12/14/98 TAIWAN'S GOVERNING PARTY ISN'T PICKING ANY FIGHTS

TAIWAN'S GOVERNING PARTY ISN'T PICKING ANY FIGHTS

I would like to commend you on the observant and thorough coverage of Taiwan's coming elections and your grasp of the issues (''The man China fears,'' International Economics, Nov. 23). However, I am concerned that your description of the Democratic Progressive Party as a crisis-provoking party that could incite confrontation between Beijing and Washington raises unwarranted anxiety, both domestically and internationally.
Ever since the founding of the DPP 12 years ago, Mayor Chen Shuibian and other DPP leaders have championed human rights and democracy in Taiwan. Today, the DPP is also leading Taiwan into a new era of government efficiency and clean politics. Throughout this process of democratization, the DPP has upheld the fundamental principle of peace, not only in domestic political reform but also in facing China.
The Democratic Progressive Party is not trying to initiate confrontation with China. Nor does the DPP seek to draw the U.S. into conflict with China. Mayor Chen and the DPP understand that the U.S.'s commitment to Taiwan's security and defense relies on responsible, mature, and peaceful handling of relations across the Taiwan Strait by political leaders on both sides.
Bi-Khim Hsiao
Director of International Affairs
Democratic Progressive Party
Taipei