Who Is Most Suitable for Directing Negotiations with China?

Lung-chu Chen

As Taiwan's presidential campaign reaches a new height of contention, the future cross-strait relationship has become a very important topic. The lastest focus is on which of the candidates is most suitable for directing the future Taiwan-China relations and for safeguarding the fundamental rights and interests of the Taiwanese people.

A basic consideration relates to who has demonstrated a strong identification with the island nation of Taiwan, and defended the sovereignty and dignity of Taiwan. Under the Chinese threats of forcing unification talks with Taiwan, will he stand up and insist that the cross-strait relationship is a state-to-state relationship which is special yet equal.

The American experience in improving relations with Communist China is instructive. After refusing to recognize the existence of the People's Republic of China for some 22 years, who actually opened the door for normalizing relations with Communist China? Not a Democratic President, but a Republican President—Richard Nixon who was steadfast and consistent in his opposition to Communist China. Because of Republicans' and Nixon's steadfastness in opposing Chinese Communists, the American people had confidence in Nixon, knowing that he would not sell America short or sell out American interests.

What, then, are relevant considerations in deciding which of the candidates is most suitable for directing the future Taiwan--China relations and for defending the fundamental rights, interests and well-being of the Taiwanese people? It is essential that voters not be dictated by momentary campaign slogans, but be guided by the totality of words and deeds of a candidate and by the position and policy of the political party he represents. The Taiwanese voters must keep a cool head, put premium on the common interests of the Taiwanese people, overcome all kinds of fear, and reject a surrender that will be disguised as peace. Casting their votes with wisdom and courage on March 18, the Taiwanese people will be writing a new chapter in the history of Taiwan's democracy.