Taiwan: President Sets Terms for Reunified China
Taiwan's independence-leaning President Chen Shui-bian said on Tuesday he will not rule out reunification with China if Beijing renounces its one-party system and authoritarian rule.
The remarks came three days before a scheduled meeting between Lien Chan,
former leader of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, and Chinese
President Hu Jintao.
“Should China give up one-party and authoritarian rule, and with the
consent of the Taiwan people, any form of future relationship between the
two sides will not be ruled out," Chen told visiting members from the
European Parliament.
But "if not, no one should force Taiwan people into accepting the option
of eventual reunification. We do not oppose the people of China but strongly
oppose the one-party and authoritarian rule by the Chinese Communist Party."
“Under authoritarian rule, there is a lack of democracy in China and
there is no freedom of speech, press and religion for its people," Chen
said.
The two sides split in 1949 but China still regards Taiwan as part of its
territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
Earlier this month, Chen rejected a recommendation from KMT chairman Ma Ying-jeou
that his government hold rapprochement talks with Beijing, based on 1992 guidelines
on the "one-China" principle.
But Chen has suggested that Lien raise the so-called ‘1992 consensus’
while meeting the Chinese leader.
If Hu confirmed the consensus or allowed Taiwan to keep its interpretation
of one China, Chen said he would also abide by the consensus and hold peace
talks as Ma proposed.