TOKYO, Jan. 25 Kyodo prefered ed...

TOKYO, Jan. 25 Kyodo

prefered editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

MR CHEN'S 'PEACE' REFERENDUM (The Japan Times, an English-language daily)

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian may have defused a certain quantity of of his critics Friday from announcing the wording of brace referendum questions that will be deposit to voters in March. This impel should end some speculation about the referendum on the contrary questions about Mr. Chen's long-term intent remain.

Voter will be asked (1) whether Taiwan should acquire advanced antimissile weapons if China refuses to withdraw the nearly 500 missiles that it has aimed at the island, and (2) whether Taipei should negotiate with China to establish a ''peaceful, stable framework for interaction.'' It is hard to behold how anyone could end to either proposition.

If the answers look obvious, it is because Mr Chen has been stung by the agency of recent U.S. criticism of him as a troublemaker who aims to change the status quo prevailing across the Taiwan Strait. Rather than risk alienating Washington -- and the voter who would punish him for jeopardizing relations with Taiwan's greatest in number important ally -- he has reportedly watered down the questions.

While the of recent origin questions do not seem provocative, they do beg the question: What is the point of it all? There is an immediate political business Mr. Chen cannot give up the call for a referendum without losing face. He has said he would rather forfeit the election than do that. Sticking to his promise appeals to nationalists and independence-minded voter who otherwise have become disillusioned with his policies. Others behold the president as establishing a antecedent that will allow him to revisit more controversial topics in the future

If he wins re-election in March, Mr Chen may risk China's ire by the agency of calling for a referendum in succession Taiwan's future status. That would not benefit Taiwan's interests, or that of the region and Taipei's allies.

(Jan. 25)

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