Envoy voices concern over alleged China claims on Taiwan

Washington, Aug 27 (UNI) Taiwan's representative to the United States said today that he had voiced deep concern to Washington and Taiwan's diplomatic allies over a reported plan by China to seek international backing at the United Nations for its sovereign claim on Taiwan.

Joseph Wu, Taiwan's top representative to the United States, made the comments during an interview yesterday with the Voice of America radio station on questions about Taiwan's efforts to join the United Nations and relevant issues after it was reported that China plans to submit a proposal to the UN General Assembly next month to tout member states' support for its claims that ''Taiwan forms part of China.'' reports the Taiwanese central news agancy (CNA).

Saying that the alleged move by China is an issue of maximum concern to Taiwan, Wu added that Taiwan must express its grave concern regarding the matter to the United States and Taiwan's diplomatic allies. So far, he said, no concrete action has been seen with regard to China's alleged plan.

According to Wu, President Chen Shui-bian last week told William Brown, honorary chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan, that he hoped Washington could ''better understand'' the purpose behind Taiwan's UN bid.

Wu also admitted that Chen's refueling stop in Anchorage, Alaska instead of other US city on his way to Central America for his current diplomatic tour had ''something to do'' with Taiwan's plan to put the UN membership issue to a public referendum alongside the next presidential election slated for March 22, 2008.

Chen and his entourage wore stickers touting Taiwan's U N membership on their shirts, while the plane's interior was decorated with the same stickers to underscore Taiwan's desire to join the world body.

Responding to the question of whether Chen's most recent transit was played down by the US side due to Washington's disagreement with Taiwan's referendum plan on its UN bid, Wu said that it is unfair to judge overall Taiwan-US relations by just a stopover.

As the United States has to deal with the latest developments in North Korea, the West Asia and Venezuela, a quiet and more low-key situation in the Taiwan Strait would allow Washington to better handle thorny international issues, he explained, pointing out that apart from some political differences, Taiwan and the United States actually share great benefits and enjoy common interests in terms of economic prosperity and regional security.

UNI