem is that this interpretation makes Chen seem like an old-style Taiwan politician that seems to say whatever pleases people. The second, more serious problem is the fear that through misunderstanding and misinterpretation, Chen may provoke a war without intending to do so, as Mainland China has repeatedly claimed that any progress towards independence would provoke war.

QUOTE (MSantor @ Jan 2 2008, 02:48 AM)

Look who's talking.

:armyroleyes:

BTW, if one follows any Mandarin language news source (Xinhua is crap by the way), one will notice that in the past three years Pres. Chen Shui-Bian of Taiwan/the ROC has been taking an increasingly nationalistic stance with regard to Taiwan as a sovereign nation instead of the last remaining province of the ROC. Pictures and other memorials of Guo Min Dang leader Chiang-Kai Shek (Jiang Jie Shi)were supposedly removed from their display areas in spite of expected protests from ethnic mainlanderswaishengren who live on the island. Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport has changed its name and ROC passports now have the word "TAIWAN" instead of the ROC printed on them.One can infer that since Chen was imprisoned during the Martial Law years when Chiang and then his son Chiang Ching Kuo (Jiang Jing Guo) were in power, Chen wanted to "get some payback" and assert Taiwanese nationalism by expunging all references and memorials to Chiang. One has to take in mind that this happened even when Chen has had to manuever through the corruption/bribery charges thrown on his wife and brother-in-law not too long ago. Furthermore, although Chen is supposed to step down in March when new elections are held, it is rumored that Chen himself may declare martial law partially as a means to stay in power and effect more measures that will completely abolish all trappings of the old ROC and declare Taiwan independence. These martial law rumors do not come from the official media, but the last time I went there, ICRT radio reported that it would be more likely that a popular referendum might be held by the govt. on the independence question. We can only wait till March and wait and see what happens.

It's interesting to note as well that Chen has gotten as far as he has, from the humble maritime lawyer he used to be who was also imprisoned during the Martial Law years.

Here's a source that confirms what I stated above: (scroll to the section on Chen Shui-Bian's biography)

http://www.ibiblio.org/chinesehistory/cont...t/bio.5roc.html

Here are also two interpretations of Chen's actions during his term:

QUOTE

There have been two interpretations of Chen's actions during the election in terms of independence politics. The first is that he is ideologically committed to advancing Taiwan independence and that his actions are intended to systematically remove the constraints which prevent this from occurring. Seen in this light, his actions are intended to provoke a crisis in which the PRC must either start a war or accept independence, with the expectation that the PRC would back down. Ironically, this interpretation of his actions is shared both among his most fervent supporters (who think it is a good thing) and his most bitter opponents (who think that it is a bad thing). It is largely to counter this possibility that the PRC has issued statements that it will definitely go to war if certain red lines are crossed. However, they in reality carry little meaning, as Beijing has made such statements warning against electing former President Lee and Chen in the 1996 and 2000 elections, which both failed to materialize. Some people regard these statements now as reverse psychology, as Lee and Chen may help to weaken ROC and advance the unification process.
The second interpretation is that Chen's actions are primarily intended to placate his core supporters rather than provoke a crisis. People who subscribe to this interpretation point out that Chen's early efforts to moderate his pro-independence position did not create a positive reaction either from Mainland China or from his anti-independence opponents on Taiwan. He also alienated some pro-independence supporters. Therefore Chen was forced to take a more assertive approach both as a negotiation tactic with the PRC and to keep support from his core supporters. This strategy is consistent with the oft-stated position that Taiwan would only seek independence as a preemptive measure in the face of evidence of PRC military aggression. However, even this interpretation provokes unease among many people, especially among policy makers in Mainland China and the United States. The first problem is that this interpretation makes Chen seem like an old-style Taiwan politician that seems to say whatever pleases people. The second, more serious problem is the fear that through misunderstanding and misinterpretation, Chen may provoke a war without intending to do so, as Mainland China has repeatedly claimed that any progress towards independence would provoke war.

Those are unsubstantiated charges of bribery. He was never and has not been convicted. You can be liable for libel same way as you are with 'cough, cough, cough, without any judicial decision or lawsuit on that issue.There's a saying, if Buddha is with Chiang and Chen, then who can be against them. No matter what happens between Chiang and Chen the most important thing is that they agree on one issue: Taiwanese independence. Kahit patayin ako ni Hu, kay Chen ako at kay Chiang. Democracy, bok!! democracy!!

QUOTE (epigone @ Feb 16 2008, 04:48 AM)

QUOTE (MSantor @ Jan 2 2008, 02:48 AM)

Look who's talking.

:armyroleyes:

BTW, if one follows any Mandarin language news source (Xinhua is crap by the way), one will notice that in the past three years Pres. Chen Shui-Bian of Taiwan/the ROC has been taking an increasingly nationalistic stance with regard to Taiwan as a sovereign nation instead of the last remaining province of the ROC. Pictures and other memorials of Guo Min Dang leader Chiang-Kai Shek (Jiang Jie Shi)were supposedly removed from their display areas in spite of expected protests from ethnic mainlanderswaishengren who live on the island. Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport has changed its name and ROC passports now have the word "TAIWAN" instead of the ROC printed on them.One can infer that since Chen was imprisoned during the Martial Law years when Chiang and then his son Chiang Ching Kuo (Jiang Jing Guo) were in power, Chen wanted to "get some payback" and assert Taiwanese nationalism by expunging all references and memorials to Chiang. One has to take in mind that this happened even when Chen has had to manuever through the corruption/bribery charges thrown on his wife and brother-in-law not too long ago. Furthermore, although Chen is supposed to step down in March when new elections are held, it is rumored that Chen himself may declare martial law partially as a means to stay in power and effect more measures that will completely abolish all trappings of the old ROC and declare Taiwan independence. These martial law rumors do not come from the official media, but the last time I went there, ICRT radio reported that it would be more likely that a popular referendum might be held by the govt. on the independence question. We can only wait till March and wait and see what happens.

