Editorial: Chen's smart challenge to Beijing

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) on Monday told Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) that he would "absolutely respect" the idea of "one China with each side having its own interpretation (一中各表)" if Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) were to openly declare that the so-called "1992 consensus" means just that.

With that statement, Chen has thrown the ball squarely back into China's court. Beijing now has to address the issue of whether it concurs with the so-called "1992 consensus." Chen's words also offer a possible turning point in the current cross-strait deadlock.

However, chances are Hu is unlikely to spawn a political earthquake by commenting on Chen's remarks. For starters, it is clearly stated in the preface of the Chinese Constitution, adopted in December 1982, that "Taiwan is part of the sacred territory of the People's Republic of China [PRC]."

If Hu were to accept the idea of "one China with each side having its own interpretation," he would risk not only violating the PRC's Constitution but also setting off predictable waves of resistance and criticism from the Chinese Communist Party. Not to mention that he would also be violating Beijing's "Anti-Secession" Law, which explicitly states in its articles that "the Mainland and Taiwan belong to one China and that there is only one China and that the sovereignty of that one China is indivisible."

Time and again Hu has reiterated that the so-called "1992 consensus" refers to its "one China" principle. One ought to remember that when he met former KMT chairman Lien Chan (連戰) last May, Hu publicly stated that the meaning of "one China" in the "one China with each side having its own interpretation" was the PRC. If the consensus on "one China with each side having its own interpretation" exists as the KMT claimed, why then didn't Lien stand up and rebuff Hu's claim instead of standing mutely beside him?

While the KMT continues to bury its head in the sand over the "1992 consensus," it is important that President Chen keep his mind clear and lucid.

Chen's challenge to Hu also carries a risk. He should be fully aware how his remark on Monday might put Taiwan in a vulnerable position and allow it to be taken advantage of by China if he fails to handle it wisely.

The president's statement has shaken the nerves of most pan-green supporters and if not explained clearly, Chen and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) could very well be confronted with dissatisfaction from their supporters.

What if Hu, known for his skill in playing word games, were to accept? How will the DPP administration respond to a possible scenario of "two Chinas" without compromising Taiwan's dignity and status? Worse, it could further lock Taiwan into the position of Beijing's definition of "one China."

Although Chen had carefully phrased his challenge -- the word "respect" is not tantamount to "accept" -- the president should nonetheless be cautious and avoid falling into "united front" traps set by China.

The DPP administration ought to seriously contemplate and draft strategies on what it is prepared to face when China throws the ball back into its court.