China hits out at Taiwan's Chen for rejecting closer links
BEIJING (AFX) - China has hit out at Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian for sticking 'obstinately to his 'Taiwan independence' stance' by rejecting its call for expansion of economic and other exchanges, Xinhua news agency quoted a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office as saying.
Chen last Saturday rejected Beijing's 'One China' policy which defines Taiwan as a part of China and the 'One country, two systems' framework -- modelled on Hong Kong and Macau's return to China.
According to Taiwanese media, Chen also said Taiwan will only negotiate with China in a 'government-to-government mode' -- a position unacceptable to China because it regards the island as a renegade province.
He also said his government prefers not to open direct transport links if they cannot be managed properly.
China said Chen is only trying to foment discord.
'He has even wantonly slandered the mainland to stir up confrontation and further impair relations across the strait,' said the spokesman.
'He will only make himself more isolated and put himself in a more difficult situation. He will eventually reap what he has sown,' the spokesman said.
Direct cross-strait flights had been banned since the two sides split in 1949 at the end of a civil war.
Chen last Saturday rejected Beijing's 'One China' policy which defines Taiwan as a part of China and the 'One country, two systems' framework -- modelled on Hong Kong and Macau's return to China.
According to Taiwanese media, Chen also said Taiwan will only negotiate with China in a 'government-to-government mode' -- a position unacceptable to China because it regards the island as a renegade province.
He also said his government prefers not to open direct transport links if they cannot be managed properly.
China said Chen is only trying to foment discord.
'He has even wantonly slandered the mainland to stir up confrontation and further impair relations across the strait,' said the spokesman.
'He will only make himself more isolated and put himself in a more difficult situation. He will eventually reap what he has sown,' the spokesman said.
Direct cross-strait flights had been banned since the two sides split in 1949 at the end of a civil war.
