Written answers

Tuesday, 22 March 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Conflicts

8:00 pm

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in the context of his recent visit to the USA, the matter of China's recently published anti-secession law and the possible effect this may have for Taiwan and its 23 million inhabitants and for peace in that region was discussed with President Bush. [8756/05]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the Chinese proposals to introduce an anti-secession law which could have serious implications for peace in that region and also have dire consequences for the 23 million people of Taiwan; if he will raise this matter for discussion at the next EU Foreign Ministers meeting; and if he will ask the EU to postpone any decision on the lifting of the embargo on the sale of arms to China. [8757/05]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.

Since 1971, when Ireland voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, we have recognised the Government of the People's Republic of China, PRC, as the sole legitimate government of China. Ireland, together with our EU partners, adheres to the "One-China" policy and therefore accepts that Taiwan is part of China. As a consequence of this policy, which has been pursued by successive Governments, Ireland does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

On 14 March 2005, the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, which convenes once a year to adopt legislation and constitutional amendments, debated and approved an anti-secession law designed to oppose any move towards Taiwanese independence. There are a number of positive elements in the law. These include an assertion that, "to reunify the country through peaceful means best serves the fundamental interests of the compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits"; a list of measures to be taken to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and promote cross-straits relations; a stated readiness to achieve peaceful reunification through negotiations on an equal footing, and a willingness to maintain different systems within a united China.

However, the law also provides that in the event of Taiwan's secession from China or the prospects for peaceful unification having been exhausted, non-peaceful means shall be used to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. While the threat of the use of force by the Beijing authorities to prevent Taiwanese independence is not new, its restatement in this manner gives rise to concern.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, believes that it is important that both Beijing and Taiwan avoid actions which could serve to exacerbate existing tensions, and we continue to emphasise the importance of dialogue between the two sides so a peaceful solution may be found. We will continue to convey this message in all our contacts with the Chinese authorities.

On 14 March 2005, the EU issued a declaration on the law, in which it expressed its continued adherence to the One-China policy and the resolution of differences between China and Taiwan by peaceful means, and its opposition to the use of force. The declaration also called on all parties to avoid any unilateral action that might aggravate tensions across the Taiwan Straits, and expressed the concern that the legislation might impact negatively on the recent improvement in links between China and Taiwan, including the inauguration of flights between China and Taiwan at the time of the Chinese New Year. These concerns were also conveyed to the Chinese authorities by a Troika of EU Heads of Mission at Beijing on 12 March 2005 and 14 March 2005.

The Government continues to examine these issues with our EU partners in the context of our overall relationship with China, our ongoing commitment to human rights and the broader regional and international context.

The question of the anti-secession law did not arise during the meeting on 17 March between President Bush and the Taoiseach in Washington. However, during discussions with the Taoiseach, the President did express concern about the possibility of the EU deciding to lift its arms embargo against China.

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