War of words over 'One China' policy

A bitter war of words has broken out over one of the key planks of EU foreign policy.

It follows comments made by EU security supremo Javier Solana over Taiwan's efforts to join the United Nations.

Taiwan plans to hold a referendum on the issue in the spring, much to the angst of the authorities in Beijing who continue to claim that Taipei is part of China.

Speaking during a recent visit to China, Solana said, "I have noted with concern the comments made by Taiwan's leadership concerning its application for UN membership.

"The EU has a substantial interest in peace and stability in East Asia and supports Taiwan's democratic values.

"But we have concerns about the current policy of Taiwan's authorities to pursue a referendum on the question of UN membership.

"The proposed referendum risks making it harder for Taiwan to enjoy the pragmatic participation, which we support, in the activities of specialised mulilateral fora when there are clear public interests for this."

His remarks provoked fury, not least with Taiwanese officials in Brussels and those MEPs who have campaigned for Taiwan to enjoy greater international recognition.

Deputies who have called for an end to the EU's so-called One China policy include UK MEP Graham Watson, leader of the ALDE group in parliament.

Michael Kau, Taiwan's representative in Brussels to the EU and Belgium, was incensed, saying, "The concept of referenda is an essential part of the EU's democratic core values.

"The forthcoming referendum is an opportunity for the 23 million population of Taiwan to express their desire and need for international participation - not for declaring Taiwanese independence.

"For the EU to, therefore, express such reservations on Taiwan's referendum initiative sends totally the wrong message to China on the EU's basic policy commitment and leadership on the world stage.

"As a result, China may come to think that pressure will always work in this policy of coercive diplomacy."

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