In the News

Wu suggests Beijing move missiles targeting Taiwan

• Publication Date：02/08/2010
• Source： China Times

Premier Wu Den-yih said if Beijing were to move its missiles targeting Taiwan, this would be conducive to promoting “better feelings” across the Taiwan Strait.

“Even if the missiles were moved back just a little, as far as Taiwan is concerned, such a gesture would increase good will between Taipei and Beijing, ” Wu said during an interview broadcast on Hong-Kong-based Phoenix TV.

Commenting on Beijing’s reaction to the Obama administration’s decision last month to notify Congress of a $6.4-billion arms sale to Taiwan, Wu said he finds mainland China’s opposition to the deal perplexing. “If two people sit down to talk, it is very odd if one has a gun tucked in their belt.”

Regarding the improving state of cross-strait relations, Wu said progress made under the Ma Ying-jeou administration represents a blueprint for future cooperation between Taipei and Beijing.

Citing the success of Taiwan-owned business ventures in mainland China, Wu said this has emerged as a win-win model for both sides. Taiwan’s business leaders have made significant contributions to the mainland economy, he said, and from this perspective, Taiwan could also benefit if this type of investment was to take place on the island.

As to future developments concerning Taipei-Washington-Beijing relations, Wu said the U.S. beef issue should be seen only as an agricultural trade dispute. “We believe that the Taiwan-U.S. ties will progress even further under the auspices of improved cross-strait relations.” (CYH-JSM)

(This article originally appeared in “The China Times” Feb. 7, 2010.)