APRIL 25 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: WHO MEMBERSHIP, LIEN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002782 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD ECON CH TW SUBJECT: APRIL 25 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: WHO MEMBERSHIP, LIEN CHAN VISIT, SPYING ACCUSATIONS, TAIWAN OFFICIAL DENIED VISA, OLYMPIC TORCH ROUTE Summary -------------- ¶1. Key points at the April 25 Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing were: -- Taiwan cannot join the WHO as a "member," "associate member" or "observer." -- Specific arrangements are still being discussed for a possible meeting between KMT's Lien Chan and President Hu. -- The planned route of the Olympic torch will be announced tomorrow. End summary. Taiwan's Joining WHO Violates WHO Rules -------------- ¶2. In response to a question from a Central China Radio reporter about Chen Shui-bian's letter to the Director General of the WHO regarding Taiwan membership, Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesman Yang Yi said that because Taiwan is a part of China and only sovereign states may join the WHO, Taiwan can not join the organization as a "member," "associate member" or "observer." Yang added that attempts to join under the name "Taiwan" constitute "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and are opposed by Taiwan public opinion, the Mainland and the international community. However, he stated that the Mainland highly regards and protects the health rights of the Taiwan people and vigorously promotes exchange and cooperation in this field. Since a memorandum of understanding was signed by China and the WHO in May 2005, the Mainland has actively supported Taiwan's health experts' attendance at WHO-sponsored activities, added Yang. Lien-Hu Meeting Still Under Consultation -------------- ¶3. Asked for details of a possible meeting between President Hu and Honorary KMT Chairman Lien Chan who is currently visiting the Mainland for the Third CCP-KMT sponsored "Cross-Strait Forum on Trade and Culture" to be held April 28-29 in Beijing, Yang said that specific arrangements are still being discussed. Kaohsiung Vice-Mayor Denied Visa -------------- ¶4. Asked repeatedly for the reason behind Kaohsiung City Vice-Mayor Cheng Wen-long's inability to get a visa to the Mainland, Yang responded that the initial list of members for a delegation of Kaohsiung representatives to the Mainland did not include Cheng, whose name was added at the last minute. Thus, there was not enough time to process his application. Yang downplayed a reporter's suggestion that Cheng's political leanings led to his visa's refusal as "over-complicating" the issue. Trade and Culture Forum: Education and Tourism -------------- - ¶5. The spokesman called attention to education, tourism and direct links as the main topics of the Cross-Strait Forum on Trade and Culture, which is expected to draw nearly 300 Taiwan representatives and almost 200 from the Mainland. Yang listed examples of educational exchange, but complained that Taiwan authorities hinder cooperation by not recognizing Mainland academic qualifications and by promoting so-called "de-Sinification" activities. Asked about intentions to restrict the opening of schools for children of Taiwan businessmen on the Mainland, Yang denied such plans and cited the existence of three schools in Jiangsu, Guangdong and Shanghai with a combined total of 2,700 students. ¶6. On the topic of tourism, Yang reiterated the Mainland's support for Mainland residents' travel to Taiwan, but accused those who hinder the realization of Mainland tourists to Taiwan of being irresponsible to people on both sides of the Strait. Spying Accusations, TAO Personnel Speculation -------------- ¶7. Yang scoffed at reporters' suggestions of Mainland spies in Taiwan, refusing to give a comment on the issue. The spokesman also declined to comment on speculation that TAO Economic Director He Shizhong might soon be replaced by Xu Mang, Director of Personnel at TAO. Pan-Blue Coalition Illegal BEIJING 00002782 002 OF 002 -------------- ¶8. In response to a reporter's question about alleged arrests and beatings of Mainland activists belonging to the self-described "Pan-Blue Coalition," (a group of political activists based in Central China) the spokesman stated that the "so-called" "Pan-Blue Coalition" has not gone through proper registration channels and their activities are illegal. Yang stated that this situation has nothing to do with the KMT. Olympic Torch Route Announcement Tomorrow -------------- ¶9. Responding to questions about whether the Olympic torch would pass through Taiwan before the 2008 Games, Yang confirmed that the relevant information will be released tomorrow. Taiwan Investment Group Under TAO Supervision -------------- ¶10. Asked about the relationship between the newly established Federation of Taiwan Compatriots Investments and Enterprises and the TAO, Yang clarified that according to law the TAO is the department responsible for the Federation's service management, guidance and supervision. RANDT