U.S. and Taiwan (2006)

U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 17, 2006

12:35 p.m. EDT

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QUESTION: Taiwan. Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian proposed the idea of the Second Republic and I know there is a comment yesterday from the State Department. But may I -- now with a follow-up question: Is the presidential office in Taiwan explain the idea -- they say the idea of the Second Republic is inspired by the U.S. Government because the few months ago the U.S. Government urged Taiwan Government to freeze the National Unification Committee? So there is an idea to freeze the current constitution and bring up the Second Republic. And what's your comment?

MR. CASEY: I'm sure that someone may have briefed us on this concept of the Second Republic. Unfortunately, they haven't briefed me about it. So I'll take the question and we'll get you an answer later.

Mr. Lambros, did you have a follow-up on Croatia?

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QUESTION: May I know how do you view President Chen's idea to bring up the second republic? Do you welcome the constitution amendment of Taiwan?

MR. CASEY: Well, again, I think you know our policy on Taiwan, it's longstanding -- we certainly expect too -- that President Chen will live up to the promises he made in his inaugural address. Certainly we don't want to see any actions taken by anyone that would unilaterally change the status quo and certainly expect that any issues that are involved in terms of cross-strait relations would be addressed through dialogue rather than through unilateral action.

David, last one.

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(The briefing was concluded at 12:53 p.m.)