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Taiwanese leader: Taiwan-China federation might be possible |
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April 22, 2000 TAIPEI, APR 21 (AP) - Taiwan's newly elected leader on Friday showed rare interest in reunification with China, saying forming a federation could be one possible way the two sides could reunify.
President-elect Chen Shui-bian, a former vocal supporter of Taiwan independence, rarely expresses enthusiasm for Beijing's sacred goal of repairing a 51-year split between this island and the mainland.
But on Friday, the reunification issue came up while Chen paid a courtesy call to Sun Yun-suan, a senior adviser to retiring President Lee Teng-hui, who steps down May 20.
During the televised chat, Sun suggested that one possible way for Taiwan and China to reunify would be to form a federation. Other Taiwanese policy experts have also suggested the two sides agree to some type of loose alliance, similar to the British Commonwealth.
Chen said Sun's suggestion was worth considering and perhaps there would be a public consensus about forming a federation. But Chen said he did not have the power to single-handedly determine the future of Taiwan.
"There's a lot of room for discussion of this matter," Chen said.
Most polls say that the majority of Taiwanese do not favor reunification with China as long as it's ruled by a repressive communist government.
The president-elect said there was a "thick icy wall" between Taiwan and China. He warned Beijing that continued threats would only make relations more difficult and delay a political breakthrough.
"I think the best way to break down the wall would be to rely on the warmth of the sun to melt it," Chen said.
Since his election last month, Chen has tried to be flexible on the China issue and has expressed several goodwill gestures. He has offered to meet with Chinese leaders and discuss any topic.
However, Beijing has refused to meet with Chen unless he agrees that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. Taiwan has refused to accept the condition, fearing that as a mere part of China the island wouldn't be treated as an equal at the bargaining table.
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