Chang Rong-gong Comments on Chen’s Transit in the US

Chang Rong-gong Comments on Chen’s Transit in the US

Chang Rong-gong, Vice Chairman, KMT Policy Committee, said that during his recent transit stop in Alaska, President Chen Shui-bian received his worst treatment in seven years. Chen expressed anger at the US but his aim was to please certain people at home. He was faking it. His real delight at being allowed transit was unmistakable: Chen tramples on the dignity of Taiwanese people.

Chang said that in footage Chen was seen grinning broadly when he shook hands with the honorary chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) William Brown, who had come onboard Chen’s plane to greet the President. Chen seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself as the two sat down to talk.

This could not be more in contrast to the time in 1994, Chang said, when the US denied then President Lee Teng-hui permission to transit through continental US but allowed an overnight stop in Hawaii. Infuriated, Lee received AIT Chairman Natale Bellocchi onboard his plane, dressed in pajamas and slippers. The difference in sincerity of the two Presidents could not be more evident.

Chang said that Chen is well aware that his cavalier pushing for his UN plebiscite led to America banning him from making transit stops via mainland US cities. However, when he was allowed to stop over in Alaska his secret glee was obvious. To reduce criticism at home Chen had to direct bogus anger at the US in front of the media.

Chen did not expect a US State Department official to make a statement today saying that the current arrangement “has been a long-held policy and convention.” This echoes comments made by Foreign Minister James Huang last year in which he said that it would have been a “disgrace to the nation” for Chen to have accepted an arrangement that would allow him only to make transit stops outside continental US.

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