TT: What's the reason for bringing up the issue now?
Su: KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) toyed with the idea of confederation on the campaign trail in the 2000 presidential election, but soon set it aside to avoid its distortion by rival camps. The flagging economy prodded the KMT to bring it up anew in the hope of inspiring meaningful debate and helping calm the feelings of unease among the public.
Polls show the number of people backing the status quo is ebbing while those in favor of "one country, two systems" are on the rise. Without forfeiting the principle of parity or the ultimate goal of unification, the confederation model should be able to win support from camps across the political spectrum.
Lawmakers from the KMT, the DPP and the People First Party have called to voice their support. President Chen himself said twice last year he is open to the idea. I concede that no staunch independence advocates, such as the New Tide faction of the DPP, have offered a positive response. But unanimous consent is not necessary.
TT: Is the confederation scheme related to President Chen's integration concept?
Su: The measure is part of a larger program aimed at ensuring peace in the Taiwan Strait. As for the integration theory floated by President Chen, nobody knows what it is about, as he has failed to offer an explanation. To me, it [integration] is just a name -- an empty glass yet to be filled. By contrast, we can find concrete precedents in history about confederations, which allow people to know what path the KMT is taking.
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