Risking harsh criticism from local scholars, a visiting Chinese academic yesterday suggested that Taiwan give Beijing a temporary compromise over the "one China" principle.
Taiwan could seek to readjust its mainland policy in the future as it becomes economically stronger, said Guy Liu (
"The most important task for Taiwan now is not to argue about one China or two Chinas, but to strengthen its economic power as it seeks leverage for negotiation with China. Taiwan must aim for complete economic cooperation with China," Liu said.
"To make possible a second economic miracle for the country, Taiwan must look to the great market in China. To achieve an overall economic cooperation with China, Taiwan will have no choice but to make some compromises to the leadership in Beijing," he said.
"A compromise does not mean that Taiwan has to accept what is agreed upon with China forever. Taiwan can choose to change its policy as it becomes economically stronger. Taiwan must learn to be realistic," he said.
Liu made his comments at a conference on cross-strait issues in Taipei yesterday organized by the Chinese Eurasian Education Foundation.
Liu's remarks sparked harsh criticism from local scholars, including National Security Council advisor Chang Jung-feng (
Chang said Liu's concept sounded more like propaganda against Taiwan.
"Liu's suggestion for Taiwan to start full-scale economic cooperation with China is totally theoretical. Liu urged Taiwan to be realistic. But his proposal apparently is not based on reality. It is purely theoretical," Chang said.
In response, Liu said that the reality of the situation is that China is a big country and Taiwan a small one.
"All the major powers in the world accept the fact that there is only one China. Why does Taiwan want to be the only country refusing to accept this fact?" Liu asked.
RSS