It is no surprise that the Bush administration would adhere to the same three pillars of Clinton's policy on cross-strait ties: adherence to a "one China" policy, insistence on peaceful resolution of the cross-strait dispute, as well as an emphasis on the resumption of cross-strait dialogue.
In addition, Washington will pressure Beijing to resume dialogue with Chen, or at least urge Chinese leaders to deal with Chen directly.
The Bush administration should go beyond publicly urging Taipei and Beijing to seek "meaningful dialogue" by privately offering to facilitate it. Being a "facilitator," rather than a "mediator" will bring about more constructive results in terms of cross-strait interaction.
One possible starting point might be for the US to invite Beijing and Taiwan to discuss issues from the "middle ground." For example, while Qian has claimed that "anything can be discussed," Chen has made reference to "a new mechanism for political integration." If the two sides can put aside ideological disputes and begin a "quiet, serious conversation" about the practical issues, Taipei and Beijing might realize, without compromising on their principles, that "what seems so elusive today becomes more realistic tomorrow."
As both sides will join the WTO later this year, there is no way either side can avoid some form of official contact. Chen's statements have offered another olive branch to Beijing, it is time for the Chinese government to respond now.
Liu Kuan-teh is a political commentator based in Taipei.
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