Earlier, the pan-blue parties began dealing directly with China through the Chinese Communist Party. And before that, members of the legislature, under the same political grouping, blocked important laws required for Taiwan's governance.
The KMT is also in a period of internal and external change. The results are still uncertain. However, the party has had one unifying objective -- to regain power at any cost.
To an extent, that is not unusual in any democratic country. What is different, however, is the many activities by the opposition in holding direct meetings with Chinese officials on matters that should include government officials.
KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (
The results may change some of the assurances that have been heard up to now.
There is, however, a clear difference between the two main political parties, not only in ideology, but in their party systems.
This difference is based on the ideology regarding independence versus unification with China.
One side looks to creation of an open political system, while the other side looks to a more disciplined system, more like in Singapore, at the expense of democracy.
If the pan-blue camp wins the forthcoming elections and forges a closer relationship with China, not only would the power-balance in the region face a challenge but also the security and development of all democratic forces in East Asia would be affected.
The DPP naturally tends to stand on the side of democratic countries. The present opposition seems to want Taiwan's future to be more reliant on the China relationship.
One can be sure that, when the current set of elections in Taiwan is completed, the US, Japan, Southeast Asian countries and many others will be watching with considerable interest.
Nat Bellocchi is former chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan and a special adviser to the Liberty Times Group. The views expressed in this article are his own.
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