U.S. and Taiwan (2006)

U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
November 2, 2006

12:18 p.m. EST

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

QUESTION: On Taiwan. A few weeks ago the State Department put out a statement calling on Taiwan's President Chen to abide by his commitments not to permit the constitutional reform passes to touch on sovereignty issues. But yesterday in an interview with the Financial Times, Chen suggested a freeze of Taiwan's constitution and adoption of a new one so he can -- I mean the new constitution can refine the whole territory and sovereignty issue. And he said technically this would not break his commitments to the U.S. and would not change its status quo as long as the current constitution is frozen and intact. Does the U.S. accept this explanation?

MR. MCCORMACK: I have some points here for you. The United States does not support independence for Taiwan. 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 sovereignty issues including territorial definition.

President Chen's fulfillment of his commitment will be a test of leadership, dependability and statesmanship as well as his ability to protect Taiwan's interest, its relations with others and to maintain peace and stability in the Strait.

QUESTION: Wow, (inaudible.)

MR. MCCORMACK: You're a pot-stirrer, Barry.

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(The briefing was concluded at 12:58 p.m.)