Monday, September 20, 1999 The University Daily Kansan Section A · Page 9 Taiwan's president sticks to demand for political respect By Christopher Bodeen The Associated Press TAIPEI, Taiwan—Taiwan's leader ranked Beijing and made Washington squirm by saying his government should be able to deal with China as a political equal. Although he's facing tremendous pressure to take back the statement, he'll probably stick to it. President Lee Teng-hui relishes a good spat with China and has too much to lose by ditching his new claim that Taiwan is a sovereign state, not a local government that should be controlled by Beijing. Taiwan has long been one of Beijing's biggest frustrations. Since 1949, the island 90 miles off China's eastern coast has resisted Communist rule. Beijing wants both sides to reunify now, but Taiwan wants to wait until China is more democratic and economically developed. Two months ago, when Lee said the two sides should handle their affairs on a special state-to-state basis, China thought it was part of a secret plan by the Taiwanese leader to break away permanently from the mainland—a move Beijing has repeatedly threatened to use force to block. Trying to get Lee to scrap his claim, China has used fiery rhetoric and has staged massive mock invasions of the island with warplanes, ships and thousands of troops. Adding to the pressure, Taiwan's biggestly, the United States, has blamed Lee for needlessly stirring up trouble. But chances are slim Lee will cave in to the pressure. With seven months left in his term, he seems to be focused on his historical legacy. Already, he's guaranteed a long chapter in Taiwan's history books for presiding over numerous reforms, including the first direct presidential election in 1996, which he won handsily. Now, his position on sovereignty could carve out his final legacy as guardian of Taiwan's sovereignty. Polls say Lee's statement has been Analysis immensely popular with Taiwan's 22 million people, who view it as a long overdue description of fact. Backing away from his policy would make Lee look like he's turning his back on reality. Buckling to Chinese pressure would also likely create a fierce backlash for Lee's ruling Nationalist Party in the run-up to March presidential elections. The party's candidate, Vice President Lien Chan, is trailing in the polls and has been criticized as falling to show leadership on China issues. Backing down could cause an exodus of voters to other parties willing to take a bolder stand and it would also bolster the minority view that Lee acted rashly. And, if past elections are any guide, the Chinese threats should help the party. When China tested missiles near Taiwan during the 1996 presidential election, many voters supported the Nationalists, viewing them as best able to protect the island. 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