Hong Kong newspapers have carried editorials in the past few
days, criticizing Taiwan authority leader Chen Shui-bian's recent
"Taiwan independence" remarks.
Chen Shui-bian proposed on Jan. 29 in his
lunar new year speech abolishing the "National Unification
Council (NUC) and the National Unification Guidelines" and
"applying for United Nations membership under the name of
Taiwan."
The Chinese language Wen Wei Po daily said in its
editorial on Jan. 31 that Chen attempted to break his promise made
in 2000 and reaffirmed in 2004 on not abolishing the "NUC" and the
guidelines. Chen is now trying to destroy the cross-Straits
relations which are on the way of relaxation of the tension, it
added.
The daily said that Chen also claimed to arrange "referendum on
a new constitution" next year, and that it is also a dangerous act.
If Chen hopes to increase his popularity by these remarks, this
will lead to just the opposite.
The Chinese language Mingpao daily said in its
editorial on Feb. 1 that Chen's remarks are aimed at aggravating
the tension across the Taiwan Straits.
The editorial said the United States had made an unusual
response by opposing Chen's remarks. This indicated that the United
States all the more believes that Chen is also a trouble- maker
like some other former Taiwan authority leaders.
During their voting in the county heads elections at the end of
last year, Taiwan people expressed their opposition to the extreme
"Taiwan independence" guidelines that could endanger their
happiness and welfare, it said.
The Chinese language The Sun daily said in its article
on Jan. 31 that it is very difficult for Chen to advocate its
"Taiwan independence" under the current international situation.
However, he will not sit back and wait for his stepping down from
the political power, and people should guard against his further
acts in this regard, the newspaper said.
(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2006)