It's interesting to note as well that Chen has gotten as far as he has, from the humble maritime lawyer he used to be who was also imprisoned during the Martial Law years.

Here's a source that confirms what I stated above: (scroll to the section on Chen Shui-Bian's biography)

http://www.ibiblio.org/chinesehistory/cont...t/bio.5roc.html

Here are also two interpretations of Chen's actions during his term:

QUOTE

There have been two interpretations of Chen's actions during the election in terms of independence politics. The first is that he is ideologically committed to advancing Taiwan independence and that his actions are intended to systematically remove the constraints which prevent this from occurring. Seen in this light, his actions are intended to provoke a crisis in which the PRC must either start a war or accept independence, with the expectation that the PRC would back down. Ironically, this interpretation of his actions is shared both among his most fervent supporters (who think it is a good thing) and his most bitter opponents (who think that it is a bad thing). It is largely to counter this possibility that the PRC has issued statements that it will definitely go to war if certain red lines are crossed. However, they in reality carry little meaning, as Beijing has made such statements warning against electing former President Lee and Chen in the 1996 and 2000 elections, which both failed to materialize. Some people regard these statements now as reverse psychology, as Lee and Chen may help to weaken ROC and advance the unification process.
The second interpretation is that Chen's actions are primarily intended to placate his core supporters rather than provoke a crisis. People who subscribe to this interpretation point out that Chen's early efforts to moderate his pro-independence position did not create a positive reaction either from Mainland China or from his anti-independence opponents on Taiwan. He also alienated some pro-independence supporters. Therefore Chen was forced to take a more assertive approach both as a negotiation tactic with the PRC and to keep support from his core supporters. This strategy is consistent with the oft-stated position that Taiwan would only seek independence as a preemptive measure in the face of evidence of PRC military aggression. However, even this interpretation provokes unease among many people, especially among policy makers in Mainland China and the United States. The first problem is that this interpretation makes Chen seem like an old-style Taiwan politician that seems to say whatever pleases people. The second, more serious problem is the fear that through misunderstanding and misinterpretation, Chen may provoke a war without intending to do so, as Mainland China has repeatedly claimed that any progress towards independence would provoke war.

Those are unsubstantiated charges of bribery. He was never and has not been convicted. You can be liable for libel same way as you are with 'cough, cough, cough, without any judicial decision or lawsuit on that issue.There's a saying, if Buddha is with Chiang and Chen, then who can be against them. No matter what happens between Chiang and Chen the most important thing is that they agree on one issue: Taiwanese independence. Kahit patayin ako ni Hu, kay Chen ako at kay Chiang. Democracy, bok!! democracy!!

I'm also for the Independence of Taiwan

I'm for the republic of China

best of luck to Taiwan

With the Taiwan Presidential Election ocurring this weekend, the Mandarin news services of various overseas Chinese communities all over the world (except for Xinhua ) are featuring it as one of their top international stories.

With current Taipei mayor Ma-Ying Jiu of the Pan-blue coalition (which is pro-unification with mainland China) set to run against DPP candidate (and pro-independence) "Frank" Hsieh, it surely will be an interesting contest.

No doubt the CCP is also watching from the mainland to see whether their former arch-enemies (from the 1945-49 Chinese Civil War) the KMT/Guo Min Dang/the Pan-Blues actually aim to move Taiwan closer to reunification with the mainland if they win, while a DPP win will surely mean disaster for the PRC's future reunification plan.

The mention of Mayor Ma reminds me of a Chinese joke:

As you know, Pres. Chen Sui Bian is the President of the ROC/Taiwan, while Mayor Ma Ying Jiu was the mayor of Taipei the last time I checked. The joke is that if you put the two men together into one person, you would get a liar.

The last character in Chen's name- "Bian"- when combined with the first character in Ma's name-"Ma"- are themselves individual radicals/parts that, when combined into one character, literally embodies the Mandarin verb for lying, and when modified with the noun particle "zi", then becomes the word for LIAR= PIAN ZI= Æ×Ó.
:lollol:

The people of Taiwan have spoken: KMT/Guo Min Dang/Pan-Blue candidate Ma-Ying Jiu has won. Perhaps even the majority of the local Taiwanese/benshengren really do favor the status quo more (for obvious economic reasons) rather than incur the wrath of the mainland. Whether President Ma really will move the island nation more toward reunifying with mainland China remains to be seen.

http://www.javno.com/en/world/clanak.php?id=134066

QUOTE

Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party's (KMT) presidential candidate, Ma Ying-jeou, has won more than half the vote in Saturday's election, the party said, auguring improved ties with diplomatic rival China.

Ma had won more than 7 million votes, the party said, more than half the total 13 million people who cast their ballot.

The Central Election Commission said that Ma had 58 percent of the vote, while the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate Frank Hsieh had 42 percent, with counting still continuing.

Ma favours closer economic ties and political dialogue with China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Voters had to choose a successor to President Chen Shui-bian, an anti-China firebrand who steps down in May and who has repeatedly angered Beijing with his pro-independence rhetoric.

China has claimed self-ruled Taiwan as its territory since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.

Hsieh's DPP favours formal independence while Ma's Nationalist Party (KMT) wants eventual reunification once China embraces democracy.

