Soong wants to phase out `go slow, be patient'

Independent presidential candidate James Soong (宋楚瑜) yesterday urged the government to phase out its current "go slow, be patient" policy (戒急用忍) toward investment in China, and instead promoted what he termed "constructive" cross-strait economic ties.

One week after announcing his cross-strait policy, Soong yesterday released his proposals relating to the economy and trade, in which he strongly advocated thawing out the ice blocking increased cross-strait commerce: the "three no's" to direct shipping, trade and communications.

Soong said in a written statement that following entry into the WTO, both Taiwan and China will have to redefine their cross-strait economic relationship.

Chang Chao-hsiung (張昭雄), Soong's running mate, gave details of the plan: "We [Soong's camp] prefer to develop cross-strait economics on a positive and constructive basis, instead of the ongoing `go slow, be patient' course."

"We would propose reviewing big investment projects in China based on what sort of industry they are. We could [for example] forbid hi-tech enterprises and national defense industries from investing in China, rather than following the current line of [broad-based] investment limitations," Chang said.

According to current regulations, the central government prohibits businesses in Taiwan from investing over US$50 million dollars in any single project in China.

Chang also said they would actively promote the opening of the "three links" -- direct transportation, communication and commerce -- since this could only be mutually beneficial.

While in favor of replacing the "go slow, be patient" program, Chang said the government should keep a close watch on money coming in from China.

On the local economic front, Soong pledged to "strike a balance" between the central and local governments, and to avoid the appearance of the central government being "treated to a meal, but letting local authorities pay the bill."

He also said KMT presidential hopeful Lien Chan's (連戰) plan to extend universal education from 9 to 12 years was just another "political check."

Critics said there are two major arguments in the current cross-strait policy debate -- over whether to maintain the "go slow, be patient" program, and over whether to open the "three links."

Judging from Soong's guidelines, critics said apart from the "three links" issue, there appeared to be no apparent difference between Soong and President Lee Teng-hui (李登輝).

In particular, analysts pointed out that President Lee hinted last September at a possible adjustment in the "go slow, be patient" policy after both Taiwan and China become members of the WTO.

Scholars also challenged Soong's conclusion that as a result of lifting the ban on the "three links" with China, Taiwan could reduce costs on cross-strait transportation.

"According to statistics, the cost of transportation compared to the total cost of goods is only 1.7 percent. So even if the ban on direct links is removed, there is not much room to further cut costs,'' said Kenneth Lin (林向愷), a National Taiwan University economist.

Furthermore, Lin said, negotiations over air transport with China would inevitably have to face the sovereignty argument and that this was the most difficult part for Taiwan to overcome.

Meanwhile, reacting to reports that former Legislative Speaker Liu Sung-pan (劉松藩) may become his campaign manager, Soong was vague.