Don't fall into China's trap, DPP tells fruit negotiators

[dArKeR]

With fruit talks scheduled to begin in China today, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative caucus yesterday called on opposition parties to safeguard Taiwanese farmers' interests instead of becoming pawns in Beijing's "united front" strategy.
"China's recent string of cooperation with opposition parties is politically motivated and aimed at boosting the pan-blue camp's chances in the 2008 presidential election," said DPP caucus whip William Lai (???). "I hope opposition parties stand together with our farmers and promote their long-term interests, rather than their own interests or those of their party."

Lai's remarks echoed comments made by President Chen Shui-bian (???) on Monday. President Chen said that China's recent offer to lift tariffs on some Taiwanese fruit was a "100 percent political move -- a full-fledged war to achieve the goal of unification with Taiwan."

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/07/27/2003265216