China and Taiwan

Re “ ‘One China’: Best Hope for Peace,” editorial, July 14:

In a recent interview, Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui stated that relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should be characterized as a “special state-to-state relationship.” Beijing and some international media outlets have interpreted this statement as an abandonment of the “one China” policy. Such is not the case. There has been no significant change in our mainland China policy, and Taipei will continue to promote ongoing exchanges and dialogue between the two sides.

Beijing has continually expanded its definition of the “one China” policy. Abnormal relations exist only because of Beijing’s refusal to face reality. At the dawn of the 21st century, relations between the two sides should be clearly defined based on objective political and legal reality, so that the two sides can avoid disputes over the meaning of “one China.” It is believed that Taipei and Beijing can, on an equal footing, discuss any issue that the two sides currently face, including the political consultations that the Chinese mainland has always advocated. We would like to call on the mainland authorities to face the cross-strait reality that has existed for many years and pragmatically work with us to usher in a new era of beneficial interaction in the 21st century.

KAO JEN-HWAN

Director, Information Division

Taipei Economic and Cultural

Office, Los Angeles