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Soong sells himself on stability and free trade

Independent presidential candidate James Soong (宋楚瑜) yesterday promised he will make improving cross-strait relations and reforming Taiwan's politics a priority if he is elected.

Soong argued that the KMT leadership, which put forth the "state-to-state" model, and the DPP, which advocates independence for Taiwan, are two causes of "chaos" and "disaster" that must be removed to safeguard Taiwan's stability and security.

"You would have to endure a poor government for another four years if the KMT candidate were elected," Soong said. "And if the DPP candidate were elected, you would have to worry about a war breaking out across the Strait."

While the majority of people in Taiwan anticipate a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, the KMT thought up the state-to-state model which led to the cancellation of a planned visit to Taiwan by Beijing's chief negotiator Wang Daohan (汪道涵), Soong said.

He said the problem will not be resolved by changing the ruling party from the KMT to the DPP.

"Would you feel secure letting someone who is prone to act arbitrarily and is as aloof from professionalism as the KMT leaders become the next president?" Soong asked.

Soong said that if he wins, however, he will brighten the prospects of peace across the Taiwan Strait.

"We hope for peace instead of war, cooperation instead of confrontation, reconciliation instead of conflict," Soong said.

After he is elected, Soong said, he will invite Wang to visit Taiwan to discuss matters concerning opening up cross-strait transport, trade and mail links to prepare for Taiwan's membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

"The precondition for joining the WTO is free trade," Soong said.

Other issues which would be discussed include protection for Taiwanese businessmen investing in China, protection for Taiwan's agricultural sector after it joins the WTO and cross-strait cooperation on crime.

He said the "no haste, be patient" policy that restricts Taiwan businesses from making large-scale investments in China also needs to be reviewed.

The unpopularity of the policy is reflected in the fact that some business leaders who are close acquaintances of top KMT leaders have thrown their support behind the DPP's candidate Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), instead of the KMT's Lien Chan (連戰), Soong said.

"This shows that the KMT leadership has been moving farther and farther away from the business world," Soong said.

Soong guaranteed that after he is elected, he will not maintain improper connections with any business consortiums, but will offer assistance to all businesses, regardless of size or affiliation.

As to his promise of political reform, Soong said he will drop the "Leninist" practice currently being used by both the KMT and DPP in which the political party is a body higher than the government.

"I'll form a supra-partisan leadership to direct Taiwan's party politics toward a healthier state," Soong said.

He publicly invited Hsu Hsin-liang (許信良), another independent candidate, and his running mate Josephine Chu (朱惠良), to join his leadership.

Soong said he will not engage in any profiteering activities, while respecting the existing civil service system and letting professionalism prevail in his government.

Soong also said he will retain any competent people from the KMT, and would not hold a grudge against them.
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