Dear Mr. President:


I am a citizen of Taiwan. Our President Lee Teng-hui's recent comments calling
Taiwan's relations with China "special state-to-state" have prompted a strong
response from China as well as international concern.

In fact, President Lee's remarks are only a description of a reality that has
existed for half a century. Throughout this period, China has not ruled Taiwan
for one minute. Neither have the Taiwanese people paid a penny of tax to the
People's Republic of China.

Not to mention the fact that under a 1991 amendment, we have limited the
territorial jurisdiction of our Constitution to the Taiwan-Penghu-Kinmen-Matsu
region and recognized the legitimacy of the rule of People's Republic of China
over the mainland. We can find similarities between our situation and the
relations between East and West Germany. What is then so improper about
defining cross-strait relations as "special state-to-state"?

I hope Mr. President can have an in-depth understanding of this and reconsider
the "one China" policy that does not fit with reality in any way. The United
States has the obligation and responsibility to clarify the status of both
sides across the Taiwan Strait to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Because only after such clarification can the two sides have a basis for
dialogue －a first step toward peace.

We wish for your health and happiness.


Sincerely,