"Whether you vote for Hsieh or for Ma, be sure to vote for Taiwan," Chen told reporters. "...Don't let Taiwan become the next Hong Kong. Don't let Taiwan become the next Tibet."

The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Chinese troops marched into Tibet, the scene of anti-Chinese rioting last week, in 1950.

Ma told reporters after voting his commitment to Taiwan was not in doubt.

"I have always said that if I get elected I will engage with mainland China on many issues, that I will protect Taiwan, not just its identity but its security, to my fullest strength," he said in fluent English.

"I have said also many times that Taiwan is not Tibet. Neither is it Hong Kong. So we will keep this democratic country running as it is."

INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION

The election has drawn keen international attention, with the United States, Russia and Britain criticising a referendum on U.N. membership, to be held alongside the vote, which they believe could upset the delicate balance with China.

Malaysia added its voice of opposition on Saturday, with its Foreign Ministry saying the referendum as "a provocative move".

Whatever the referendum result, U.N. membership is out of the question with just 23 countries recognising Taiwan, and with China a veto-wielding permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.

The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, recognising "one China", but remains the island's biggest ally.

Two U.S. aircraft carriers are in the region for training exercises. China fired missiles into the Taiwan Strait in 1996, trying to intimidate voters during an election.

"China hopes the United States and Japan will carry out their promises of not supporting 'Taiwan independence' or Taiwan authority's proposed 'referendum on U.N. membership'," Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said.

In Taiwan, a faltering economy is a priority with voters.

"Domestic issues, such as the economy and corruption, are bigger than China or foreign policy," said Ralph Cossa, president of the U.S.-based think tank Pacific Forum CSIS.

The two candidates had toughened their stances on China following Beijing's crackdown in Tibet, but to help the economy, both advocate more direct flights, tourism and investment opportunities between Taiwan and China.

Ma advocates a common market with China.

As an added note. The head of Taiwanese intelligence used to brief my masters in Ottawa on his visits during conferences to address on urgent issues on Taiwan, which they share with me on a limited scale. I liaise with him too.

He's a political science professor in a public university in Taiwan. (embedded in and among the unsuspecting academia)

The news report in the previous post is slanted to favour China. Think tanks in Canada bear the leftist mark. (Read the news in Toronto Star yesterday about an employee in leftist think tank whose wife found the blue prints of a counterterrorism building in Ottawa. 'CSIS' in the previous post is not Canadian Security and Intelligence Service. CSIS in the previous post is Centre for Strategic and International Studies. What is a Chinese agent of influence doing here in this forum and Canada quoting slanted news report. She should be deported back to China!!)

Independence is a big issue. A stable independent Taiwan would create beneficial repercussions such as stable currency, better economy, gainful employment, and economic stability, etc. The head of Pacific Forum CSIS should be fired right away!!

Another milestone in cross-strait relations is coming up. Looks like the new government of Taiwan is moving away from independence and aims to boost relations with the mainland.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/1...a.ap/index.html

QUOTE

Taiwan set for historic China summit

Story Highlights
Taiwan's vice president-elect to have historic meeting with China's president

Vincent Siew will meet with Hu Jintao for 20 minutes on Saturday at forum

It will be the highest-level contact ever between officials of the longtime rivals

Ma succeeds Chen, who steps down after eight years in power

SANYA, China (AP) -- Taiwan's vice president-elect is due to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday in the highest-level contact ever between officials from the longtime rivals.

The historic talks carry the potential of opening a new era in relations between the two, indicating the direction Taiwan-China relations will move toward under a new Taiwanese administration set to take office in May.

Vincent Siew will meet with Hu for 20 minutes on the sidelines of an economic forum in the southern Chinese resort of Boao, Siew's spokesman, Wang Yu-chi, said Friday. No other details were given.

Heading a delegation of Taiwanese business leaders, Siew arrived Friday afternoon in the island province of Hainan where the forum is held each year.

"We will use the occasion to make more friends and exchange views," said Siew, a former premier who has dedicated his years out of office to expanding economic relations with China. "We will present the new blueprint for Taiwan's economic development."

The meeting could be a watershed in relations between the two neighbors, which have alternated between angry threats and icy scorn for the last eight years under Taiwan's independence-leaning President Chen Shui-bian.

Siew's future boss, President-elect Ma Ying-jeou, was elected on strong hopes he would boost relations with China, which regards Taiwan as a renegade Chinese province.

China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949 and Beijing threatens to attack if the Taiwanese try to formalize their de-facto independent status.

Beijing refuses to recognize the island's elected government, and on Thursday Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu referred to Siew only as chairman of the Cross-Strait Common Market Foundation, a private group that seeks to build economic cooperation between China and Taiwan.

Ma and Siew represent the Nationalist Party that ran Taiwan for almost five decades after fleeing the mainland ahead of the communist victory. Despite decades of antagonism, the Nationalists and their former communist foes have opened up a dialogue in recent years, in part out of common opposition to Chen's moves to assert Taiwan's independent identity.

Ma has pledged to liberalize investment rules and launch direct air and maritime links between Taiwan and China. On Friday, Siew had to fly to China via Hong Kong because Taiwan still bans direct flights.

However, the president-elect has been vague on the prospects of improved political ties, saying he hopes to sign a peace agreement but won't discuss unification during his presidency.

On Saturday, Hu and Siew are to attend the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia, an annual Chinese government-sponsored event attended by leading businesspeople and a smattering of world leaders.

The forum's secretary-general, former Chinese official Long Yongtu, also confirmed Siew's meeting with Hu, according to China's official Xinhua News Agency.

