TT: China has remained notably quiet both before and after the elections. Why is that?
Ruan: Beijing leaders have learned a lesson from the previous two presidential elections not to try to intimidate Taiwanese voters because that only backfires.
The election results must have taken China by surprise, and hence Beijing's leaders just don't know how to respond. They simply don't know how to deal with Taiwan. For the moment, China will continue to "wait and see" before the dust settles in Taiwan's political realignment.
In addition, China now has many more pressing internal problems to handle than taking on Taiwan.
TT: What do you think Taiwan should do in managing its relations with China in the future?
Ruan: If Taiwan continues to consolidate its democracy and freedom and China does not let go of authoritarian rule, I think time is on Taiwan's side.
With the transfer of power following last year's presidential election and this legislative election, Taiwan has truly entered a new century with a new generation. Now the question is whether it has a new [global] strategy at this crucial moment.
I believe that Taiwan should pursue an "open strategy" underpinned by Taiwan's identity and interests. Therefore, I support the opening of the three links with full deliberation of Taiwan's needs.
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