Lee Teng-hui's Separatist Views Complicate Cross-Strait Relations

As Lee Teng-hui's statement advocating for a "state-to-state" relationship between Taiwan and China sets back cross-strait relations, the region's economic and trade interests will likely suffer. Reiterating the "one-China" principle is crucial for any future agreements. Lee's views also complicate China's relationships with the United States and Japan, which have recently reaffirmed their "one-China" policies. The situation highlights the need for mainland China to reconsider its approach to achieving national reunification and to prepare for a possible military solution.

Key Takeaways:

• Lee Teng-hui's separatist views on a "state-to-state" relationship between Taiwan and China will have a significant setback for cross-strait relations, damaging bilateral economic and trade interests.
• The "one-China" principle is essential for any future agreements between Taiwan and China, and reiterating this principle is crucial.
• Lee's statement complicates China's relationships with the United States and Japan, which have reaffirmed their "one-China" policies.
• Taiwan needs a leader who will uphold the "one-China" policy and resume cross-strait talks to move the Beijing-Taipei relationship toward constructive development.
• U.S. arms sales to Taiwan contribute to the scheme of independence for Taiwan and must be stopped, including cooperation with Taiwan in developing a Theater Missile Defense initiative.
• The historical fact that Taiwan has always been part of China will not be erased by Lee's views, and the Chinese people's determination for national reunification remains unshakable.
• Any comment suggesting independence for Taiwan can only worsen the relationship between Taipei and Beijing.

Statistics:

• Lee Teng-hui served as a second lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Army in Nagoya during Japan's occupation of China.
• Lee wrote in his book, "The Advocacy of Taiwan," that he does not regard himself as Chinese and advocates for splitting China into seven small states.
• Taiwan has been part of China for over two decades, and any statement suggesting independence can only worsen the cross-strait relationship.
• The U.S. has reaffirmed its "one-China" policy, and any moves to support Taiwan independence would be counterproductive.

Sources:

• Global Beat Syndicate
• China National Defense Science and Technology Information Center
• Center for Nonproliferation Studies
• Monterey Institute of International Studies
• Korea Times
• (c) 1999, Global Beat Syndicate