It seems that Mayor COUGH*, I mean President Ma is going ahead with the waishengren-backed Guomindang's plan to make closer ties with their CCP nemesis across the strait.

http://news.ph.msn.com/regional/article.as...umentid=1454092

QUOTE

China, Taiwan talks move ahead in Beijing
China and Taiwan agreed on Thursday to open representative offices to handle visa issues, despite a lack of diplomatic ties between the two countries, reports here said.

The deal was reached in Beijing during the first formal talks in a decade between the long-time rivals, Taiwan delegation spokesman Pang Jian-guo was quoted saying by local station TVBS.

The offices will be represented by Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation and its mainland counterpart, the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait. Currently visas between the two are handled in Hong Kong.

News of the deal comes as the two rivals began their first formal talks in a decade as part of a rapprochement that is likely to see the development of trade and tourism ties.

With big smiles and a warm handshake, the chief negotiators from each side began the two days of talks in Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse that often serves as China's choice for conducting high-level diplomacy.

"As long as we have mutual trust and understanding... these talks are going to become an important communication mechanism for cross-strait development," chief Chinese envoy Chen Yunlin said before the media was ushered out.

The talks, suspended since the mid-1990s, are resuming as part of a dramatic warming in relations that began with the election of Ma Ying-jeou as Taiwan's president in March.

Ma and his Kuomintang party swept to power promising closer ties with China, following eight years of tensions across the straits as then Taiwan president Chen Shui-bian tried to steer the island closer toward independence.

China and Taiwan split at the end of a civil war in 1949, and the mainland's ruling Communist Party ratcheted up threats during Chen's reign that it was prepared to use military force to bring about reunification.

But Ma, who began his term in May, has managed to begin letting some steam out of the pressure-cooker environment between China and Taiwan that made their relationship one of the world's potential military flashpoints.

Agreement to restart the talks was reached when Chinese President Hu Jintao met Kuomintang chief Wu Poh-hsiung in Beijing last month.

That in itself was an historic event, as it was the first meeting between the heads of the ruling parties of each side since Kuomintang forces retreated to the island in 1949 and the communists took power in Beijing.

Direct trade and tourism links have been severely restricted ever since, but this week's talks in Beijing are expected to see some tentative steps towards changing that situation.

One of the top items on the agenda is establishing regular direct flights between the mainland and China.

Except for national holidays, people wanting to travel the less than 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the mainland currently have to make a much longer journey with a stopover in Hong Kong.

Taiwan media reported that the two sides will Thursday discuss establishing 18 direct flights a week between China and Taiwan.

As many as 3,000 Chinese tourists would be allowed to fly to Taiwan a day, under the plans due to be discussed in Beijing that were first published in the Taiwanese press and carried again in China's state-run media on Thursday.
Taiwan is pushing for the first of these visitors to arrive on the island on July 4.

Taiwan's chief envoy to the talks, Chiang Pin-kun, also said ahead of the talks that he would raise the issues of starting direct chartered cargo flights and allowing island's financial institutions to operate on the mainland.

Chiang is expected to meet Hu on Friday.

China's official Xinhua news agency said agreements on some of the issues being discussed would be formally reached on Friday, the final official day of the dialogue.

Ma's overtures are seen to be as much about economic issues as political, because closer ties with China would help inject fresh cash and momentum into Taiwan's economy as it battles the US-led global downturn.

The two sides have already built up strong economic links despite the long political freeze. Since 1991, approved Taiwan investment on the mainland has risen by a factor of nearly 60, standing at 9.97 billion dollars in 2007.

This is ‘good news’ not because it serves the interests of China (or Taiwan, for that matter) but, rather, because it reduces tensions and, therefore, the probability of an unnecessary and potentially destructive conflict in the region.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...ernational/home

QUOTE

China, Taiwan sign historic trade pact

DEBBY WU

Associated Press
November 4, 2008 at 6:00 AM EST

TAIPEI, TAIWAN — Setting aside decades of animosity, Taiwan and China on Tuesday agreed to expand passenger and cargo flights and allow shipping links across the Taiwan Strait, an area that has long threatened to become a war zone.

The historic deal highlighted the dramatic improvement in relations in the past half year between the rivals that split amid a bloody civil war in 1949. They agreed Tuesday to hold high-level talks every six months and focus on building closer financial ties in the next round of meetings.

After signing the pact, Chinese envoy Chen Yunlin smiled and shook hands with his Taiwanese counterpart, Chiang Pin-kung. They sipped champagne and held up two lines of framed calligraphy that said, “Peaceful negotiation creates a win-win situation.”

For nearly six decades, Taiwan banned direct flights and shipping with China, fearing China might attack with bombers and warships disguised as civilian vessels.

But the rivals began relaxing restrictions on flights in July when their envoys met in Beijing. They signed a confidence-building deal then that allowed 36 weekly flights from five mainland cities.

Tuesday's agreement, which becomes effective in 40 days, more than tripled the number of weekly flights to 108 and allows planes to take off from a total of 21 cities. Under the deal, cargo planes can also begin flying the route, with 60 allowed each month.

In the past, cargo ships had to sail to the Japanese island of Okinawa before going to the other side. Tuesday's agreement allows them to sail directly across the 100-mile-wide Taiwan Strait.

“The direct shipping will finally help Taiwan become a transport hub in Asia and better explore the mainland market,” Mr. Chiang told reporters after the meeting. “With each cruise they won't have to go to Okinawa and they save about 16 hours and cut costs by between 15 and 30 per cent.”

A Chinese official, Zheng Lizhong, said the air links will save the airlines about $60-million (U.S.) a year. He said the direct shipping links will trim their costs by $30-million annually.

