Is it `cross-strait links' or `domestic links'?

In a recent meeting with a People First Party (親民黨) delegation led by Liu Sung-pan (劉松藩), Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen (錢其琛) suggested that direct links between China and Taiwan could be opened without prior negotiations, based on a similar arrangement between Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Liu described Qian's new definition of transport services between Taiwan and China as "cross-strait links" (兩岸航線). Since Beijing would no longer define the "three links" between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait as "domestic links" (國內航線), Liu said this classification should help to pave the way for pacts between private organizations on either side of the Strait.

In fact, Qian's new definition is just a strategic statement. China's real political intent is what is worth examining.

Basically, Qian's definition was strategically ambiguous -- momentarily putting aside political disputes while seeking business exchanges. His suggestions emphasized that the establishment of these direct links as soon as possible has come from a demand for increasing cross-strait exchanges, the desire of the people of Taiwan and the consensus of all the parties, groups and individuals in both China and Taiwan.

But, according to Xinhua News Agency, Beijing in fact has not changed its definition of the three links as domestic links. According to Xinhua, "Qian said that direct cross-strait exchanges are an internal Chinese affair, which could be carried out on a people-to-people basis, between industries and companies from the two sides."

In other words, Qian's definition will have a political impact on Taiwan, especially as China wants to treat Taiwan's political parties differently, according to whether they are in favor of the "one China" principle or opposed to it. The new definition will show that the Taiwan authorities' policies have hampered direct cross-strait exchanges and will place great political pressures on Taiwan's government.

Qian's definition is also a restatement of "one China, with each side having its own interpretation." (一個中國，各自表述). China has designated transport services with Taiwan as "cross-strait links," but Beijing has never regarded cross-strait trade and transport as "foreign trade "or "international links" in any substantive way. Under its Taiwan policy, China is defined as the main sovereign entity, while Taiwan is merely a "separate customs territory" (單獨關稅區).

The policy is compatible with China's principle of "peaceful unification; one country, two systems" (和平統一; 一國兩制). It is not a relaxation or modification of the one China principle.

Facing China's new terminology, Taiwan may be able to negotiate for the three direct links with China through industries and non-governmental organizations. But given the lack of consensus on the one China principle among the political parties, Beijing's definition of special links will probably stir up more arguments about one China, with each side having its own interpretation. Taiwan must therefore evaluate Beijing's suggestion to open up the three links as cross-strait links and reach a consensus on how to respond.

Tsai Horng-ming is vice secretary-general of the Chinese National Federation of Industries.