China tries to pander Taiwan
2006-01-06 11:06
Peter Harmsen
Beijing - China and Taiwan engaged in a fresh war of words on Friday after a robust New Year's speech from the island's leader, as two young pandas were thrown to the frontline of the diplomatic row by China.
In what could amount to sweet-and-sour tactics, China said Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian may wind up "eating his own bitter fruit," even as it unveiled the identity of two panda cubs earmarked as goodwill ambassadors to the island.
"Anyone who makes enemies with his own nation and compatriots is bound to eat his own bitter fruit," Li Weiyi, spokesperson of the cabinet-level Taiwan affairs office, said.
"Anyone who disregards the people's well-being, and behaves in a perverse manner in the relations between Taiwan and the mainland eventually will hurt the interests of the Taiwan compatriots."
Li's remarks were the first official Chinese reaction to Chen's address, which surprised some observers with its uncompromising tone.
The speech dispelled widespread expectations that Chen would soften his stance towards Beijing following a humiliating defeat suffered by his party in local elections last month.
Chen said he would work to push through constitutional measures launched last year asserting Taiwan's separate identity and called for parliamentary passage of a multi-billion-dollar arms package.
Gift
Li's "bitter fruit" comment came at the same time as Beijing stepped up its panda diplomacy, urging the island's authorities to accept a gift of two one-year-old cubs.
"We hope the Taiwan authorities will hurry up and conclude consultations in order to meet the wishes of the Taiwan people," state forestry administration spokesperson Cao Qingyao said.
"That will allow this cute panda couple to meet with the Taiwan compatriots as soon as possible."
Cao made the appeal to Taiwan as the two pandas, picked from a long list of potential candidates, were shown to the public via a nationally televised event, complete with extensive footage of the cubs playing and eating bamboo.
China's offer to send the much-treasured bears to Taiwan is meant to win over the island's citizens, many of whom remain wary of Beijing's hopes for eventual reunification.
It is also likely that China wishes to make its own people feel they have a stake in the gesture, making it harder for Taiwan to turn the offer down.
Public to name pandas
During the presentation, a national appeal was launched to name the two pandas, currently identified as number 19 for the male and number 16 for the female.
Citizens are to send in their proposals before January 20 and the names will eventually be picked in a poll among TV viewers, ensuring the nation's interest in the pandas and Taiwan's response remains high.
- SAPA