In cross-strait relations, Hsieh said China would inevitably have to negotiate with the DPP should the party remain in power next year.
Hsieh added he favored pushing Taiwan's application for UN membership under the name "Taiwan."
Su said he was personally averse to unification with China and believed no Taiwanese would choose assimilation.
If elected, he would work to deepen Taiwanese consciousness and Taiwanese identity, Su said.
The country must use its economic power to resist Beijing's suppression of its diplomatic space, he said.
With respect to the national title and constitutional reform, Su said Taiwan is an independent sovereignty whose constitutional name is the Republic of China (ROC).
Until a new constitution that is timely, viable and relevant to the needs of Taiwanese is written, a public consensus must be formed.
Emphasizing the importance of national identification, Su said it is clear that Taiwan and China are two different countries and he would continue to build Taiwan into a normal country if elected.
Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) said it was a waste of time to debate the issue of independence and assimilation because Taiwan is already an independent, sovereign state since 1996 when its people directly elected their national leaders.
She said the government should focus on promoting sustainable development and proposed what she termed "co-existence of production, environment, livelihood and life."
"There is only one Taiwan. Any development project must put the country's sustainable existence and public welfare as the first priority," she said.
Lu said more and more people have expressed dissatisfaction with the name, ROC, because it confuses the international community and evokes unpleasant memories.
She said, however, that any change to the nation's name must be peaceful, legal and constitutional.
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