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China official: Taiwan relations better
2008-05-22
In China's first public response to the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, a Chinese official praised improved cross-strait relations Thursday and urged advocates of the island's formal independence to follow what he called the "correct path." Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, said in a speech Thursday that peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait is "the common wish and mutual benefit of people both in China's mainland and Taiwan." Chen also praised the "selfless assistance" from Taiwan since China's deadly earthquake May 12, saying it shows that "blood is thicker than water." Relations between China and Taiwan have seemed to improve since Ma Ying-jeou easily won Taiwan's presidential election in March. He was sworn in Tuesday. Outgoing President Chen Shui-bian had called for formal independence for Taiwan, heightening tensions with Beijing, which continues to claim the island part of its territory. "We warmly welcome those who used to have the illusion of 'Taiwan independence,' those who used to advocate 'Taiwan independence' and even those who used to be engaged in such activities to return to the correct path of peaceful development of cross-straits relations," Chen Yunlin said in his speech in Beijing, posted on the Web site of the State Council, China's Cabinet. Ma told reporters Thursday that he considered Chen's statement to be a "friendly" response to his inaugural speech. "I hope ... we can resume negotiations and put issues that concern both sides on the agenda," Ma said. "This is a historical opportunity that we should grab to improve the welfare of people on both sides." In his speech, Chen said that in pursuit of stronger relations, the mainland will increase the exchange with various groups and people in Taiwan. In a sign of the warming relations, the head of Taiwan's new ruling party will arrive on the mainland next week for a six-day visit during which he is to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao. Taiwan Nationalist Party Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung was invited by Hu last weekend and is to arrive Monday. Taiwan and China, which split during a civil war in 1949, have banned regular direct links and other formal contacts as political disputes persist -- but that is beginning to change. An offer of help from Taiwan was one of the first that China accepted after the earthquake. Wu, however, does not plan to visit the earthquake area. In his inauguration speech Tuesday, Ma reaffirmed the themes of his presidential campaign -- a desire for greater economic engagement with Beijing without renouncing Taiwan's sovereignty. Beijing has threatened to attack if Taiwan moves to make its de facto independence permanent -- something it accused Chen Shui-bian of coming close to doing. Taiwan is recognized by 23 countries -- mostly small and impoverished nations in Latin America, Africa and the South Pacific -- while China is recognized by 171, including all the major powers.
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