Mar 08, 2005

Taiwan: Press Rallies Against New Law


Taiwan's papers are full of advice for the government ahead of a controversial move by China's National People's Congress to approve an "anti-secession" law, which would not allow Taiwan to separate from China
Faced with China's approaching steps to formulate an 'anti-secession law', Taiwan should adopt a response strategy of 'opposing might with might', clearly declare to the international community that Taiwan retains the right to 'say no to China' and to carry out a 'defensive referendum', thus firmly expressing the resolute will of Taiwan people to oppose the 'anti-secession law'.

Editorial in Taiwan Daily


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As for a thaw and breaking the ice, and seeking reconciliation and common prosperity again, both sides of the strait have the same wishes and expectations after all. The chances of survival for Taiwan and cross-strait relations lie in whether basic common interests can be maintained and expanded... If leaders on both sides of the strait can let their recently shown pragmatic and responsible manner become the start of a brand-new model for interaction, then, in the future, we will truly have reason for hope.

Editorial in China Times


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Chinese leaders have not relaxed their hard-line attitude in the slightest under the great banner of unification, which has made many Taiwan people feel a kind of helplessness, and even sadness in their hearts.

Editorial China Evening Times


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The government is no doubt in a dilemma. If its response to the anti-secession law is moderate and restrained, then it will unavoidably be regarded as showing weakness, and may even be ridiculed by some figures; but if it recognises that the anti-secession law is a law changing Taiwan's status quo, and adopts forceful measures to oppose it, this will inevitably have repercussions... Faced with an increasingly dangerous cross-strait situation, the authorities should show higher political wisdom and courage.

Editorial in Industry and Commerce Times


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China is saying that the formulation of an anti-secession law is an action to promote peace in Asia-Pacific, which is basically telling lies with one's eyes wide open.

Editorial in Liberty Times


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Strategically speaking, the anti-secession law is an attempt to unilaterally define the status quo and thereby change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait as well as make military, legal and political preparations for a military attack on Taiwan... The anti-secession law can therefore not be passively understood as an anti-independence law. Rather, it has to be understood as an aggressive measure aimed at actively resolving the Taiwan issue.

Commentary in Taipei Times


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We strongly suggest to the government to brace for the worst scenario and prepare to systemically react to the complicated political dynamics after Beijing's NPC [National People's Congress] enacts this bill... Most importantly, Chen must find a balance between his current moderate approaches in pursuing reconciliation... and the possible public backlash against the PRC [People's Republic of China] after the passage of the law.

Editorial in Taiwan News

 

Source: BBC News