There is a saying among Chinese chess players: People should not comment on a game in progress and players should never take back moves they already made. Unfortunately, these are rules that President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has failed to obey as he negotiates the political chess board. His indecision and flip-flopping on issues have provoked a backlash within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
If Chen would just act on the public's mood and promote a coherent policy to counter China's "united front" strategy, as well as solicit support from the international community, he could probably turn a desperate situation to his advantage.
It is worrying that Chen doesn't seem to know where he has gone wrong or realize that casual remarks can have serious consequences.
Returning to the chess analogy, in a game of chess you should look at the layout of the board and not only think of your next move. But it is difficult to think more than a few moves ahead. Observers often see more clearly than players, and seeing a threat, they know how the player should respond.
For this reason, one of the first rules of chess is that people should not comment on a game in progress. To avoid controversy, the second rule of chess is that players should never retract moves already made.
Although such rules do not apply to politics, they provide food for thought on the current political situation. The result of Chen's political chess game will affect the nation's sovereignty and the freedom of its people. He is on his own too, for those closest to him are at a loss as to what he should do next.
In this game of chess, consultation is important to avoid mistakes, and hesitantly making a move, then retracting it, will only attract ridicule and censure.
Chen is working hard for Taiwan's future, and has had to endure much as a result. However, in this game, Chen cannot rely solely on his own judgement.
Chiang Kai-shek's (
If Chen had shrewd councilors able to analyse the pros and cons of various issues and formulate policy directed at achieving specific goals, he could have dealt with People First Party Chairman James Soong (
Chen should also have responded more appropriately to the recent China visits by Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (
For Taiwan's long-term benefit, I suggest that Chen establish a mission-oriented task force on foreign affairs, and appoint Premier Frank Hsieh (
The National Security Council, National Security Bureau, Mainland Affairs Council and the ministries of foreign affairs, national defense and justice should also be involved in the task force. Before making any moves, this group should formulate a strategy so that Chen is not just thinking one move at a time. Only in this way can he avoid making more mistakes.
Shen Chieh is a journalist based in Taipei.
Translated by Daniel Cheng
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