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Chen, Hsieh rebut claims they are at odds over policies

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) yesterday dismissed speculation that they were at odds over cross-strait economic policies.

While Hsieh's Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) election rival Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) has criticized him for focusing more on national identity issues than on the economy, Chen said it was wrong to focus only on the economy and neglect national sovereignty and status.

"Improving the economy and safeguarding national identity can go hand in hand," Chen said. "It's like what Hsieh said: He will decide the campaign strategy, and when it comes to national policy, I am the boss."

Chen made the remarks after attending an exhibition at the World Trade Center yesterday morning.

Separately, Hsieh said yesterday that he could not tell Chen what to do, since the latter is president, but added that he would be able to assert his policies as president if elected.

"President Chen is trying very hard to do many things, but as the first elected Taiwanese president, he is under a lot of pressure," he said. "Although there are things that he hasn't done -- or hasn't done quite right -- I'll do them and this is the point of electing a new president. I believe he will accept my proposals."

Hsieh made the remarks in response to a question from an American Chamber of Commerce member during a luncheon yesterday. Hsieh was asked whether he would push ahead with the policies he has proposed if elected, considering Chen's influence in the DPP.

Another member with the Chamber said he was disappointed by both the DPP and KMT for doing little over the past eight years.

In response, Hsieh said that bipartisanship was a major problem in Taiwan. He said he would strive to secure a majority in the legislature or form a coalition government to attain policy goals.

While Taiwan has never seen a coalition government before, Hsieh said it was a possibility next year because it was possible that neither the DPP nor KMT would secure a legislative majority.

Hsieh emphasized that his economic policy differs from Ma because he prioritizes Taiwan's sovereignty.

"National sovereignty and the status quo are more important than anything else," he said.

"My bottom line is that I will not open the local market at the expense of Taiwan's sovereignty and make the country into a local government of China," Hsieh said.

Regarding whether investment from China should be regulated, Hsieh said industries related to national defense, agriculture and people's livelihoods should be protected.

The key issue is not whether to manage investment, but how to manage it, Hsieh said.

"Our policy should be guided by what's best for Taiwan," he said.
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