Chen's independence pledge "unhelpful," US says

Mar 6, 2007, 1:23 GMT

Washington - The United States on Monday called any comments supporting Taiwanese independence 'unhelpful,' one day after Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's said he supported independence and changing the island's official name to Taiwan.

US State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said the US expected President Chen to uphold the stance he had taken since his election in 2000 - where he pledged not to make moves towards independence - and that he had a responsibility to maintain stability in the region.

'President Chen's fulfilment of his commitments is a test of leadership, dependability and statesmanship and of his ability to protect Taiwan's interests, its relations with others, and to maintain peace and stability in the Strait,' McCormack said.

'Rhetoric that could raise doubts about these commitments is unhelpful.'

Chen on Sunday told a US-based pro-independence group that Taiwan 'must seek independence, must rectify its name, must have a new constitution and must seek development.'

The surprise statement has triggered confusion among political observers, with some accusing Chen of attempting to rally support for his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ahead of year-end legislative elections and the 2008 presidential race.

China reacted Monday by invoking its controversial 'anti-secession law,' which includes a provision allowing the use of force to prevent formal independence for Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Chen Shui-bian would become a 'criminal in history' if he continues to promote formal independence for his country.

McCormack said the US expected Chen to clarify his comments and uphold his earlier stance.

'We would expect that inasmuch as any comments deviated from these commitments that he would make it clear that he was - he continued to adhere to the previous commitments,' McCormack said.

The United States has long towed a middle line in the conflict between China and Taiwan, supporting the 'one China' policy but opposing any military moves by China that may alter the current arrangement.

'The United States does not support independence for Taiwan,' MccCormack said.

'President Bush has repeatedly underscored his opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by either Taipei or Beijing because these threaten regional peace and stability, US national interest and Taiwan's own welfare.'