Taiwan: Naming of State-Owned Enterprises and Offices

Answer:   President Chen Shui-bian repeatedly has said he would not allow either domestic or foreign pressure to alter the guarantees in his 2000 inaugural address, in which he pledged not to declare independence, not to change the national title, not to push for inclusion of sovereignty themes in the constitution, and not to promote a referendum to change the status quo regarding independence or unification.

-- The primary interest of the United States remains maintenance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The United States does not support Taiwan independence and opposes unilateral steps by either side that would change the status quo.

-- We do not support administrative steps by the Taiwan authorities that would appear to change Taiwan's status unilaterally or move toward independence. The United States does not, for instance, support changes in terminology for entities administered by the Taiwan authorities.

-- President Chen's fulfillment of his commitments will be a test of leadership,
dependability and statesmanship, as well as ability to protect Taiwan's interests,
its relations with others, and to maintain peace and stability in the Strait.