Opinion: Separatist aims misled
( 2002-09-05 09:25 ) (1 )

Taiwan authorities issued a statement through the island's "Mainland Affairs Council" on August 7, defending Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's fallacious "one country on each side" dictum and supporting his call for an independence referendum.

The statement attempted to shift the responsibility of damaging cross-Straits relations onto the mainland side.

Chen's "one country on each side" statement on August 3 betrayed his inaugural promises of not declaring statehood or pushing for an independence referendum, proving that his promises were nothing but a trick to deceive the public, and marking the complete bankruptcy of his political reputation.

Chen gives the appearance of frequently changing his stand on cross-Straits relations. But close study of his statements and actions reveals that he, in fact, has always been bent on seeking Taiwan's independence. His changing words are just political gambits to further his unchanged goal of seeking Taiwan independence.

The hypocrisy of the so-called "sincerity" of Chen claimed by this most recent statement can be easily seen through.

For example, one of the purposes of opening the so-called "mini three direct links" is to reduce the pressure from various circles within the island and to delay the process of three direct links.

What threatens "Taiwan's security" is not the mainland's military forces but the disruptive separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces.

To realize the great reunification of the Chinese nation at an early date, Chinese people cherish any opportunity for peace and development and hope to settle the Taiwan question in a peaceful way. "Peaceful reunification and one country, two systems" are the fundamental principles adopted by the mainland towards Taiwan.

However, the Chinese Government does not renounce the option of using force when seeking peaceful reunification. The use of military force is a back-up for the realization of peaceful reunification.

It is the separatist forces in Taiwan who are active in trying to change the fact that Taiwan is part of China. China's sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be divided. This is the nature and foundation of cross-Straits relations.

Taking advantage of its ruling position, the DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) has been promoting the "de-sinification" and "rectification" movement in Taiwan. This fully demonstrates that it is the separatist forces headed by Chen and his predecessor Lee Teng-hui who are challenging the one-China policy.

They have not only undermined the very foundation of a stable cross-Straits relationship and hindered Taiwan's development, but also are in the process of sabotaging peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

The "one country, two systems" proposal has taken into consideration Taiwan compatriots' desire for autonomy as well as the differences in current political systems and life styles, so it is in the best interests of Taiwan people. It also advocates that the reunification should be reached through consultation and negotiation on a basis of equality. It is not a question of "annexing Taiwan."

It is a deliberate distortion of fact to say that the "one country, two systems" principle aims to "Hongkongize," "localize" and "marginalize" Taiwan.

The "one country, two systems" proposal will allow Taiwan compatriots to administer their own affairs all by themselves and enjoy the power of final adjudication, without the mainland dispatching any administrative personnel or troops to Taiwan or collecting any taxes.

With reunification, China's vast land, rich resources and huge market will belong to all the Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots. In what way could this "marginalize" Taiwan? On the contrary, it is those separatists, who attempt to separate Taiwan from the motherland and to make Taiwan a vassal "state" of international anti-China forces, who would "marginalize" Taiwan.

Taiwan has always been a part of China, never an independent country. History bears out this fact.

When the People's Republic of China was founded in October 1949, its government replaced the "Government of the Republic of China" as the sole legitimate government to represent the whole of China in the international community.

According to relevant international law, such a regime substitution altered neither China's sovereignty nor its territory. And its sovereignty over Taiwan remained unchanged. The People's Republic of China, undoubtedly, is therefore fully entitled to enjoy and exercise the country's sovereign rights, including its sovereignty over Taiwan.

Chen said his statement of "one country on each side" was "misunderstood" and in fact meant "equal sovereignty." Nevertheless, there is no legal basis for this explanation, either. Sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be divided.

According to international law, a country can only have one sovereign authority and only one government exercising sovereignty on its behalf.

The temporary state of separation has never meant and will never mean that Taiwan could make itself a "sovereign state."

In the statement defending Chen, the proposed referendum is described as being "in accordance with fundamental human rights and democracy." However, this is an attempt to reach the goal of "legislative Taiwan independence" by using the smokescreen of a "referendum" in the name of human rights, democracy and autonomy.

As mentioned above, Taiwan's legal status as part of China is indisputable under either domestic or international law. Since Taiwan was returned to China in 1945, there has been no question of a referendum, something that is suitable only for colonies and mandated territories. This was also admitted by former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui himself.

Since the advocacy of a referendum does not accord with reason, the separatist forces in Taiwan always use the camouflage of "democracy" and "human rights" when calling for a "referendum."

However, China's sovereignty, which includes Taiwan, belongs to all the people across China, including the people in Taiwan. The future and destiny of Taiwan can only be decided by all the Chinese people.

The attempt to exercise the right of 1.3 billion people with only 23 million people is a serious violation of democracy and the principle of "national sovereignty."

The Chinese mainland has never disagreed with nor opposed any economic, cultural or personnel contacts or exchanges of Taiwan compatriots with other countries and regions of the world, provided that such activities do not run counter to the one-China principle.

"Democracy, freedom, human rights and peace" cannot be the shield of "Taiwan independence." It is precisely with the spirit of democracy, freedom, human rights and peace that the mainland has put forward the policy of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems," which will ensure that both sides can maintain the social systems and life styles they have chosen.

The Taiwan authorities are dead wrong if they think that the goal of "Taiwan independence" can be reached under the shield of "democracy, human rights and freedom."

The Taiwan DPP authorities should bear in mind that they should not forsake the fundamental interests of their Taiwan compatriots in the pursuit of their personal interests.