MEDIA REACTION: CROSS-STRAIT RELATIONS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TAIPEI 004368 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR INR/R/MR, EAP/TC, EAP/PA, EAP/PD - ERIC BARBORIAK DEPARTMENT PASS AIT/WASHINGTON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO TW SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: CROSS-STRAIT RELATIONS ¶1. SUMMARY: Taiwan dailies October 27 focused on legislative amendments regarding pensions for Taiwan farmers that will be passed in the Legislative Yuan before the year- end elections (December 3),and Taiwan's reaction to Senegal's resumption of diplomatic ties with China. Taiwan's Foreign Minister Mark Chen said Wednesday in the Legislative Yuan that he felt "cheated" by Senegal, because Senegal had promised that China's economic activity in the country would not influence its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Taiwan's National Security Bureau Director-General Hsueh Shih-ming said Wednesday in the Legislative Yuan that Taiwan is at risk of losing every country that has diplomatic ties with Taiwan. ¶2. Editorials and Commentaries: pro-independence "Liberty Times" editorialized that it is a farce for China to celebrate the "Taiwan Retrocession Day" and to take away Senegal from Taiwan on the same day. The centrist, pro status-quo "China Times" used the `domino theory' to forecast problems facing Taiwan regarding diplomatic ties. The pro-independence "Taiwan Daily" said the case of Senegal may not be exceptional, and urged government agencies to prevent similar cases from happening. END SUMMARY ¶1. "`Celebrating the Retrocession of Taiwan?' This is a Farce" ¶1. The pro-independence "Liberty Times" [circulation: 600,000] editorialized (10/27): ". China, on one hand, echoed with the pan-Blue alliance [in Taiwan] to celebrate the so-called `Taiwan Retrocession Day.' On the other hand, it paid a high price to buy off Senegal in an attempt to undermine the foundation of Taiwan's diplomacy and to constrain Taiwan's space in the international community. . ". The People's Republic of China, established by the Chinese Communist Party in 1949, and Taiwan constitute two parallel lines that have no intersections in terms of history. It is therefore a farce [for China] to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the retrocession of Taiwan. . What makes it seem more ridiculous is that China announced the resumption of diplomatic ties with Senegal on the so-called `Taiwan Retrocession Day.' ." ¶2. "Warnings of the `Domino Theory' [for Taiwan] Forecasted by Senegal's Turning to China" The centrist, pro-status quo "China Times" [circulation: 400,000] editorialized (10/27): ". [I]n terms of regional politics, Senegal is a not bad country in Africa, and it could have a diplomatic `domino effect' toward the neighboring countries, Gambia and Burkina Faso, that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Moreover, China will strengthen its movements to lure countries that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan to turn to China. . Taiwan should therefore consolidate the diplomatic front not only in Africa, but also in Latin America, South America, and the Oceania in order to prevent the next domino from falling. ". Taiwan is facing an even harsher situation in its relation with foreign countries. The reason is not because China may become rich, but that China may emerge as a real world power politically and economically. Every country therefore wants to get connected with China. Hence, problems facing Taiwan do not lie not developing more ties with other countries, but whether or not Taiwan can find a space for its survival in the new international situation. ." ¶3. "Senegal's Resumption of Relations with China Shows that China is Trying to Block By All Means Taiwan`s Space in the International Community. The Ruling Authorities Should Consider How to Solve this Problem." The pro-independence "Taiwan Daily" [circulation: 150,000] said in its editorial (10/27): ". We consider that the case of Senegal cannot be viewed as a single case; it should, however, be viewed as a warning for the performance of Taiwan's overall diplomatic work. . ". In the face of China's comprehensive `warfare' against Taiwan and Taiwan's diplomatic fiasco, the [Taiwan] government should carry out a thorough review of Taiwan's foreign affairs policies. Agencies of foreign affairs and national security should work hand in hand to imagine all the possibilities, and prevent these possibilities from happening. ." KEEGAN