U.S. and Taiwan (2006)

U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
September 25, 2006

12:45 p.m. EDT

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QUESTION: Thank-you, Tom. Taiwan's leader Chen Shui-bian vowed yesterday to dramatically amend the constitution to reflect what he says the changes in Taiwan's status -- the proposed amendments making sure the definition of Taiwan's territory and official name. I'm just wondering is the U.S. concerned by Chen's move to unilaterally change the status quo.

MR. CASEY: Well, first of all, let me just reiterate that the United States does not support independence for Taiwan and we continue to be opposed to unilateral changes in the status quo by either side. We also take very seriously President Chen's repeated commitments not to permit the constitutional reform process to touch on sovereignty issues, which includes territorial definition. And the fulfillment of President Chen's commitments is a test of his leadership as well as his ability to protect Taiwan's interests, its relations with others and to maintain peace and stability in the Straits.

So I think that's basically where we are on this issue. We again know about his commitments that he's repeatedly stated on this subject and we expect he would carry out them.

Yeah, let's go, Mr. Lambros.

QUESTION: One more on Pakistan.

MR. CASEY: Are we still on Taiwan? Okay, sure.

QUESTION: Yeah. Do you find it troubling that, you know, when the leader of a foreign country makes a commitment, sometimes repeated commitment to the United States, and then deviates from that commitment? Do you find it troubling?

MR. CASEY: Well, again as I said, we take his commitment to us very seriously and we expect him to carry out those commitments and we'll see what happens.

Yeah, let's go, Mr. Lambros. I know you've been (inaudible) for a while.

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