Abstract

As Douglas Paal, director of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan, has told President Chen Shui-bian that the United States is opposed to any forms of referendums to be conducted in Taiwan, the Democratic Progressive government should stop thinking itself clever enough in deceiving both Washington and Beijing.

In response to President Chen's recurrent statement that there will be referendums to be held next year, the Executive Yuan has prepared for a public poll, defined as "consultative," to take place in coincidence with the 2004 presidential election. This will let the public decide whether Taiwan wants to join the World Health Organization and to continue the construction of the No. 4 nuclear power plant.

The ulterior objective of this move is obvious. Is anyone in Taiwan opposed to the idea of Taiwan becoming a member of WHO? If the answer is no, what's the rationale for such a poll? As to the power plant, the Legislative Yuan ruled two and a half years ago, after a heated debate, its continued construction. Up to this date, the plant's main part has arrived in Taiwan. Should the equipment be returned to GE on the excuse of the referendum?

The presidential election is forthcoming in eight months. With a single purpose of winning the election, the DPP has been using every thing possible to brand the "Pan-Blue" group as the one betraying Taiwan.

The opposition “Pan Blue” parties should make clear its positions on "one state two systems" and "one China," in contrast to the DPP government's policies.

In the eyes of the Pan Blue camp, the "one state two systems" can never be accepted under any circumstances. However, it can gain advantage by binding together the principle of "one China" and "one China, different interpretations." To Taiwan, the "one China" means the Republic of China, not the PRC. If the two sides across the Taiwan Straight can put aside the differences and start to try to solve such urgent matters as direct transportation and rights of the Taiwan businessmen on the mainland, there should be no damage to Taipei's basic positions.

After all, as more than 80 percent of the people in Taiwan favor the status quo, the various political parties should actively propagate their party planks before the public.

.....the full text in chinese