On January 31, 1984, Premier Sun Yun-suan held a press conference which was attended by local and foreign correspondents. Premier Sun answered questions concerning both domestic and international issues. The following is a brief synopsis of the session.

Q. Chinese Communist Premier Chao Tzu-yang recently visited the United States where he signed industrial and technological pacts with the U.S. He also demanded the repeal of the Taiwan Relations Act. Mr. Premier, what are your comments on these developments?

A. During his U.S. trip, Chao signed a so-called "U.S.-China Industrial and Technological Accord," but on the other hand he insisted that the use of Chinese Communist force against free China not be excluded. For the United States, this is like letting a tiger out of its cage and inviting attack. We have repeatedly expressed our serious concern about this and hope that the United States will exercise great caution not to fall into the Chinese Communists' trap while implementing the agreements.

The Taiwan Relations Act is part of U.S. foreign policy. The Chinese Communists have always lectured the United States about not interfering in its internal affairs. How can they justify Chao's reiterated demand that the United States repeal the Taiwan Relations Act? I believe the United States will see through Chinese Communist intrigues, reject the illusion of the "peaceful united front" strategy, and continue to implement the Taiwan Relations Act.

Q. The Chinese Communists have repeatedly stated "Learn from Taiwan economically," and they have imitated Taiwan by establishing export zones and industrial parks. What is your comment on this?

A. Our development in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu during the past thirty or more years, through implementation of the economic system outlined in the "Principle of the People's Livelihood" as set forth in Dr. Sun Yat-sen's teachings, is recognized as an "economic miracle" by the international community. Trying to imitate our successful experience, the Chinese Communists have recently adopted some measures which are only superficial revisions of our achievements. They are merely beating around the bush and their actions will neither take root nor last long. The economic backwardness of the Chinese Communists is not a problem on the technical level but a reflection of their policy and system.

Q. The ROC has come into contact with Communist China at international academic, sports, and musical events. Is this contradictory to the ROC's policy of "no contact with the Chinese Communists?"

A. The Republic of China has been playing an active and constructive role in the international community. Participation in these programs by our representative organizations is both a right and an obligation. The Communists' involvement in these international events does not change in any way the Republic of China's official policy and position of "no contact with the Communists." We are not falling into their trap, nor shall we permit them to trick us into isolating ourselves from the international community.

Q. The ROC government has expressed its determination to reduce its trade surplus with the U.S., which amounted to US$6 billion last year. What concrete actions will the Republic of China take to solve this problem?

A. Our government is sincerely trying to reduce the huge ROC-U.S. trade balance in our favor. Concrete measures to improve the situation have included the dispatch of eight "buy American" missions to the U.S., the holding of Taipei exhibitions to promote American products and reduction of import duties on imported goods. We are now studying the possibility of importing large quantities of energy resources from the United States. The Executive Yuan has also instructed the Council for Economic Planning and Development to work in concert with the authorities concerned to study and promote various short and long-range measures to correct this trade deficiency. The accomplishment of trade balance requires the joint efforts of both governments and related businesses. Effective balancing of R.O.C-U.S. trade could be achieved through U.S. sale of high level technical products and advanced weaponry systems to the Republic of China.

Q. Since the U.S. and the Netherlands have refused to sell the ROC high performance jet fighters and submarines respectively, from which other countries can the ROC look to purchase these armaments?

A. The matter of arm sales is an important link in ROC-U.S. relations. According to the stipulations of the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States agrees to supply us with weapons to satisfy our defense needs. I believe U.S. arms sales to the Republic of China will continue in the future as they have in the past. However, the United States and the Republic of China have different views about the military situation on the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. We must continue to work and exchange views to attain a consensus. We are well aware that self-reliance is a prerequisite for survival. Consequently, for many years the Republic of China has invested heavily in a national defense industry. We shall hereafter continue to develop our defense industry to assure our national security.

Q. Earlier this year, you announced that increasing the pace at which the industrial sector is being upgraded, reforming the tax system, improving public order, and expanding health care services are this year's major projects. At this time are there any specific plans?

A. The Executive Yuan's "Production Automation Committee", and the Ministry of Economics' "Factory Automation Task Force" were established to promote the automation of the industrial sector and assist in the training of qualified personnel to develop automated equipment systems. Also the government and industrial sectors will continue to cooperate in the development and production of robots and computer-controlled machinery. The plan is to proceed step-by-step until industry is fully automated.

Altering the tax system is necessary to meet the needs of our growing economy. This year the Ministry of Finance will implement two measures to assist the country's economic development; the first is to reduce the import customs tariff and the second is to gradually eliminate the export tax rebate.

In terms of maintaining public order, the two most pressing problems are traffic congestion and the unchecked growth of vending stands. In the final analysis, these problems need to be dealt with on the regional level with the Executive Yuan extending full support.

The Executive Yuan will also promote "Group Public Health Centers" using the existing countryside public health clinics and its facilities, and specially trained physicians to provide group out-patient service. Last year twelve centers were opened as an experiment. Public response has been very encouraging, so this year twelve more centers will be established. The goal is to create a nationwide medical treatment network.

Q. Recently, the conflict between the development of natural resources and environmental protectionism has become a controversial issue. Which do you feel is more important?

A. First of all, these two policy objectives may not necessarily conflict. If a problem arises, then experts may be called upon to conduct an impartial investigation based on the area in question's special characteristics. The final decision will be made according to whichever method is most advantageous to the nation as a whole.

Q. Mr. Premier has proposed that measures to care for the elderly should be based on traditional Chinese moral and ethical values. Could you elaborate on this concept?

A. I believe that the elderly need spiritual as well as material comfort. The gist of the idea is that children, not society, should bear the responsibility of taking care of the elderly. This doesn't mean they have to be together all the time or live together. The most important point is that children and their elder generation should take care of each other.

On the lighter side, Premier Sun Yun-suan commented that one of the most gratifying aspects of his job are the letters he receives from his constituents. Many people write letters advising him on government policy, while others encourage him to take care of himself and keep physically fit (even to the point of enclosing the recipes of famous elixirs). Premier Sun is especially fond of two such letters. The first letter stated:" "Recently, Mr. Premier, the age spots on your face are increasing. I know of a rare prescription that can reduce age spots. You might as well give it a try. If it doesn't work, then request the cameramen to photograph the side of your face with fewer age spots." The second letter advised him not to wear his special convex glasses (for those suffering from presbyopia) while giving speeches because they are not very attractive. The writer suggested that the Premier ask his staff to make the characters bigger so he wouldn't have to wear glasses when making speeches.

The conference, which exceeded its scheduled one-hour time by thirty minutes. ended on a humorous note. The conference was broadcast nationwide and widely covered by the newspapers.

(Craig Scott Galper)

[Picture Caption]

1. Premier Sun Yun-suan opening the press conference. 2. Premier Sun Yun-suan accompanied by the Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan Chu Shao-hwa, and the Director-General of the Government Information Office Dr. James C.Y. Soong presided over the press conference. 3. During the conference, reporters raised many questions. Pictured is a foreign correspondent expressing his point of view.

1. After the conference ended, Premier Sun is pictured shaking hands with the reporters.

2. Premier Sun Yun-suan accompanied by the Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan Chu Shao-hwa, and the Director-General of the Government Information Office Dr. James C.Y. Soong presided over the press conference.

3. During the conference, reporters raised many questions. Pictured is a foreign correspondent expressing his point of view.

1. After the conference ended, Premier Sun is pictured shaking hands with the reporters.