Taiwan's President Lee Teng-hui Sparks Row with Beijing Over Taiwan's Status

Taiwan's President Lee Teng-hui's sudden redefinition of Taiwan's status in relation to China has sparked a heated debate over the potential consequences. Lee's assertion that Taiwan and China should deal with each other on a "state-to-state" basis has been met with anger from Beijing, which views it as an assault on its sovereignty. The reactions in Taiwan range from nonchalance to fear, with some experts warning that the situation could lead to military conflict.

Key Takeaways:

• Taiwan's President Lee Teng-hui's statement has been met with a furious reaction from Beijing, which views it as an assault on its sovereignty.
• China has threatened to "smash" any blatant acts of separatism, and experts warn that the situation could lead to military conflict.
• The United States may not show similar support to Taiwan as it did in 1996 when China conducted provocative missile tests.
• Taiwan's government is trying to explain Lee's radical move, describing it as both "a continuity of policy" and "innovative".
• Lee's statement has sparked a range of theories, including that he is trying to sway Taiwan's presidential election, create a crisis in the Taiwan Straits, or take advantage of tensions between the United States and China.
• Taiwan's officials have denied any maneuvering by Lee, with one saying "Elections, quite frankly, come and go," and the "survival and development of our people should come first."

Statistics:

• Taiwan and China have a long-standing dispute over Taiwan's status, with China viewing it as its rightful territory ever since the Nationalist Party fled to the island in 1949.
• The Taiwanese government has previously referred to itself and mainland China as "political entities," avoiding a full-on confrontation with its giant rival.
• China has a large military Presence in the Taiwan Straits, with a significant missile arsenal aimed at the island.
• Taiwan's military has a smaller but still significant presence, with a focus on air and sea defense.
• The United States sent an aircraft carrier into the Taiwan Straits in 1996 in response to Chinese missile tests, a move seen as a show of support for Taiwan.
• China has been conducting war games in the region, with some experts warning that this could escalate into military conflict.

Sources:

• Yun-han Chu, a political science professor at National Taiwan University
• Vincent Lin, deputy editor of The Journalist
• Chien-Jen Chen, chief government spokesman for Taiwan
• Stanley Kao, deputy director of the Taiwan Foreign Ministry's department of North American affairs
• Kao, 202-383-6064: (KRT Graphics Network)
• (c) 1999, Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.