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Updated Friday, December 25, 2009 9:35 am TWN, The China Post news staff

Reneging on beef might erode U.S. support: Su Chi

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Secretary General, Su Chi, of the National Security Council warned yesterday that reneging on a pact to lift a ban on imports of U.S. beef products would hurt relations, while calling for lawmakers and the public not to demand a reopening of talks with the U.S. on controversial beef imports.

Su issued the warning at a press conference held yesterday morning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is his first press conference since he assumed the post in May 2008.

Su said that Taiwanese people should take into consideration Taiwan's limited role in the international community when considering how to approach this issue.

In this regard, Su said, the U.S., now Taiwan's biggest ally, can support its participation in international organizations. But if Taiwan violates a recently-inked protocol on the import of U.S. beef, the U.S. and its lawmakers are likely to hold back their support for the island, Su continued.

Su noted that the U.S. Congress shows high regard for the issue, as 70 percent of the U.S. congressional leaders are from agricultural states. The U.S. Congress is also a long-time major force backing Taiwan, Su added.

According to Su, there has been no progress in the economic relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. in the past 10 years, despite improvements in political relations since President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May 2008.

Going back on Taiwan's agreement to lift the ban on U.S. beef products could continue to put on hold long-stalled talks between the two sides on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFF), double taxation, intellectual property rights and energy and environmental cooperation, Su warned.

Nevertheless, Su said that he will respect the legislature's final decision, and the people's right to initiate a referendum on the issue.

Su, however, also urged the legislature not to amend any law to deal with the matter, saying that the current control measures are sufficient enough to safeguard the public's health.

If the referendum on renegotiating the issue passes, Su said he will “abide by” the decision.

The government agreed to lift a ban on imports of U.S. bone-in beef and certain other beef products in late October, triggering widespread criticisms and concerns about public health due to fears of mad cow disease.

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	Secretary general Su Chi of the National Security Council yesterday urged lawmakers and the public not to demand renewing talks with the U.S. on beef imports, lest Taiwan's ties with the U.S. and international credibility should be undermined. (CNA) Enlarge Photo


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