Taipei Times: As one of Taiwan's pioneer democratic activists who once served as chairman of the DPP, your decision to run for Kaohsiung mayor against DPP incumbent Frank Hsieh (
Shih Ming-teh (
After we have fulfilled these two major political projects in the 20th century, what we should be doing in the future? This is a question I've been thinking about over the last two years. Last year we founded the Mountain (山盟), an alliance of independent lawmakers, and [through some discussion] we concurred that Taiwan has to prepare itself for the trend of globalization. Though Taiwan has joined the WTO, the government has not put forth any measures to deal with the issue of globalization.
TAIPEI TIMES FILE PHOTO
The DPP, after coming to power, has been busy trying to consolidate its power base and allocate benefits. It has failed to offer us an orientation as to where it is going to lead Taiwan in the future. Since the Economic Development Advisory Conference was convened last year, up to 90 percent of the conference's conclusions have not been implemented and the economy remains slow. [To be led by a government] without ideas and foresight is the most dangerous situation Taiwan can face.
In dealing with globalization, a subject we have to face up to is the opening up of direct transport links with China. Whether you like it or not, China became a "world factory" at the start of this century and will continue to see this status strengthened in the coming 10 to 20 years.
The key problem that is hampering the opening of direct transport links is the "one China" principle insisted upon by China. China will at most define the route between Taiwan and China as "special domestic route." Beijing's recent proposal to call such links a "cross-strait route" does not mean that China has scrapped the "one China" policy.
TT: What do you aim to achieve through this mayoral bid?
Shih: I've been wondering why Kaohsiung, which has a harbor, airport and industrial processing zone, has suffered such a severe recession. Up to 40 percent of high-rise buildings in Kaohsiung are empty and the real estate market has dropped by 50 percent. So I've proposed developing Kaohsiung into a self-governing special economic zone. I've suggested that Kaohsiung be granted a high degree of autonomy except in the areas of defense and diplomatic power. If this plan was turned into reality, Kaohsiung would be able to negotiate directly with Shanghai, Tianjin and Xiamen on the opening of direct transport links. Kaohsiung would be able to sign economic pacts with other countries. While Taipei would be able to continue to resist China's "one country, two systems" formula for unification, Beijing would not have to give up its "one China" policy.
Becoming a free port would open a new chapter for Kaohsiung, as it would attract investment to the city and increase job opportunities. Kaohsiung could be revived.
After Kaohsiung becomes a free port, it will be able to establish its own securities and futures exchange and enforce financial liberalization.
Not only will Taiwanese businessmen bring their money back, but the black money of China will also flood into Taiwan. Chinese people with black money used to put money in Hong Kong, but they dare not do so after 1997. In China, people with black money usually enjoy more influence. If their black money were put in Taiwan, Taiwan's security would get the best protection because these people would definitely not wish to see Taiwan become a part of China or a war break out in Taiwan.
Some people may think that my idea is too radical. But I think that if this idea is realized, Pingtung, Kaohsiung and Tainan counties would be included in the economic zone in five to 10 years and Taiwan would become a free nation and neutral country in 30 years. But we will lose many business opportunities if we don't hurry up.
TT: We understand that you are promoting a piece of legislation designed to turn this idea into reality. What are the prospects for making the bill a law -- one that is opposed by the DPP -- before the mayoral poll?
Shih: In seven months, I have turned what was only a concept into an idea, then a proposal and later a piece of legislation. A total of 125 lawmakers have endorsed the bill. I don't have the support of a political party and have depended merely on my own influence. The KMT, PFP and TSU have expressed their support for the bill.
It is pointless opposing the bill. The DPP must present some measures to deal with the economy.
The DPP says the plan, if implemented, will create two different systems in Taiwan. What is wrong with that?
After Okinawa, Japan have decided to turn Osaka into a free port. South Korea has Cheju Island and even North Korea announced last month it was planning a special economic zone.
China has 14 special economic zones along its southeastern coast, in addition to Hong Kong and Macau. In keeping pace with the trend of globalization, the system of the country must be adjusted.
I admit it is a very lonely journey. This has been the most difficult path I've ever taken. But I'm well aware that if I don't join the mayoral race, this idea will be nothing but a thesis. And I know very well that the bill will die if I quit the race.
TT: You met with KMT Chairman Lien Chan (
Shih: As long as this bill is passed, I can quit the race. If I wanted a position in the government, I could get a more powerful position than the mayoralty. All I would need to do is stop criticizing President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁). I can quit even on the eve of the polling day as long as the bill is passed.
TT: We know that this proposal has gained the support of the Kaohsiung City Council and won the approval of a number of people, but this has not been reflected in the popular support for your candidacy so far. What do you think is the reason for this?
Shih: One reason is that I'm simply cornered in the race without the backup of a political party. Secondly, most average people just have a problem understanding an idea as advanced as this.
And I don't have many opportunities to expound on the idea. Such a huge project is not something that can be explained clearly in a few sentences.
As a matter of fact, it depends on the national leaders to turn good ideas into policies, and people will see the good they are doing.
TT: Have you ever been concerned about how you will fare in the election? Some people think the poll will affect how you go down in history
Shih: I'm like a person who has been splashed by sulfuric acid throughout my whole life. Do I care how many votes I will gain or if this will affect my historical status? Everybody thinks that I'm a tragic hero.
But being a tragic hero is not humiliating. It simply shows the ignorance of contemporary people. Because contemporary people lack the ability to tell right from wrong, an idea such as this will only be understood many years from now. This is what makes me a tragic hero.
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