Chen understands this logic. Therefore, he has called on the US to grant China permanent normal trade relations. US President Bill Clinton has now twice quoted Chen to convince the US Congress to support the extending the trade status to China. This is a good beginning. In all future cross-strait negotiations, the decision makers on both sides should first and foremost seek commonalties, while at the same time allowing for differences in opinion. First, decide what interests the two sides share and then jointly pursue and preserve such interests. For example, how do the two sides engage in a division of labor to raise their respective competitiveness in light of fierce international competition? How should they jointly develop and share the resources in the South China Sea?
Finally, I once again call on Beijing to seek mutual interests while allowing for differences between Taiwan and China. Expand and explore a consensus in order to strengthen the foundation for trust. As for a resolution to the objective differences existing between the two sides, it takes more than talk. We need time. Hopefully, everyone will respond to a new beginning in the cross-strait relationship with sincerity and magnanimity.
Lee Ying-yuan is a DPP legislator.
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