APRIL 11 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: LIEN CHAN TO VISIT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002409 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD ECON CH TW SUBJECT: APRIL 11 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: LIEN CHAN TO VISIT BEIJING, OPPOSITION TO CONSTITUTION REFORM, TAIWAN INVESTMENT FEDERATION Summary -------------- ¶1. Key points at the April 11 Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing were: -- Honorary KMT Chairman Lien Chan will attend the Third CCP-KMT sponsored "Cross-Strait Forum on Trade and Culture" April 28-29 in Beijing. -- The spokesman did not comment on the possibility of new KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung visiting the Mainland. -- The spokesman voiced the Mainland's strong disapproval of DPP "ploys to manipulate public opinion" to achieve de jure Taiwan independence. -- According to the International Olympic Committee's request, China will announce this month the route of the Olympic torch for the 2008 Games. End Summary. Lien Chan to Visit Beijing -------------- ¶2. Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesman Yang Yi announced that Honorary KMT Chairman Lien Chan will attend the Third CCP-KMT sponsored "Cross-Strait Forum on Trade and Culture" April 28-29 in Beijing. Lien will also visit Henan to attend a ceremony paying respect to ancestors. Asked whether President Hu would meet with Lien or if new KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung would accompany Lien, Yang said the details are still under discussion between the two parties. Issues addressed in the forum will include direct flights, education and tourism. No Comment New Chairmen of KMT, MAC -------------- ¶3. Asked for comment on the appointment of pro-Taiwan independence Professor Chen Ming-tong as chairman of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Committee, the spokesman expressed the hope of all those on both sides of the Strait for peaceful and stable development. When asked for his impression of Wu Poh-hsiung and the differences between Wu and Lien Chan, Yang said has had no contact with Wu, but can ask his colleagues for their impressions. Constitution Reform -------------- ¶4. In response to a question about "constitutional reforms" which propose revising the "state name, territorial definition and national flag," Yang voiced the Mainland's strong disapproval of such ploys used by Chen Shui-bian, the DPP and "Taiwan independence" forces to "manipulate public opinion" and achieve de jure Taiwan independence. The Mainland ardently opposes any person or group who by any method attempts to separate Taiwan from China. DPP's Yu Calls on U.S. to Clarify Taiwan Policy? -------------- --- ¶5. Asked for comment on DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun's appeal yesterday to the United States to clarify its "One China, One Taiwan" policy, the spokesman stated that it is an immutable fact that there is only one China including both the Mainland and Taiwan. Taiwan Investment Federation to Open in Beijing -------------- -- ¶6. The spokesman confirmed that the Federation of Taiwan Compatriots Investments and Enterprises will hold a meeting of representatives on April 15 and a formal opening ceremony on April 16. Responding to accusations that the attendance of TAO Director Chen Yunlin and Economic Director He Shizhong at the events will taint activities in some way, Yang said the Federation may invite members of various departments and ministries to participate as advisors, council members and other positions to build a bridge of communication between the Federation and Government. Such cooperation safeguards the rights and interests of the member enterprises and promotes their development. Taiwan's Restrictions Harm Own Industries -------------- ¶7. Yang agreed with media commentary that Taiwan's semi-conductor industry, in light of Intel's decision to invest USD 2.5 billion in building a 12-inch IC fabrication plant in Dalian, will be harmed by two Taiwan companies' BEIJING 00002409 002 OF 002 previous inability to enter the Mainland's market because of restrictions of the Taiwan authorities. Yang expressed regret over such hindrances by the Taiwan authorities, holding that the Mainland has an open market and welcomes investment from Taiwan's semiconductor industry. Olympic Torch Route to be Released Soon -------------- ¶8. At the invitation of the China Taipei Olympic Committee, Vice Chairman Hu Jiayan of the Mainland's China Olympic Committee traveled to Taiwan yesterday to attend the Tenth Cross-Strait Olympic Committee Forum on Athletics and Exchange and discuss the issue of the Olympic torch. According to the International Olympic Committee's request, China will announce this month the route of the Olympic torch for the 2008 Games. Mini-Three Links -------------- ¶9. Asked for comment on reports that Taiwan authorities recently announced the opening of Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu to residents of Fujian Province, the spokesman reminded journalists that the Mainland approved travel for Fujian residents to these three cities in October 2004, but the Taiwan authorities maintained prohibitions on travel to Penghu. Yang hopes Fujian residents can visit Penghu at an early date and urges relevant departments to support Fujian Province in carrying out preparations. RANDT