Taiwan bizmen in mainland criticize Chen
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-26 15:45

Taiwan businessmen working in the Chinese mainland have criticised Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian for plans to scrap a council advising on eventual unification with the mainland.

Chen announced last month that he would abolish the National Unification Council and guidelines on unification, introduced by the Nationalist party (Kuomintang) in 1990.

"At present, the mainland tries its utmost to protect the rights and interests of Taiwan businessmen and to maintain the peace across the Taiwan straits," Xie Kunzhong, president of the Association of Taiwan-Funded Enterprises in Beijing, told a news conference on Saturday.

"But the supreme leader of the Taiwan administration tries all means to make troubles for Taiwan businessmen."

China's Taiwan Affairs Office said on Sunday Chen had made his move at a time of peace and stability.

"Since 2005, thanks to the common efforts of compatriots of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, relations have emerged with a good momentum of peace, stability and development, making it more difficult for the line of 'Taiwan independence' pursued by Chen Shui-bian," an official said in a statement.

"In this situation, Chen Shui-bian not only refuses to mend himself, but puts the peace across the strait and interests of Taiwan people at stake."

Chen Guoyuan, secretary general of the businessmen's association, said the wishes of Taiwan businessmen were very simple.

"We require only the rights of existence and development, and we don't want Taiwan to set any grey future for us."