China Urged to Delay Reunification Issue

Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian urged China to start a dialogue with the island but to leave the issue of reunification for future generations to resolve. Proposing to put aside the dispute on Taiwan’s political status, Chen said the governments should not impose their wills on the Chinese people. “In 30 or 50 years, the situation across the Taiwan Strait may be entirely different, and reunification may no longer be an issue,” he said, addressing a committee established to advise the president about China. “We should have the next generation in our minds when tackling the issue.”