T he reaction last night of the US and China -- the other two key players in Taiwan's second openly contested presidential election -- was characterized by caution and hesitancy."
The state-run Xinhua News Agency issued a one-sentence report on its English news wire after polls closed that said ``the election in Taiwan province'' was over and Chen Shui-bian ``took the lead.'' It did not say the election was for Taiwan president or give any other details.
As polls closed in Taiwan, state television in Shanghai was broadcasting the US children's program "Barney" the purple dinosaur. China's 7pm nightly television news report made no mention of Taiwan's election, and most newspapers, all controlled by the government, had no stories about it yesterday.
Late last night, the Chinese government said the poll results did not change the island's status as part of China.
Xinhua news agency quoted a statement from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, China's cabinet, as saying: "Taiwan's local leadership election and its results cannot change the fact that Taiwan is a part of China's territory."
"Taiwan independence in any form is absolutely impermiss-able," the statement said.
"We are listening to the words and watching the actions of Taiwan's new leader and waiting expectantly to see which direction he will take cross-Straits relations," it said.
It did not mention poll victor Chen Shui-bian by name.
"China is willing to exchange views on cross-Straits relations and peaceful reunification with all Taiwan political parties who approve of the one-China principle," the statement said, referring to Beijing's stance that the island is part of China.
It called on "Taiwan compatriots to join us in safeguarding national sovreignty and territorial integrity and protecting the fundamental interest of the Chinese people."The first substantive reaction from within China came from Hong Kong about four hours after polls closed -- with a Chen victory already confirmed.
"Beijing will not declare war, not yet," said Ma Lik, a Hong Kong deputy to China's National People's Congress, as news emerged from Taipei that the independence-leaning Chen had won the election.
"I think what Chen Shui-bian does, his next step will be very, very important," Ma said.
"He must persuade Beijing that he will not declare Taiwan to be independent and that he wants to improve their relationship."
Beijing had to accept reality, and that a harsh reaction would severely affect Hong Kong's economy and stability, Ma said.
Lau Siu-Kai, a political commentator at the Chinese University, was pessimistic.
"I think there will be tension between the two sides for some time to come unless I see something drastic [like] Chen Shui-bian willing to give up all attempts to detach from China," he said.
China and Taiwan neither understand nor trust each other and cannot agree on basic principles, Lau said.
"Hong Kong will be victimized in the process, especially if the US adopts economic measures against China, with the intention of discouraging [a military intervention]," Lau said. "I'm not very optimistic at all."
US response yesterday evening was also restrained.
President Bill Clinton congratulating Chen Shui-bian on his election as Taiwan's new president and urged Taipei and Beijing to begin constructive talks to improve relations.
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