Mr. Chiang said the two sides would seek an agreement that allows banks to set up branches on each side. They would also set up agencies that would help resolve trade disputes, he said.

The agreement also includes measures for greater co-operation on food safety. The deal allows faster recalls of unsafe products and better exchange of information.

The drastic warming in relations began after Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou was elected in March, pledging to ease military tensions and forge closer economic ties with China.

Mr. Ma's predecessor, Chen Shui-bian, was vilified and shunned by Beijing because he leaned toward independence. His eight years in office were also marred by policy blunders and corruption. China has repeatedly warned that Taiwan has two choices: eventual unification or a devastating attack.

Mr. Ma's Nationalist Party has long supported eventual unification with China, a policy that has helped the new president win Beijing's trust. But Mr. Ma himself has promised not to pursue unification talks or move the island toward independence.

The local Taiwanese/ben sheng ren resentment toward reunification with the PRC again manifests itself when Pres. Ma meets another high-ranking PRC envoy in Taipei.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/200...ap?iref=24hours

The place of protest appears to be somewhere along Zhong Shan Bei Lu /ˆíå–k˜H or Dr. Sun Yat Sen North Road, since I recognize the building behind the crowd shown towards the end of the video as the Regent Hotel that I stayed at once.

And here is another article which proves there is a simmering resentment among the native Taiwanese/ben sheng ren towards moves by ROC government, especially among the Guo Min dang party led by President Ma to make the island nation closer to unification with the mainland.

Just to be clear, the waishengren (ŠOÈl) of Taiwan are those people there who have more recent mainlander links with China. They did include the bankers, the landholders, the rich businessmen (the Soong Family), the remnants of the scholar-official/iŽm class and of course the Guominjun's best remaining soldiers and officials of the disgraced Guomindang who fled with Chiang Kai Shek to his island bastion back in 1949. Even a generation later, many of them and their offspring still consider themselves more mainlander than Taiwanese and thus this helps explain why the GMD and the CCP have been concialiatory recently, with such top GMD leaders as Lien Chan even going to mainland China to meet PRC President Hu, IIRC.

But as recent history as has shown, the native Taiwanese or benshengren(–{Èl) have begun to enter into positions of power (where in the past the best Guomindang postions were often reserved for waishengren), with Lee Tung Hui and even Chen Shui Bian as prime examples of benshengren who have achieved the highest office in the ROC government. In contrast the current President Ma, is technically a waishengren since he is Hong Kong-born.

QUOTE

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/asia/la-fg-taiwan22-2008oct22,0,6777951.story

Reported from Beijing -- China condemned an assault on one of its envoys by an angry crowd in Taiwan on Tuesday, an attack that came as the two longtime adversaries are trying to ease decades of tension.

Taiwanese television showed Zhang Mingqing, vice chairman of a mainland association handling cross-strait relations, lying on the ground beside his eyeglasses. Other footage showed an elderly woman hitting his car window with her cane and a pro-independence activist with a green headband stomping on the roof of the car.

That followed an incident Monday in which about 200 demonstrators yelled, cursed and heckled Zhang as he took the podium at Tainan National University of the Arts. Zhang was in Taiwan for an academic symposium, ostensibly in a nonofficial capacity. Taiwan and China often communicate through unofficial channels, given their strained relations.

Analysts said both sides have an interest in preventing public anger from raging out of control as they work to reduce tensions and boost transportation, cultural and business links.

"I strongly condemn the violence," P.K. Chiang, Taiwan's top negotiator on cross-strait policy, said at a news conference Tuesday. "We want people to be more rational when others come from mainland China."

Beijing, however, was not soothed. The official New China News Agency condemned the incident, quoting a protest letter from Zhang's semiofficial group, the Assn. for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits.

"We are astonished at this," it said. And a spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office called for "severe punishment" for those involved.

China and Taiwan are scheduled to hold talks in the next few weeks on improving relations. They will be closely watched, and Chen Yunlin, chairman of the association, will head the Chinese side.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory. The two sides parted ways in 1949 after an extended civil war.

In recent months, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has made improved relations a cornerstone of his administration, although the island remains politically divided.

Much of the anti-China anger in Taiwan comes from supporters of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, which until May presided over eight contentious years under the leadership of then-President Chen Shui-bian.

"It's pathetic to see how divided Taiwan is," said George Tsai, a professor at National Chengchi University in Taipei, the capital.

"Violence is wrong and must be condemned," he said. "It's not in anyone's interest if China and Taiwan go back to confrontation."

Opposition leader Tsai Ing-wen expressed regret over Zhang's harassment in an article in the Liberty Times. But she said China's negotiators should think twice before coming to Taiwan for further talks since "you should consider their feelings when visiting."

The attack on Zhang points to deep underlying tensions in Taiwan, said Lo Chih-cheng, a former official research director in Chen's administration, arguing that the new president is moving too fast.

"This has to do with the speed and scope of Ma Ying-jeou's opening to China," he said. "It generates concern among people, particularly in the south."

Zhang cut short his trip. "Why am I leaving early?" he said to reporters before his flight this morning. "The place where I was hurt is sore, and my head is a bit dizzy."

Many Taiwanese expressed concern about the attack.

"Regardless of what position [Zhang] holds, he's still our guest," said Hsu Hsi-tsun, a Taipei commercial driver. "We should arrest those people and convict them. This is bad for Taiwan's image."

The media on both sides of the Taiwan Strait played up the confrontation. Television stations on the island aired a continual loop of Zhang being jostled by protesters at the Confucius Temple in Tainan. "Zhang beaten, pushed to the ground," read a headline in the United Evening News.

