VZCZCXRO5588
OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #7097/01 3180846
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 140846Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3428
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 1894
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 007097
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ETRD ECON MASS CH TW
SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 14 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: ARMS SALES,
"REFERENDUM STAMPS," 1992 CONSENSUS, "UNIFICATION
REFERENDUM" ADS, SAND EXPORTS, MORE
REF: BEIJING 7085
Summary
-------
1. Key points at the November 14 Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO)
press briefing were:
-- The TAO held discussions yesterday with six Taiwan
companies on how to push for the early resumption of sand
exports to Taiwan.
-- The TAO deferred to the MFA on the question of the United
States' intention to sell PAC-3 upgrades to Taiwan.
-- The Mainland is sending back to Taiwan mail with "UN
membership referendum" stamps, which constitute "flagrant
manipulation" of the Taiwan Post Company for the purpose of
propagating "Taiwan independence."
-- The DPP should remove obstacles to cross-Strait economic
exchange and cooperation.
-- The TAO praised efforts to promote "peaceful development"
when asked about recent advertisements in Taiwan suggesting a
referendum on unification. End Summary.
Discussion on Sand Exports to Taiwan
------------------------------------
2. At the November 14 regular Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO)
press briefing, spokesperson Fan Liqing introduced DG Tang
Wei and DG Liang Shuhe of the Ministry of Commerce and TAO
Deputy Director Li Jiansheng to report on the current
situation of a ban on sand exports to Taiwan and discussions
held yesterday with six Taiwan companies on how to push for
the early resumption of sand exports to Taiwan.
TAO Defers to MFA on U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan
--------------------------------------------- -
3. When asked for comment on the United States Defense
Department announcement of its intention to sell Patriot
missile upgrades to Taiwan, Fan told reporters that the MFA
had already answered the question. (See reftel for a report
of the Chinese demarche to the Charge on this issue.)
Stamps Propagate "Taiwan Independence"
--------------------------------------
4. Responding to a question on "UN membership referendum"
stamps issued in Taiwan, the spokesperson said the stamps
constitute "flagrant manipulation" of the Taiwan Post Company
for the purpose of "propagating Taiwan independence," violate
Taiwan compatriots' freedom to communicate across the Strait
and with foreign countries, and have "of course" been
received by the Taiwan people with protest and condemnation.
Fan said the Taiwan Post Company has realized letters with
"referendum" stamps are being returned from the Mainland, a
result for which only the Taiwan authorities can be held
responsible.
Willing to Negotiate on Basis of 1992 Consensus
--------------------------------------------- --
5. The TAO announced a "common will" (gongtong de yuanjing)
with the KMT in 2005 to resume negotiations and discuss any
issue on the basis of the 1992 Consensus. This was in
response to a request for comment on KMT presidential
candidate Ma Ying-jeou's reported intention to support a
"peace agreement" with the Mainland if the Mainland removes
missiles aimed at Taiwan.
DPP Should Remove Trade Barriers
--------------------------------
6. Asked for comment on Frank Hsieh's reported comments on
cross-Strait trade policy, opening and developing Taiwan
investment in the Mainland and granting amnesty to Taiwan
businessmen who have broken Taiwan laws of investment on the
Mainland, Fan acknowledged that the TAO has seen the relevant
reports. She added that the DPP should remove obstacles to
cross-Strait economic exchange and cooperation.
"Unification Referendum" Ads in Taiwan
--------------------------------------
7. Peaceful development ought to become the main topic in
cross-Strait relations, said Fan, when asked about
advertisements in Taiwan in favor of a "referendum on
BEIJING 00007097 002 OF 002
unification" sponsored by United Microelectronics Corporation
Honorary Chairman Robert H.C. Tsao. She described the
promotion of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations
and opposition to Taiwan independence as "positive efforts"
that deserve approval and encouragement.
Fugitive Wang Yujun, Journalism Cooperation, More
--------------------------------------------- ----
8. Other questions were asked on topics of fugitive Wang
Yuyun, cross-Strait journalism cooperation, Taiwan insurance
companies on the Mainland and organ transplant specialist Dr.
Zhu Zhijun's reported travel to Taiwan.
PICCUTA