Beijing urged Taipei on Tuesday to "bow to public opinion" and develop
relations with the mainland, an apparent reference to the tougher policy
signalled towards Beijing by the leader of the island.
Asked to comment on Chen Shui-bian's new "cabinet," Li Weiyi, spokesman for
Beijing's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, warned Taipei against "adopting
practices that run counter to the wishes and interests of numerous Taiwan
compatriots."
"We hope the Taiwan authorities will recognise the trend of the times, bow to
public opinion ... and boost cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, as well as
ease and develop cross-Strait relations," Li told a news conference.
Taiwan "president" Chen Shui-bian, struggling to avoid becoming a lame-duck
"president" after his Democratic Progressive Party suffered a crushing defeat in
local elections last month, appointed a former aide, Su Tseng-chang, as new
"premier."
Chen has recently said that Taiwan's economy should not be too dependent on
the mainland.
Li's comments echoed those of Frank Hsieh, who stepped down as Taiwan's
"premier" on Monday with a warning to Chen that his policies were out of sync
with the wishes of the island's people.
Taiwan investors have poured up to $100 billion in the Chinese mainland and
are clamouring for direct air and shipping links to cut costs and save
time.
Taiwan posted a trade surplus of $58 billion with the mainland last year, Li
said, adding that the island's accumulated trade surplus of $330 billion with
the mainland eclipsed its foreign exchange reserves of $253.29 billion at the
end of December.
"This huge trade surplus has directly boosted the island's economy, resolved
the employment problem of many and raised the incomes of many residents," Li
said.
Trade, investment and tourism between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits
have flourished since the late 1980s, albeit routed mostly through Hong Kong.
Li, the mainland spokesman, renewed an offer to give Taiwan a pair of pandas
as a token of peace, and welcomed Taiwan businessmen to invest in Olympic
projects ahead of the 2008 Beijing Games. Taiwan authorities have rejected the
mainland's panda offer.
He said the mainland was also seriously considering allowing the Olympic
torch relay to cross Taiwan.
"The Beijing Olympic Committee ... will fully consider the desire of Taiwan
compatriots and will satisfy the desire of Taiwan compatriots to share in the
joy and glory the Olympic torch can bring," Li said.
