U.S. and Taiwan (2006)

U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
September 28, 2006

12:40 p.m. EDT

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QUESTION: On Taiwan. Do you have any comment on Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's new remarks yesterday saying that Taiwan and China are different countries? And his party also talked about 10-year timetable to turn Taiwan into a normal country. Thanks.

MR. MCCORMACK: Our longstanding position is clear and remains: We do not support Taiwan independence. We are opposed to unilateral changes to the status quo by either side. We take seriously President Chen's repeated commitments not to permit the constitutional reform process to touch on Taiwan's status, including territorial definition. President Chen's fulfillment of his commitments will be a test of leadership, dependability and statesmanship.

QUESTION: A follow-up. The President said that his new remarks do not oppose, you know, his earlier commitment. Do you have any -- do you get any clarification from Taiwan so far?

MR. MCCORMACK: I don't have anything to add to what I just read you.

Goyal.

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(The briefing was concluded at 1:25 p.m.