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Editorial: Political grandstanding dangerous

It is both amusing and sad to see the latest sorry attempt by KMT and PFP legislators to push for a speedy launch of "direct links" -- a proposal to directly amend the relevant statute to accomplish that end.

President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) remark on May 5 that direct links are inevitable made opposition lawmakers edgy. While before they may have repeatedly slammed Chen for failing to open direct links, now that he seems serious about the matter, they aren't happy. They worry that Chen will grab all the credit for what would be a major breakthrough in cross-strait relations. If that were to happen, their allies in Beijing might realize that they don't need them after all. Even more importantly, it might cost their parties votes in the next presidential election.

Their fears have been increased by what they interpret as an "unprecedented" friendly comment by Chen Yunlin (陳雲林), head of the China's State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office. Not only did he apparently indicate Beijing's support for Chen's efforts to push for direct links, he didn't mention the usual preconditions for such links, namely, acceptance of the "one China" principle and a return to the so-called "1992 consensus" between the two sides.

Some opposition lawmakers are already interpreting Chen Yunlin's comments as indicative of a major change in China's Taiwan policy. They claim that Beijing will no longer demand acceptance of the "one China" principle as a precondition for links. It is naive to assume a major policy change based on one official's comment -- especially given Beijing's consistent position in this regard for decades. There is also the risk that China may be using deliberate ambiguity in order to lure Taiwan into some sort of trap.

Quite a few opposition lawmakers are lobbying to have private groups or associations associated with them represent the government in negotiations with China over direct links. Their motives, however, appear to be based more on the fear of being left out of the history books than on patriotism or duty. Everyone wants to make sure they get noticed, even if it is only by endorsing the proposal for a legal amendment on direct links.

Trying to force direct links through a change in the law would only create more problems, while doing little to accomplish its intended goal. It is absurd to think that cross-strait negotiations could either be held after such an amendment was passed or be forgone entirely. Official permission from Beijing is required before ships or airplanes from Taiwan could enter China's territory and that permission isn't going to be given without negotiations. Just look at what happened after Taiwan approved the opening of the "three small links" -- Beijing just ignored the gesture.

Passing a legal amendment and then holding negotiations would be extremely disadvantageous to Taiwan. What would Taipei have to negotiate with if its position is marked out and announced ahead of time?

Opposition lawmakers are creating more trouble for the government by trying to interfere where there is no need for them. Their actions are also harmful to the people of Taiwan. Once again they are placing their own selfish interests ahead of the nation's.
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