FEBRUARY 14 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: DE- SINIFICATION,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001064 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD ECON CH TW SUBJECT: FEBRUARY 14 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: DE- SINIFICATION, MA YING-JEOU RESIGNATION, TEXTBOOKS, DPP VISITS Summary -------------- ¶1. Key points at the February 14 Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing were: -- A firm condemnation of Chen Shui-bian's "de- Sinification" and "de jure independence" tactics at the opening of the press briefing. -- TAO is paying attention to events surrounding Ma Ying-jeou's resignation from the KMT and welcomes development of relations with DPP figures if they accept the "One China" principle and the "1992 Consensus." -- A claim by a Tsinghua University scholar that China would achieve reunification by 2020 reflects his individual opinion. -- No information was given regarding the possible visit to Taiwan of the TAO Economic Director, but Li said TAO personnel often visit Taiwan for exchanges. Taiwan Textbooks, Museum Promote "Independence" -------------- -- ¶2. Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesman Li Weiyi opened the February 14 press conference with a stern denunciation of Chen Shui-bian's disregard for the economy and people of Taiwan in vigorously promoting secessionist activities of "de-Sinification" and scheming for "de jure Taiwan independence." Other political parties and the people of Taiwan, in addition to the international community, have strongly condemned this selfish provocation of tension in cross-Strait relations, Li said, adding that compatriots on both sides of the Strait oppose "Taiwan Independence" for which there is no road forward. Reporters asked questions regarding specific name changes, such as those of "China Post," "China Airlines," and "China Steel," to which Li responded that those most harmed by the "name changing" behavior were the Taiwan people and Taiwan enterprises. ¶3. When asked by a Singaporean reporter for a specific definition of "de jure Taiwan independence" and whether enterprise name-changing and textbook revisions were considered to constitute "de jure Taiwan independence," Li said this is the atmosphere in society Chen Shui-bian is striving to create for "de jure independence." KMT Leadership Change, Warming Toward DPP -------------- ¶4. The TAO is paying attention to the events surrounding Ma Ying-jeou's resignation of the KMT chairmanship and the potential impact on cross-Strait relations, said Li. Asked if President Hu would send congratulations to the new KMT chairman as he reportedly did when Ma assumed the position, the spokesman denied that such a gesture ever took place. Li declined to comment on the possibility of Lien Chan's taking over as acting KMT chairman. ¶5. The DPP itself is closing the door on developing relations with the Mainland through its party platform of "Taiwan independence," Li said when asked if the Mainland would change its strategy toward Taiwan in light of Ma's resignation and choose to develop relations with the DPP. The spokesman did, however, acknowledge the difference between the vast majority of DPP members and a handful of "Taiwan independence" separatists, welcoming DPP members to visit China and increase understanding under the "appropriate name." Additionally, Li reiterated the Mainland's willingness to discuss the development of cross-Strait relations and promote peaceful reunification with any person or party from Taiwan, no matter what they have said or done, as long as they accept the "One China" principle and the "1992 Consensus." Textbooks Should Objectively Present Heinous Massacre -------------- -------------- ¶6. Prompted by Mainland media for a response to the "watering down" of the Nanjing Massacre in high school textbooks in Taiwan, Li said heinous crimes committed by Japanese militarists should not be forgotten and should be represented objectively in history textbooks. China is resolutely opposed to any BEIJING 00001064 002 OF 002 "distortion or obliteration." 2020 Reunification Timetable: Scholar's Opinion -------------- -- ¶7. In light of a research report by Tsinghua Univerity scholar Hu Angang stating that China's 2020 national security objective includes reunification, a Taiwan reporter asked if the Mainland has set a definite timetable. Li said the report was the personal opinion of a scholar and reiterated China's commitment to the One-China Principle, realization of complete reunification, safeguarding national sovereignty, and opposing "Taiwan independence." Economic Director of TAO Might Visit Taiwan -------------- ¶8. Li said he had no definite information relating to recent reports that the Economic Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office would visit Taiwan, but noted that cross-Strait exchanges are frequent. Pilot Cooperation Measures in Fujian -------------- ¶9. When queried as to whether new pilot measures in Fujian Province to promote cross-Strait exchanges are masking preparations for future military action, Li replied that Fujian has "unique advantages' including culture, familial ties and economic relations in developing cross-Strait trade, personnel exchanges and policy which will be come deeper and more extensive. No News on Progress in Tourism Consultations -------------- ¶10. When asked to comment on reports that progress on Mainland tourists traveling to Taiwan is expected after Spring Festival, Li would only restate cross- Strait trade organizations have conducted technical consultations and reached consensus in many areas. Everyone hopes for a final consensus as soon as possible. ¶11. Li said cross-Strait airlines and related organizations have safely and thoughtfully implemented this Spring Festival's charter flights, but he would provide no additional information on regularization of charter flights when asked by reporters. SEDNEY