That China is altering its Taiwan policy can be observed both from Jiang's New Year address, which stated that the WTO provides a new opportunity for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and from Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen's (錢其琛) remarks that cross-strait politics should not interfere with cross-strait business. Although contradictions remain among the Chinese authorities, the above remarks show that Beijing is adjusting its Taiwan policy in its search for a conclusion as to what that policy should be in the changed world order.
When taking questions from Chinese students after his speech at the renowned Tsinghua University in Beijing, Bush was asked whether the US still remembered its commitment to China, since he mentioned in Japan that the US still remembered its commitment to Taiwan. Apparently, this student wanted Bush to re-affirm the three communiques.
Bush responded as follows, however: "When my country makes an agreement, we stick with it.?And there is [an agree-ment] called the Taiwan Relations Act, and I honor that act, which says we will help Taiwan defend herself if provoked.?But we've also sent the same message that there should be no provocation by either party for a peaceful dialogue."
His answer was not what the student expected to hear.
In my observation, Washington has become more confident while Beijing has become more pragmatic in the current international order. I am at odds in this view with the majority opinion among international relations specialists in Taipei, who argue that Bush's comments were more a result of personal than of structural factors.
As I have said, however, even Clinton strengthened Taiwan-US relations during his presidency. It is therefore evident that structural factors are far more influential that personal factors in this matter.
Lin Cho-shui is a DPP legislator.
Translated by Eddy Chang
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