One Taiwanese website, called Spicy News, suggested that Zhang wasn't pushed and that his tumble was planned to test the island's reaction.

China reported on the incident on the official wire service and major Web portals.

"I can't contain myself anymore," read an Internet posting by a writer identified as Gangan on the discussion group Tianyu. "Let the Taiwanese who work in China go back!"

The incident occurred as plans were unveiled to allow direct commercial flights between Taiwan and China starting next month, a move that will save 90 minutes and significant fuel and spur fare reductions. Planes now must pass through Hong Kong airspace.

Special correspondent Cindy Sui in Taipei contributed to this report.

Magnier is a Times staff writer.

Corrupt or not, I believe his pro-independence initiatives when he was in power were genuine and not just for show.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27662352/

QUOTE

Taiwan's Chen ordered detained
Chen Shui-bian, an independence supporter, faces corruption case
The Associated Press
updated 8:58 a.m. PT, Tues., Nov. 11, 2008
TAIPEI, Taiwan - A court ordered the detention of former President Chen Shui-bian on corruption charges Wednesday, marking an ignominious fall for the man who incensed China and roiled the United States with his contentious pro-independence policies.

Chen was expected to be sent to Tucheng Jail, the suburban Taipei facility where as a dissident leader 21 years ago he served eight months for defaming an official of the ruling Nationalist Party during the waning days of Taiwan's infamous martial law regime.

Under Taiwanese law, Chen can be detained for up to four months. His detention does not constitute a formal indictment.

Legal proceedings against Chen — including a prosecutorial interrogation — extended for nearly 21 hours from start to finish.

Interrupted by injury complaint
They were interrupted for several hours after the former leader complained that he had been injured while being transported from a prosecutors' office in downtown Taipei to the nearby court building.

He was returned to the court after doctors found he had sustained only a minor muscle tear that required no special treatment, said court spokesman Huang Chun-ming.

Wednesday's court order against Chen has implications far beyond Taiwan, where he is reviled by millions for his apparent toleration for corruption, but lionized by millions of others for his willingness to stand up to both Chinese threats and American opposition to his anti-China line.

Chen, who has denied any wrongdoing in the corruption case against him, is an ardent supporter of Taiwanese independence, a cause decried by Beijing, which insists that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory. China has threatened war if the island moves to make its 59-year break with the mainland permanent.

Chen has also earned repeated condemnation from the United States, Taiwan's most important foreign partner. Despite shifting its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, Washington remains committed to helping the island defend itself against a Chinese attack. During Chen's just concluded presidency, it saw him as a loose cannon who could well provoke a Chinese invasion across the 100-mile-(160-kilometer)wide Taiwan Strait.

Denies policies are provocative
Chen himself denies any insinuation that his pro-independence policies are provocative.

He defiantly predicted his arrest late Monday, and then early Tuesday, attempted to link it to alleged attempts by newly installed Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou to placate China in the wake of violent protests last week against a visiting Chinese envoy.

"Long live Taiwanese democracy," Chen declared to his supporters outside the prosecutors' office in downtown Taipei. "Long live Taiwanese independence."

Not related to China
Li Yihu, a Taiwan expert at Peking University in Beijing said Chen's prosecution is not related to China in any way.

"It is a case involving a great amount of money and has had a negative influence, so it must be dealt with," he said. "It is nothing to do with placating the mainland."

Led from the prosecutors' office in handcuffs Tuesday afternoon en route to a waiting vehicle and the drive to Taipei District Court, Chen blamed the Ma administration for his troubles.

"This is a political persecution," he declared. "Cheers for Taiwan."

In sharp contrast to Chen, Ma has made reconciliation with China the centerpiece of his six-month-old administration.

Detention is latest chapter
Chen's detention is the latest chapter in a continuing corruption saga that badly undermined his authority during his last two years in office, and provoked mass demonstrations demanding his resignation.

Family and close advisers were imprisoned on a variety of graft charges, his wife went on trial for allegedly looting a special presidential fund, and Chen himself became the subject of a complex series of judicial probes.

His questioning Tuesday by a special team of prosecutors focused on allegations he laundered money and made illegal use of the special presidential fund during his eight years in office that ended in May.

In a dramatic television appearance in August Chen admitted that he broke the law by not fully disclosing campaign donations he had received, after a lawmaker from Ma's Nationalist Party alleged that Chen's son and daughter-in-law moved millions of dollars to Switzerland in 2007, and then forwarded the funds to the Cayman Islands.

Leftover donations or bribery?
At the time prosecutors said they wanted to determine whether the funds were indeed donations left over from political campaigns — as Chen insisted — or whether bribery might have been involved.

Under Taiwanese law, false declaration of donations is subject to a fine of $9,670, but money laundering carries a seven-year prison sentence.

Several Nationalist lawmakers have also alleged that the ex-president took large bribes in connection with a spate of mergers initiated by the government in 2005, when several small banks took over a number of well-established financial institutions.

Taiwanese newspapers have reported that Chen received millions of dollars in bribes from Taiwan's Far Eastern Group. Both the company and Chen have denied those reports.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

And good God- he has gained weight; look at those cheeks!

user posted image

Compared to before:

user posted image

And the talks continue. Remember that this is not the first time that Lien Chan and Hu Jintao have met. It further demonstrates that the Guo Min Dang are aiming for a more reconciling approach with their Cold War nemesis- the CCP.

QUOTE

Agence France-Presse - 11/22/2008 2:56 AM GMT
China, Taiwan hold historic meeting
Chinese President Hu Jintao met here with a senior Taiwan envoy in the highest-level meeting to take place overseas between the rivals since their split in 1949.

