MEDIA REACTION: TAIWAN'S REFERENDUM ON UN MEMBERSHIP

UNCLAS AIT TAIPEI 002441 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR INR/R/MR, EAP/TC, EAP/PA, EAP/PD - NIDA EMMONS DEPARTMENT PASS AIT/WASHINGTON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO TW SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: TAIWAN'S REFERENDUM ON UN MEMBERSHIP Summary: News coverage of Taiwan's major Chinese-language dailies November 3-5 focused on campaign-related issues, including the opposition KMT's position on the "1992 consensus" regarding cross-Strait relations, as well as the fast increases in consumer prices and Taiwan's international competitiveness. In terms of editorials and commentaries, an op-ed article in the KMT-leaning "China Times" said Taiwan's UN bid may not help it become a more "normalized" nation. An editorial of the conservative, pro-unification, English-language "China Post" criticized President Chen Shui-bian for making false statements about Taiwan's UN bid. End summary. A) "Joining the UN May Not Necessarily [Bring] 'Normalization'" Journalist Ku Er-teh wrote in the op-ed page of the KMT-leaning "China Times" [circulation: 400,000] (11/05): "... If Taiwan's international position can be more normal, it would indeed help Taiwan's economic development. However, one should not forget that the 1972 withdraw from the UN was seen as the turning point of Taiwan's 'abnormalization' in the international community. But Taiwan's economy developed quickly after that. The severance of U.S.-Taiwan diplomatic relations in 1979 made Taiwan's international status even more abnormalized. But it did not affect Taiwan's economic growth in the 1980s. "One cannot deny Taiwan's abnormal status. Neither can the 'legality statement of the Republic of China' cover up this abnormality. However, one cannot naively believe that formal normalization can resolve all the abnormal issues of Taiwan. And we should not let the abnormalities inside Taiwan be worsened because of seeking the formality of normalization. "'Joining or returning to the UN' is a normal dream. But don't forget the real purpose of this dream is to pursue a more normalized Taiwan. And 'normalization' is a relative concept. ... When the dream of joining the UN will not come true in reality, how to improve by ourselves Taiwan's substantive normal status is more important. Whether it is dealing with the internal or external world, whether it is facing political, economic, or social issues, Taiwan should work to make itself more normalized than before in substance." B) "President Chen Misleading the Public About UN Bid" The conservative, pro-unification, English-language "China Post" [circulation: 30,000] editorialized (11/4): "In recent weeks and months, many angry words have been traded with regard to our government's bid to join the United Nations. Many people believe that the Democratic Progressive Party-led government is dedicating too much of its time and resources on generating publicity for the campaign. But many others support the UN bid, as well as other efforts seeking to take part in international organizations, because success would result in the 'normalization' of Taiwan's political status as a sovereign and independent state. "No matter what position people may take on this sensitive issue, there is nothing we dislike more than to see our political leaders deliberately mislead the people about how membership in the UN can be obtained. "When politicians tell bald-faced lies to the people about what it takes to join the UN, it will be that much harder for the people to support legitimate efforts aimed at rejoining the international community. "Recently, President Chen Shui-bian warned that Taiwan would never be able to take part in the United Nations if the opposition Kuomintang's presidential candidate, Ma Ying-jeou, were to win the presidency in next year's election. "According to President Chen, a victory by Ma Ying-jeou would spell the end of current efforts to join the UN under the name of 'Taiwan,' making it utterly impossible for this country to ever gain a UN seat. "... President Chen was a maritime lawyer by trade and has no excuse not to be familiar with the basics of international law. It is therefore especially reprehensible that President Chen is spreading these blatant falsehoods about the United Nations and our chances of ever walking back into the General Assembly again. ..." YOUNG