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TAIPEI: Taiwan's president-elect Ma Ying-jeou on Tuesday set terms for reopening a dialogue with China, saying talks must be held on an equal footing to protect the island's interests.
Ma stressed that he backed a 1992 consensus between Beijing and Taipei, under which both accepted the 'one China' formula but agreed to interpret it in their own way.
"In 2008, we will start negotiations on direct air links, tourism, economy and trade ... and we will test if the basis of (the consensus) is firm," Ma said in a 90-minute talk with outgoing President Chen Shui-bian that was mostly broadcast live on TV.
"We will not resume negotiations if Beijing would only talk about 'one China' without acknowledging that it is open to different interpretations," he said.
The independence-leaning Chen, however, warned that accepting the consensus is tantamount to accepting the "one China" policy, which for Beijing means sovereignty over Taiwan.
Ma sought to allay Chen's concerns by stressing that he would not sell Taiwan out to China after he formally takes over on May 20.
"I will put Taiwan first and do what is best for the people in dealing with the other side to resolve the confrontation," Ma said.
"I will not sell out Taiwan. I love Taiwan ... and I will uphold its sovereignty and dignity."
Ma also renewed his call for a "mutual non-denial" agreement with China to set aside the sovereignty issues.
"It is impossible for the two sides to recognise each other and the best solution is a 'mutual non-denial' under which both agree to disagree," he said.
China sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification despite their split in 1949 and has threatened an invasion if the island declares independence.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has invited Taiwan to hold "big-issue" talks on establishing direct transport links and signing a peace agreement, state media reported Monday.
Chen, who ended the Kuomintang's 51-year grip on power in 2000, is retiring in May after serving the maximum of two four-year terms.
- AFP/so
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