Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou's
One, he showed Hong Kongers the charisma of a popularly elected leader. He showed that he knew how to work the crowds and answer to the public, instead of merely kissing up to Beijing and acting as its parrot. Ma's visit has intensified the Hong Kongers' yearning for a leader elected by themselves -- rather than appointed by Beijing's imperial edict.
Two, his visit appears to have eased the tensions between Taiwan and Hong Kong. The easing began with the arrival of Chang Liang-jen
But the easing of relations was due less to Ma's efforts than to China's shift from one mode to another in its two-pronged strategy. Ma could nevertheless push such "easing" one step farther to-ward "improvement."
Three, the British left Hong Kong with a wealth of experience in urban development and management. As Taipei mayor, Ma could learn quite a few concrete things that can be beneficial to Taipei.
Amid all this praise, however, we should remember that Ma's visit was overshadowed by the harsh reality that Taiwan is facing China's powerful and brutal regime.
Without Beijing's approval, Ma would not have been welcome with such fanfare. His high-profile visit was a stark contrast to the low-key treatment given to Chang's arrival in Hong Kong just a few days before. Ma, who is widely expected to run for president in the future, would certainly appear to deserve long-term investment by Beijing.
In fact, in his enthusiasm for exchanges with Hong Kong and Shanghai, Ma also runs a risk of denigrating himself and his country. He should think twice before sending Deputy Mayor Pai Hsiu-hsiung
A meeting between the top leader of Taipei City and his counterparts in Hong Kong or Shanghai is not likely to denigrate Taiwan's status. However, an event like a "city-to-city forum" or "three-city forum" creates a tacit agreement that Taipei -- the capital of Taiwan -- is a city on the same level as that of Hong Kong and Shanghai.
We should remember that Hong Kong is merely a Special Administrative Region and Shanghai a special municipality under the Beijing government. China has many other similar municipalities, including Macau, Chongqing and Tianjin. Can we imagine Beijing holding a "city-to-city" forum with Kaohsiung?
To prevent Taipei from falling to the status of a provincial city, Ma should promote a city-to-city forum or even sister-city relations with Beijing. Or Beijing could be added to the forum.
The Beijing authorities claim that they want to negotiate with the Taiwan government on an equal basis. But how can we have equal negotiations if the capitals of the two sides do not enjoy equal status?
A proposition from Ma demanding direct contact with Beijing would test China's sincerity about improving cross-strait relations. It would also prove whether the Chinese authorities truly respect him, or whether they are merely toying with him.
If Ma sincerely wants to safeguard the ROC's dignity, then he should harness his horsepower and gallop toward Beijing instead of cheapening himself and his country by befriending authorities from other cities in China.
Paul Lin is a commentator on Hong Kong affairs. He currently resides in New York.
Translated by Francis Huang
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