Chen Shui-bian's attempt to promote the "referendum" on March 20
in Taiwan is a dangerous and provocative bid to prepare for "Taiwan
independence," said Luo Yuan, a researcher with the Chinese
People's Liberation Army (PLA) Military Academy of Sciences.
"Chen, just like a gambler, is leading Taiwan to the brink of
war," Luo told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.
Disregarding the strong objections of the mainland and
international society and acting against the fundamental interest
of the Taiwan people, Chen is stubbornly pushing forward the
"referendum" to help his reelection and edge toward "Taiwan
independence," Luo said.
The mainland announced in 1979 that peaceful reunification was
its basic guideline for solving the Taiwan issue, and has made
great efforts to show its goodwill.
In 1995, President Jiang Zemin proposed negotiations under the
one-China principle to end the hostile situation, but the "Taiwan
independence" stance of Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian undermined
the cross-Straits talks. Relations actually worsened as the
references to independence became more provocative, said Luo.
The mainland has patiently endured the continued provocation
from the Taiwan authorities, but this does not mean it seeks peace
at any price, Luo said, adding that peace cannot be gained through
concessions to the "Taiwan independence" forces.
With Taiwan separatist activities rampant, the mainland is
shouldering the great responsibility of safeguarding the integrity
of China's territory and sovereignty, Luo stated, noting that the
mainland will try its best to seek peaceful reunification while
there is still hope.
(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2004)