The Asian Wall Street Journal: How do you see Taiwan's relations with China?

Annette Lu: ... On March 18, when the Taiwanese people decided to let the KMT step down from office, that meant that the Taiwanese people wished to have a fresh page for the relationship between Taiwan and China. So they chose us. That has very important significance.

Number two, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, we express our most sincere good-will message. We admit that there is a special relationship between Taiwan and China. Namely, ethnically, we are relatives. Because our ancestors came from China, we are more than happy to admit we are relatives. And geographically, we are neighbors.

By such a definition, we wish that there were no hatred between the two peoples. There shouldn't be any war. We should enhance peaceful coexistence for mutual substantial development. I think such an argument indicates our sincerity and good will to promote the relationship. Even today, they reject my argument. Still they accuse me of being a radical advocate of Taiwan independence.

Don't forget, Taiwan is not just an island. We have a population of 23 million of the most well-educated, democratic people on earth. So they have to deal with us. These people chose us to lead Taiwan toward the future. They should pay a little respect.

AWSJ: How do you get a constructive dialogue going?

Ms. Lu: We thought that by making such a moderate and friendly argument, it was a good signal that we wanted to have something constructive and creative. A new era has approached. We cannot live in the past.

All the Chinese leaders have been talking as if Taiwan is part of China... . But now we are approaching globalization. If China really wants to stand up as a leading nation in the 21st century, their leaders must share the global values, must abide by global norms. We have never done anything wrong. We are by no means troublemakers; we are peacemakers.

We did have a lot of internal problems. So many freedom fighters were sacrificed before democracy was installed. We never create any trouble for the world. So, I really urge the world should be more responsive to what's going on. To tell right from wrong.

AWSJ: What if you can't get a dialogue going, if you can't convince Chinese leaders that they have to abide by global norms?

Ms. Lu: Does the world think the peacemaker deserves sanction by war? Does the world believe that democracy deserve a war, deserves sacrifice by the world leaders? I think it's a serious question.

Taiwan does have geopolitical significance. The Taiwan Strait itself is so internationalized. To let Taiwan stand for what it is, is in the best interest of the world.

AWSJ: How do you keep Chinese patience with the status quo from running out and keep American support for the status quo?

Ms. Lu: So long as they refuse to have a dialogue with us, we do have difficulty, really, to have some breakthrough in the relationship with them. We really urge international concern. I think it's time really for the international community, seriously, to get involved with the Taiwan issue now.

AWSJ: What do you mean by involved?

Ms. Lu: To make every effort possible to prevent any irrational reaction from Beijing. We swear we are absolutely rational and peaceful. But with someone who is irrational, it is better for a third party to step in to prevent any tragedy from happening.

AWSJ: Whom do you mean by the international community?

Ms. Lu: I think globally. For those who really care about stability and peace in this region, before it's too late. Everybody should stand up and speak out, to the extent that Taiwan has not done anything wrong. A nation such as Taiwan, in the past decades we worked so hard to overcome so many problems, we deserve embracing and support... .

There has been a double standard. China has always said Taiwan is nothing but a domestic issue. They are not happy when you bring the issue up in the international community. However, whenever a Chinese leader travels, it's always they who bring up this issue and urge international support for their policies. Actually, the Taiwan issue is an international issue. We can't help but to say so.

So what I urge is that President Clinton should select leaders from both sides to meet in Washington, D.C., for talks.

The Asian Wall Street Journal: You mean a Camp David summit?

Ms. Lu: Yes... . I think peace across the Strait should start in front of the White House... . I think Americans should think about that.

AWSJ: So you're making a serious proposal when you say President Clinton should invite both Chinese and Taiwanese leaders?

Ms. Lu: Yes. I would really urge President Clinton to take it seriously. No one likes war. Efforts should be made to prevent it in advance... . Such an idea deserves serious consideration. Because nearly all disputes are settled with the participation of Washington, D.C. Why not start earlier?

AWSJ: Won't China react angrily to any effort to internationalize the Taiwan issue?

Ms. Lu: China always wants to downgrade the significance of this issue by saying that Taiwan is a domestic issue... . There are so many international forums. Why not present this case, since it's urgent or one of the most important. I really urge the international community to take care of this. Unless the Chinese leaders in the near future would welcome an open-ended dialogue. At first we thought we could simply deal with them. But it looks not like this... . Now they want to press [President-elect Chen Shui-bian] to make a nice inaugural statement in favor of China's policy. Obviously that's their purpose.

-- From The Asian Wall Street Journal