NOVEMBER 14 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: ARMS SALES,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 007097 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD ECON MASS CH TW SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 14 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: ARMS SALES, "REFERENDUM STAMPS," 1992 CONSENSUS, "UNIFICATION REFERENDUM" ADS, SAND EXPORTS, MORE REF: BEIJING 7085 Summary -------------- ¶1. Key points at the November 14 Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing were: -- The TAO held discussions yesterday with six Taiwan companies on how to push for the early resumption of sand exports to Taiwan. -- The TAO deferred to the MFA on the question of the United States' intention to sell PAC-3 upgrades to Taiwan. -- The Mainland is sending back to Taiwan mail with "UN membership referendum" stamps, which constitute "flagrant manipulation" of the Taiwan Post Company for the purpose of propagating "Taiwan independence." -- The DPP should remove obstacles to cross-Strait economic exchange and cooperation. -- The TAO praised efforts to promote "peaceful development" when asked about recent advertisements in Taiwan suggesting a referendum on unification. End Summary. Discussion on Sand Exports to Taiwan -------------- ¶2. At the November 14 regular Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing, spokesperson Fan Liqing introduced DG Tang Wei and DG Liang Shuhe of the Ministry of Commerce and TAO Deputy Director Li Jiansheng to report on the current situation of a ban on sand exports to Taiwan and discussions held yesterday with six Taiwan companies on how to push for the early resumption of sand exports to Taiwan. TAO Defers to MFA on U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan -------------- - ¶3. When asked for comment on the United States Defense Department announcement of its intention to sell Patriot missile upgrades to Taiwan, Fan told reporters that the MFA had already answered the question. (See reftel for a report of the Chinese demarche to the Charge on this issue.) Stamps Propagate "Taiwan Independence" -------------- ¶4. Responding to a question on "UN membership referendum" stamps issued in Taiwan, the spokesperson said the stamps constitute "flagrant manipulation" of the Taiwan Post Company for the purpose of "propagating Taiwan independence," violate Taiwan compatriots' freedom to communicate across the Strait and with foreign countries, and have "of course" been received by the Taiwan people with protest and condemnation. Fan said the Taiwan Post Company has realized letters with "referendum" stamps are being returned from the Mainland, a result for which only the Taiwan authorities can be held responsible. Willing to Negotiate on Basis of 1992 Consensus -------------- -- ¶5. The TAO announced a "common will" (gongtong de yuanjing) with the KMT in 2005 to resume negotiations and discuss any issue on the basis of the 1992 Consensus. This was in response to a request for comment on KMT presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou's reported intention to support a "peace agreement" with the Mainland if the Mainland removes missiles aimed at Taiwan. DPP Should Remove Trade Barriers -------------- ¶6. Asked for comment on Frank Hsieh's reported comments on cross-Strait trade policy, opening and developing Taiwan investment in the Mainland and granting amnesty to Taiwan businessmen who have broken Taiwan laws of investment on the Mainland, Fan acknowledged that the TAO has seen the relevant reports. She added that the DPP should remove obstacles to cross-Strait economic exchange and cooperation. "Unification Referendum" Ads in Taiwan -------------- ¶7. Peaceful development ought to become the main topic in cross-Strait relations, said Fan, when asked about advertisements in Taiwan in favor of a "referendum on BEIJING 00007097 002 OF 002 unification" sponsored by United Microelectronics Corporation Honorary Chairman Robert H.C. Tsao. She described the promotion of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and opposition to Taiwan independence as "positive efforts" that deserve approval and encouragement. Fugitive Wang Yujun, Journalism Cooperation, More -------------- -------------- ¶8. Other questions were asked on topics of fugitive Wang Yuyun, cross-Strait journalism cooperation, Taiwan insurance companies on the Mainland and organ transplant specialist Dr. Zhu Zhijun's reported travel to Taiwan. PICCUTA