TAIWAN President Lee Teng-hui yesterday accused China of aiming to 'eliminate' his Government, one day before the start of a key congress which is expected to nominate him to run for a second term in 1996.
'All the methods communist China has used, its military exercises, its criticisms - their aim is to eliminate the Republic of China (Taiwan),' Mr Lee said in a speech to overseas members of the ruling Kuomintang (KMT).
He said his controversial visits to other countries, which have drawn a storm of criticism from China, were not intended to boost his chances of being elected but rather to promote the island.
'Their aim was very simple: to promote Taiwan. Nothing else,' added a stern-looking Mr Lee.
His defiant remarks came just a day before the KMT holds its 14th Central Committee Congress to decide on the method of selecting their president.
The KMT has three options for the selection - a vote by the 210 central committee members, by the 1,973 delegates, or by all 1.85 million party members.
KMT Secretary-General Hsu Shui-teh said that the guiding principle of the Congress would be 'Protect the Republic of China; Pragmatically create a new horizon.' After passage of the procedures, slated for tomorrow, Mr Lee who is also KMT chairman, is expected to declare his candidacy for a four-year term. Premier Lien Chan is tabbed as Mr Lee's likely running-mate.
