The decision by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to cancel a debate over the party's China policy next week -- in the wake of the Executive Yuan's recent announcement of a plan to adopt a tougher stance on cross-strait economic and trade exchanges -- bears close watching. It goes to show that not only does President Chen Shui-bian (
While the Executive Yuan's move may have been controversial, or perhaps even inconsiderate, in light of the DPP's planned debate next week, the party's decision to scrap the whole thing is anything but constructive. The only thing that the cancelation has accomplished is to highlight the anger of party members and dissatisfaction with the Executive Yuan.
That still leaves the issue of what needs to be done to formulate a clear-cut cross-strait policy that the DPP can use as a campaign platform for the 2008 presidential election.
This is especially a cause for concern in light of Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou's (
In contrast, the DPP cannot even make up its mind whether to hold a debate on cross-strait policies, let alone come up with a comprehensive plan and consensus on a platform for cross-strait relations.
The internal rift and division within the DPP -- between various factions and the party machinery on the one hand and the executive arm on the other -- also cannot be overlooked. Within the pan-blue camp, there is an unconfirmed consensus that Ma will be the official candidate for the 2008 presidential election. As for the DPP, while Premier Su Tseng-chang (
The undercurrent and tension within the DPP have been further brought to light by this most recent rift between the Executive Yuan and party headquarters. As the governing party, the DPP is expected to enjoy the advantage of control over government resources. However, if the division between the executive arm and the party machinery continues, much of this advantage will be lost -- no matter who ends up running for the DPP.
The 2008 election is rapidly approaching and President Chen seems no longer able, or perhaps is unwilling, to silence the bickering within the party as he used to do. What the DPP should do next has now become the most pressing issue.
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