Taiwan's former premier Lien Chan, who is honorary chairman of the island's ruling Kuomintang party, met with Hu for about 40 minutes at a hotel in Lima, Peru, where leaders are meeting for an Asia-Pacific summit.

Officials in Taiwan's summit delegation called it the highest-level meeting in an international setting since 1949, when the Kuomintang fled to Taiwan after losing China's civil war to the communists.

"It is very significant for old friends to meet far away from Asia," Lien, who has met Hu twice in China this year, told reporters after the meeting.

China has historically opposed any hint of international recognition of democratic Taiwan, which Beijing considers a part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

Friday's chat at the mainland Chinese delegation's hotel was the latest step forward for the two Cold War rivals, whose relations have improved dramatically this year.

Taiwan in March elected Beijing-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou, ending two decades of rule in Taipei by leaders who rattled China with their support for a separate identity for the democratic island.

Ma earlier this month became Taiwan's first president to meet with a senior Chinese official, who signed four deals that will see the two sides cooperating in air travel, post and cargo shipping.

But the official's visit to Taipei also triggered mass demonstrations by tens of thousands of anti-Beijing protesters.

Lien said that in the near future, the two sides would try to build on this year's agreements by taking up more complicated issues, including financial and legal concerns.

"These sort of issues take a longer time to deal with," he said.

Lien, a strong supporter of reconciliation with Beijing, is representing Taiwan at the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), a 21-member group representing half of global trade.

Taiwan has traditionally sent business leaders or prominent citizens as representatives to international fora to avoid rankling China. A former premier in the 1990s, Lien is easily the most prominent sent so far.

Lien said his closed-door talk with Hu touched on regional issues facing the APEC meeting opening on Saturday, offering few details when asked.

Officials in Beijing's delegation made no immediate comment.

However, Lien stressed the historic significance of this year's rapprochement between the sides, saying its benefits would extend beyond the borders of either side.

"This will be beneficial to the peoples of both sides, the Asia-Pacific region and the entire world," Lien said.

Following Ma's election, top officials from both sides met in Beijing in June for the first direct dialogue between the two parties in 10 years.

Those talks led to the launch of regular direct flights between China and the island, and measures to boost tourism.

The two sides split in 1949 after a civil war that saw Mao Zedong's Communists seize power, banishing the Chinese Nationalists to Taiwan.

A survey of Asian opinion leaders conducted for the APEC summit showed the region's fears of a conflict between China and Taiwan have ebbed dramatically since Ma's election.

Bu hao yi si! (what a shame!)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28190703/

QUOTE

Taiwan ex-leader indicted for graft
Ex-president Chen denies bribery, money-laundering allegations
The Associated Press
updated 2:19 a.m. PT, Fri., Dec. 12, 2008
TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwanese prosecutors indicted former President Chen Shui-bian on graft charges Friday, a stunning blow for a man who rode to power 8 1/2 years ago on promises to reform the island's corrupt political culture.

Chen, 57, has been held in a suburban Taipei jail since Nov. 12 pending the results of an investigation into allegations he engaged in money laundering and other offenses during his recently concluded time in office.

Indicted together with Chen were his wife, Wu Shu-chen, his son and daughter-in-law, three of his former aides in the presidential office, and eight other associates and family members.

Prosecutorial spokesman Chen Yun-nan said the former president and his wife together embezzled 104 million New Taiwan dollars ($3.12 million) from a special presidential fund, and received bribes of $9 million in connection with a government land procurement deal.

He said Wu alone took another bribe of $2.73 million from a government construction project.

"Chen Shui-bian undermined justice again and again and showed no regret," Chen Yun-nan said. "We ask the judges to give him ... Wu, (son) Chen Chih-chung and Chen Chih-chung's wife, Huang Jui-ching ... the most severe sentence."

Chen could face up to 20 years in jail.

Chen has denied all charges, saying he is being persecuted by President Ma Ying-jeou's new government for the strong anti-China stance that marked the waning years of his presidency.

'Not true'
At a news conference convened shortly after the indictments were announced, Chen's lawyer echoed his client's claims of innocence.

"What prosecutors are charging President Chen and his wife with is not true," said Cheng Sheng-chu.

Ma's office said it would not comment on the indictments.

Chen, who ended a 50-year monopoly on power by Ma's Nationalist Party in 2000, was first elected on promises to end official corruption in Taiwan.

His desire to carve out an independent political and cultural identity for Taiwan's 23 million people became the hallmark of his administration, which ended due to term limits seven months ago.

The son of poor farmers from the southern part of the island, Chen first came to prominence in the early 1980s defending dissidents jailed under the Nationalists' martial law regime.

In 1985 Chen's wife was run down by a truck and paralyzed from the waist down at the conclusion of a failed election campaign in the southern county of Tainan. The Chen family charged that the Nationalists were responsible, but the Nationalists denied the accusation.

Hunger strike
Since Chen was jailed on Nov. 12, the corruption scandal has galvanized Taiwanese from all walks of life.

The former leader went on hunger strike the day of his incarceration but began eating again after 16 days, heeding pleas from his wife and family to preserve his strength.

Chen, a former maritime lawyer, is expected to mount a vigorous defense against the corruption charges.

He still retains a core of enthusiastic supporters, but many former political allies have turned their backs on him, regarding him as a liability to the pro-independence cause both he and they espouse.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

Yet another concession on the part of Pres. Ma and the Guomindang to show that they are committed to reunifcation. :wow:

QUOTE

Taiwan to end conscription

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNew...ory_347888.html

TAIPEI - TAIWAN will phase out its decades-old military conscription policy over the next five years, the defence minister said on Monday, amid warming ties with China.

