In early spring this year, Chen was interviewed by Newsweek. In response to the question, "Can you envision a future in which Taiwan and China unify?" he replied: "If one day the people of Taiwan choose to unify with China, it must be done [after] their political situations [achieve] complete synergy, in which both sides enjoy democratic elections, multiparty politics, a truly neutral military [and] freedom of speech. Moreover, by then the average income in China should be about that of the people in Taiwan."
The conditions Chen has stated parallel those stipulated in the National Unification Guideline. Another condition which should be added is that China must first renounce any use of force against Taiwan.
The DPP must return to its roots. The party must rediscover the vision of freedom which enabled it to gain power. A great majority of the Taiwanese people want to keep the country's free and independent status. The DPP must reflect this ardent yearning for freedom and channel the people's energy into unity and purposeful action. An unequivocal commitment to democracy is indispensable to Taiwan's survival as an independent and free nation.
Li Thian-hok is a freelance com-mentator based in Pennsylvania.
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