Former Taiwanese leader admits being ‘splittist' for independence
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Chen Shui-bian, the former president of Taiwan credited with cementing the island's transition from dictatorship to democracy, has admitted to being the “splittist” that China has long accused him of being in a lengthy prison diary, excerpts of which have been obtained by the Financial Times. nN~~
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In the 100,000-word political declaration, the “Son of Taiwan”, whose trial for alleged corruption and embezzlement begins today, makes a plea for Taiwan independence and tells Beijing, which considers Taiwan a mere province, that he pursued a course of explicit independence from the very beginning of his presidency. ;3
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“I am a splittist. I am a seeker and implementer of de jure independence for Taiwan,” he writes in a diary whose publication tomorrow is eagerly awaited by the Taiwanese public. c 5Q<$86
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He mocks what he sees as kowtowing to Beijing by Ma Ying-jeou, leader of the Kuomintang party, which regained office last year. “Mr Ma, you have made concession after concession to China, while it has not changed its stance and policy towards Taiwan,” he says. “When you have lost even your pants, why should others help dress you up,” suggesting Taiwan's agreement to allow deeper ties has been yielded without reciprocity from Beijing, a charge the current administration denies. 6&!& \
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Mr Chen orchestrated the first peaceful transfer of power in Chinese history when his opposition Democratic Progressive party won the presidential election in 2000 after half a century of autocratic Kuomintang rule. He stirred controversy during his eight years as president by pushing for an explicit declaration of independence for Taiwan but was held back by political realities and, he implies in his diary, the nervousness of his advisers.
