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Taiwan Opposition Leader Urges China to Change Strategy
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D668A9:3919ACA

Head of Taiwan's opposition People First Party James Soong says that
peace is aspiration of people both in Taiwan and on mainland China





James Soong, delivers speech on his arrival at Xian airport Taiwanese
opposition leader James Soong, on a visit to China, has urged the
Beijing government to change its approach to Taiwan, and stop taking
measures that deepen the divide between the two rivals.

The head of Taiwan's opposition People First Party, James Soong, told
students at Beijing's Tsinghua University that peace is the aspiration
of people both in Taiwan and on mainland China.

He said peace is the only rational choice, if the two economies are
going to grow and prosper together. Cross-strait trade has been rising
sharply, reaching $70 billion last year.

But Mr. Soong suggested growth is being threatened by rising tensions
over China's threats to attack the island, if its government formally
declares independence.







James Soong holds up a copy of Newsweek magazine with the headline
China's Century as his wife Viola Chen looks on during his speech at
Beijing's Tsinghua UniversityHe reaffirmed his personal belief that
independence would be a "dead end" for the island. At the same time,
he indicated Beijing should change its bellicose approach.

Mr. Soong said the key to resolving the Taiwan issue is not through
weapons or slogans, but by deepening ties. He made a reference to
ancient emperors, who failed to contain flood waters when they built
walls around rivers, instead of dredging deeper channels.

"Today's reality is that we exist," said James Soong. "I believe China
would make a wise choice between containment and dredging."

Tensions rose in March, when Beijing enacted an anti-secession law
giving itself license to use force against Taiwan, if it moves toward
independence. China also keeps hundreds of missiles pointed at the
island it claims as part of its territory.

James Soong is the second Taiwanese opposition leader to come to China
recently, as Beijing seeks to strengthen ties with opponents of
Taiwan's pro-independence president, Chen Shui-bian. Beijing last
month hosted Lien Chan, the head of Taiwan's Nationalist party, the
Kuomintang.

Critics in Taiwan have labeled the Soong and Lien visits as attempts
by Beijing to undermine President Chen, whose pro-independence
convictions have angered mainland authorities.

The United States says it hopes the contacts will mark the start of
more communication across the Taiwan Strait. But Washington says a
long-term solution can only be found if Beijing eventually negotiates
with the island's elected leadership.


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