Currently all men aged over 20 are required to do one year's military service.

But Defence Minister Chen Chao-min told reporters that the structure of Taiwan's military manpower will undergo a dramatic change over the next few years.

'From 2011, the number of conscripts will be reduced by at least 10 percent each year, to be replaced by professional soldiers,' Mr Chen said.

'That is to say, eventually, conscript measures will come to an end by 2014.' Critics have argued that the island's armed forces have struggled to enhance their defence capabilities because conscripts are unable to become proficient in high-tech weaponry in their short military service.

However, the new proposals sparked concerns over whether the defence ministry would be able to recruit sufficiently qualified professional soldiers at a monthly salary of NT$35,000 (S$1,550).

The plan to phase out conscription was a campaign pledge of President Ma Ying-jeou during the 2008 election.

The number of service personnel in Taiwan stands at around 275,000, down from a peak of 600,000 during the Cold War.

Taiwan's relatively large army is a legacy of decades of tensions with China, which has regarded the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification since the two sides split at the end of a civil war in 1949.

However, ties between Taiwan and China have improved dramatically since Mr Ma's Kuomintang party took office last May promising to boost cross-strait trade and tourism. -- AFP

It only proves that US is not to blame for our troubles but our own BAD fellow-countryman. How did this Chineses agent of influence slip away from the hands of Taiwanese intelligence. They should had known or should had been forewarned. Naivete is the cause of this fiasco. Time will come that China will have the upperhand when two or three contending candidates for President will be in China's payroll. Terrible this Chinese pig!

One way to escape detection is to propagate a pro-independence slant but is slightly skewed toward unification ending them with a more skewed pro-unification. Ma is not a fool. Tongue-slips probably got Chen. You cannot compromise pro-independence or if you do it, do it like Ma. 'We're willing to unify if you (China) becomes democracy. That is the sanest thing I've ever heard from a good and patriotic Taiwanese.

:banana:

It's about time the world listen to the people of
TAIWAN, majority of whom favor independence from
Beijing.
The Republic of China is a democratic country and
must be allowed independence and self-governance.

Another update on cross-strait relations:

QUOTE

Agence France-Presse - 7/25/2009 5:30 AM GMT
Taiwan, China to talk trade in October: report
Taiwan and China will begin negotiations on a comprehensive trade pact in October, in a further step towards closer economic ties between the two neighbours, a report here said Saturday.

Vice trade ministers from both sides will head the negotiations for the economic cooperation framework agreement, or ECFA, the China Times reported, quoting Taiwanese economic minister Yiin Chii-ming.
Yiin, who met his Chinese counterpart Chen Deming during last week's APEC conference in Singapore, said Beijing was keen to push for the pact, similar in scope to a free-trade agreement, the report said.

The two sides will aim to conclude discussions by the end of the year so that an agreement may be ready for signing at an upcoming meeting between their top envoys -- Taiwan's Chiang Pin-kung and Chen Yunlin of China, it said.

The two are expected to meet in Taiwan later this year, following talks in April which led to agreements on expanding air links and promoting mainland Chinese investment on the island.

Taiwan's government is counting on the pact to help free the flow of goods and personnel and to help it tackle recession, but critics warn against the island becoming overly dependent on its giant neighbour.

China and Taiwan split in 1949 after a civil war, but Beijing still sees the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

Relations have improved dramatically since Beijing-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou took office last year.

Another sign that reunification is closer than previously thought?

QUOTE

Taiwan, China make rare direct exchange
Fresh sign of warming relations as Beijing originates contact with Taipei
The Associated Press
updated 2:44 a.m. PT, Mon., July 27, 2009
TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwanese and Chinese leaders directly exchanged messages on Monday for the first time in 60 years, the latest sign of warming relations between Beijing and Taipei.

A Nationalist party press statement said the correspondence originated with a congratulatory message from Chinese President Hu Jintao to Taiwan's leader Ma Ying-jeou after he won an election for the ruling party's chairmanship.

Ma was elected Sunday following monthslong efforts to improve ties with Beijing as president.

The party statement said Hu also asked Ma to help bolster mutual trust between the rival sides and Ma urged Hu to promote cross-strait peace and stability.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949. China continues to claim the island as part of its territory.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Not gonna happen.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/091020/worl...china_diplomacy

QUOTE

Taiwan has invited Eric Shinseki, US secretary of veterans affairs, officials here said Tuesday, as the island aimed for the highest-level American visit in a decade.

Tseng Jing-ling, minister of Taiwan's Veteran Affairs Commission, confirmed the invitation during a parliamentary session on Monday, his aide told AFP.

Shinseki could travel to Taiwan as early as spring next year for a symposium on veteran issues, an area that is not considered politically sensitive and therefore more palatable to China, the United Daily News said.

He would be the first cabinet-level US official to arrive in Taiwan since a visit in 2000 by Rodney Slater, transportation secretary in the Bill Clinton administration.

Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 but has remained a key ally and a leading arms supplier to the island.

The triangular relationship between China, the United States and Taiwan was strained under the island's former president Chen Shui-bian who often irked Washington and Beijing with policies pushing for formal independence.

Ties have improved markedly after Chen was succeeded by Ma Ying-jeou last year, becoming the least confrontational president in the island's history as a de facto separate country.

However, Beijing still considers Taiwan part of its territory awaiting reunification, and it opposes official foreign contacts with the island, which split from the mainland in 1949 after a civil war.

View Full Version: TAIWAN (ROC) Political Updates