MFA Spokesman's Comments to media queries on the recent statements by the P5 opposing the Taiwan referendum, 24 December 2007

In response to media queries on the recent statements by the P5 opposing the Taiwan referendum, a MFA spokesperson reiterated Singapore's position in June this year:

"Singapore's "One China" policy is clear and consistent. We remain firmly opposed to any unilateral move to alter the status of Taiwan. The proposal to put Taiwan's UN membership bid under the title "Taiwan" to a referendum is provocative and irresponsible. It does not further Taiwan's interests in any way. It can only raise cross-strait tensions, reduce Taiwan's international space, and leave Taiwan even more isolated.

"Taiwanese leaders have stated that the referendum is not provocative, but is merely an expression of the democratic wishes of the Taiwanese people. However, whether or not the referendum is provocative is not for Taiwan to assert, but for the international community to judge. This is because the move will have serious repercussions on the whole region, and risks jeopardising the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific. The P5 countries have all made their positions clear. Their positions tally with the overwhelming weight of international opinion. Even the US, whose commitment to Taiwan is not in doubt, has repeatedly expressed its opposition to such a referendum in unambiguous language at a high level, most recently in a statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. As a friend of Taiwan, Singapore therefore urges the Taiwan Government to reconsider its position in the interest of Taiwan's own future and of regional peace and security."

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
24 DECEMBER 2007