Taiwan-PRC to relax relation

Taiwan-PRC to relax relation

TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan yesterday offered to recognize China's head of state, in an unprecedented attempt by the Chinese nationalist island to thaw relations with the communist-ruled mainland.

Vincent Siew, chairman of the body that formulates policy toward Beijing, told parliament that Taiwan was ready to recognize the authority of President Jiang Zemin and stage reciprocal presidential visits.

The statement was widely seen as an attempt to prompt China into recognizing Taiwan so that the two claimants to China's sovereignty can step up attempts to end four decades of often- bitter rivalry. The offer was conditional upon Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui's also being acknowledged as a head of state.

Siew told parliament: "We would recommend that President Lee meet his mainland counterpart, Jiang Zemin, in Beijing if Jiang extended an invitation to Lee as head of state."

He added: "If Mr. Jiang invited our president to visit the mainland as head of state, we would use the same title to invite him to visit here."

Siew made the declaration as he told parliament that his organization, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), had formed a committee to cope with any crisis after the death of Chinese paramount leader Deng Xiaoping. He said Taiwan believed the condition of Deng, 90, was "critical."

"The latest information we have is that Deng is in critical condition. His health is deteriorating rapidly," he said.