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EU concerned at Taiwanese bid for UN membership
Brussels (AFP) Oct 25, 2007 EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana voiced concern Thursday at Taiwan's plans to hold a referendum on applying for United Nations membership. Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian on Wednesday launched an 11-day torch relay to promote the planned referendum on UN membership -- a move sure to spark outrage in China. The independence-minded Chen wants the vote to be held alongside presidential elections in March next year despite warnings from ally Washington and arch-rival Beijing, which considers Taiwan to be part of its territory. The EU foreign policy head's comments were measured but the message was clear. "We have concerns about the current policy of Taiwan's authorities to pursue a referendum on the question of UN membership in the name of Taiwan," he said. "This concern flows from the EU's conviction that both sides of the Strait should refrain from statements or actions which might raise tension across the Strait and which might be perceived as a unilateral change in the status quo," Solana added in a statement. The Taiwanese proposal of a referendum could jeopardise the international ties it already enjoys, Solana added, albeit in diplospeak. "The proposed referendum risks making it harder for Taiwan to enjoy the pragmatic participation - which we support - in the activities of specialized multilateral fora," he said. The European Union'a fundamental position is that the "Taiwan question" must be solved peacefully "through cross-Strait negotiations between all concerned parties". Taiwan, under its official name the Republic of China, lost its UN seat to China in 1971. Its efforts to rejoin using its official name have been repeatedly blocked by Beijing, a permanent member of the UN Security Council. China and Taiwan split in 1949, but Beijing regards the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. Related Links China News from SinoDaily.com
Analysis: China's ability on Taiwan island
Hong Kong (UPI) Oct 19, 2007 Although there is little possibility that a real armed confrontation would break out in the Taiwan Strait, China's verbal threats and combat preparations indicate that the People's Liberation Army is preparing to take control of Taiwan's offshore islands should an emergency arise. Judging from advances in China's combat equipment, the PLA's capability to attack the offshore islands is in fact growing much stronger. |
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