Chen Shui-bian

In a National Day speech, Chen said Taiwan and China must draw up a code of conduct to prevent a military crisis in the 150-km-wide waterway separating the island from the Chinese mainland.

Referring to himself by his nickname Ah-bien, the independence-leaning president presented his speech as an olive branch to China. However, Chen sent out mixed signals, referring to China as a "dark force" and surrounding himself with the green flags of his pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party.

"Because any conflict could cause irreparable damage to both sides, Ah-bien thinks the two sides should seriously consider practical steps to control arms . . . and take concrete actions to reduce tension and military threats across the Taiwan Strait," Chen said.

"In the long term, both sides should formally end the state of hostility across the Taiwan Strait and establish confidence-building measures through consultation and dialogue."

Chinese and Taiwanese leaders haven't met since the communists took over China in 1949, and Chen's speech comes as he is struggling to get the legislature's approval for a $18 billion arms deal with the United States, which includes planes, submarines and Patriot missiles.

The Japan Times Weekly: Oct. 16, 2004
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