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A divided nation can't make itself understood

Whether Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan's (連戰) visit to China is a good or bad thing cannot be concluded with a sweeping generalization.

It should be analyzed on various points.

In regard to cross-strait relations, the visits by Lien and People First Party Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) to China have a positive meaning.

They have eased the tension between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

In fact, the Chinese Communist Party has actively pushed for the visits of the opposition leaders in order to ease cross-strait tension and soothe the global resentment that has emerged against the "Anti-Secession" Law.

But this cannot build a foundation for cross-strait peace.

Regarding Taiwan's domestic affairs, the visits by Lien and Soong have once again stirred up conflict between pro-unification and pro-independence camp ideologies.

After the legislative elections in December, the government tried to create an atmosphere of reconciliation, while the new Cabinet promoted reconciliation and coexistence.

There were also high expectations that social conflict in Taiwan could be reduced. But people were stunned by the violence at CKS International Airport on Tuesday last week.

As an outsider, the first question that came to my mind was how Taiwanese people could talk so much about reconciliation with the other side of the Strait when they continue to fight so severely among themselves.

The violence at the airport told us another very painful fact: Domestic integration of Taiwan is yet to be completed.

In light of the extremely different stances that exist on this nation's development, adjustments are necessary and consensus and reconciliation should be sought.

A society can only look outwards when its internal problems are resolved.

Under such circumstances, I believe that politicians who truly love Taiwan should put aside their ideological interests and focus instead on their community.

They should also do their best to make more decisions that benefit ethnic reconciliation and social harmony.

Real cross-strait talks can only take place someday when a consensus is reached within Taiwan.

Wang Dan was a student leader during the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations in Beijing.

TRANSLATED BY EDDY CHANG
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