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Editorial: Chen-Ma talks a positive start

The long-awaited meeting between President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) took place yesterday with the two men exchanging views on a wide range of topics. Although they expressed differing opinions and failed to arrive at a consensus, the discussion on domestic and foreign policies between the leaders of the government and the opposition was a healthy and positive development.

The meeting was not meant to seek a solution to the problems; rather, it was a starting point. The hope is that it will lead to more amicable competition between the two sides in the future. It was, in essence, a political debate, but it was not a contest to determine a winner or a loser.

There was no set agenda but the discussion encompassed a wide range of issues. These included the so-called "1992 consensus," as well as Ma's proposed interim framework for relations with China and Beijing's likely reaction to this proposal. Chen and Ma also touched on the arms procurement proposal, the National Unification Council and its guidelines and constitutional change.

The meeting, which lasted a little over two hours, is an invaluable source of information for the public and a major reference point for anyone interested in Taiwanese affairs.

Chen and Ma continued to differ on the term and meaning of the so-called "1992 consensus." Chen said that he could not find any official documentation to support its existence, adding that it was a fabrication made up by former Mainland Affairs Council chairman Su Chi (蘇起) in 2000. Regardless of how the ruling or opposition party views it, the question is what Beijing thinks. China believes that "one China" refers to the People's Republic of China (PRC), and there is little room for either side to have its own interpretation. Chen urged Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) to clarify whether Beijing would agree to each side of the Strait interpreting the "one China" policy differently, adding that he would respect the result.

Although the pan-blue and pan-green camps may hold opposing views on cross-strait policy, their differences are no greater than the disparity between Taiwan and China. Chen has now put the ball in China's court. If China fails to adopt a flexible approach, neither Ma's interim agreement nor Chen's proposal to establish a peaceful, stable framework for interaction between the two sides will mean anything.

Chen and Ma are long-time rivals, but their discussion yesterday was conducted in a rational, composed manner. Although the meeting was never expected to completely thaw the icy relations between the government and the opposition, it brings new hope for Taiwanese politics and could create a win-win situation for Chen, Ma and Taiwan. Subsequent meetings between the two leaders don't have to be another media extravaganza, but they should continue to be held to exchange ideas. When this happens, Taiwanese politics will have truly become more mature.
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