Taiwan's President Proposes Summit with China, Met with Skepticism

Taiwan's president, Chen Shui-bian, sparked controversy in Beijing by suggesting that a summit between Taiwan and China should be held to achieve peace. Chen, who represents the pro-independence Democratic Progressive party, proposed that the summit could be held in any form or place, without any preconditions. This move was met with skepticism by the Chinese government, which insists that the Taiwan issue is solely a domestic Chinese affair. Chen's proposal comes after the historic handshake between the leaders of North and South Korea, which has been hailed as a success. Chen has invited China's president, Jiang Zemin, to join hands and work towards a similar moment.

Key Takeaways:

• Chen Shui-bian, the president of Taiwan, proposed a summit with China to achieve peace, despite being met with skepticism by the Chinese government.
• Chen's proposal was made in the context of the recent successful summit between North and South Korea, with Chen suggesting that a similar outcome is possible between Taiwan and China.
• The Chinese government, led by President Jiang Zemin, has rejected Chen's proposal, insisting that the Taiwan issue is a domestic Chinese affair.
• Chen has offered to support China's bid to host the 2008 Olympics and suggested that Taiwan could co-host some events.
• Chen has also stated that he is prepared to agree on a loose definition of Beijing's "one China" principle, as long as it is "acceptable to both sides".
• The idea of a summit between Taiwan and China is met with skepticism by many, including former China policy-maker Chang King-yuh, who says that the likelihood of such an event is "very slim".
• Observers in Seoul note that the recent Korean summit has highlighted the strength of nationalist sentiment across the 39th parallel, making a similar outcome between Taiwan and China less likely.

Statistics:

• Cher Shui-bian was elected president of Taiwan in March, after promising not to declare independence during his term of office.
• The Chinese government insists that the Taiwan issue is solely a domestic Chinese affair.
• A recent survey found that 60% of Taiwanese people oppose a single Chinese nation, with 40% supporting eventual independence.
• The Korean summit was widely hailed as a success, with both leaders shaking hands and agreeing to work towards a peaceful resolution.

Sources:

• The article cites John Gittings, East Asia editor, as the source for much of the information.
• The Taiwan's presidential election results are not explicitly cited, but it is mentioned that Chen Shui-bian was elected president in March.
• Zhu Bangzao, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, is cited as having rejected Chen's proposal.
• Chang King-yuh, a former China policy-maker in Taiwan, is cited as saying that the likelihood of a summit between Taiwan and China is "very slim".