President Chen Shui-bian (
In his New Year's Eve speech, Chen proposed revising the "no haste, be patient" policy with a new vision of "proactive openness and effective management." "According to the ROC Constitution, `one China' is not a problem in the first place," Chen said, and he would be willing to "establish a mechanism or modify an existing one" on national development and cross-strait relations. "The two sides should start from economic, trade and cultural integration, and build mutual trust on a gradual basis so as to seek lasting peace and build a new mechanism for political integration."
This was the first time Chen proposed a long-term framework for cross-strait relations. His speech has certainly stirred excitement in the local media as well as the general public.
Despite the new messages in Chen's speech, however, this newspaper feels compelled to pour some cold water on a possible bout of cross-strait fever.
Cross-strait relations came last in both of his speeches. Especially, in his speech yesterday, the "six objectives for the new century" are lined up as follows: "reform the financial system and develop a knowledge-based economy;" "reconcile ruling and opposition parties and integrate ethnic groups;" "eliminate `black gold' politics and thoroughly implement the rule of law;" "enhance government efficiency and accelerate reforms;" "promote human rights legislation and establish human rights standards;" and finally "work for cross-strait reconciliation and establish lasting peace."
Cross-strait reconciliation came last in the lineup, which in a way shows how important a priority it is in government policy.
Of course priority should be given to domestic affairs. Financial and economic issues are Taiwan's most urgent task of the day. More than anything else, Taiwan needs to focus on both short-term and long-term measures to salvage the economy because economic development is the foundation on which everything else depends -- the people's living, social stability, national security and cross-strait relations.
China now has a strong pull on Taiwan businesses in light of the deteriorating investment environment here. Some people are hoping for the opening of the "three big links" with China and a revitalization of Taiwanese businesses there. The government's "small three links" policy, which officially took effect yesterday, has also been the focus of tremendous public expectations. But it is still early to indulge in talk about the "big three links" given that Beijing's cool response to the "small three links" may undercut the significance of Taiwan's goodwill gesture.
Taiwan has yet to reach a consensus on cross-strait issues and its political parties are pursuing divergent policies on the matter. Any talk of cross-strait issues can easily lead to the independence versus unification dispute. Also, Taiwan is now in its worst shape in 10 years -- as evidenced by the political chaos, the difficulties facing the government in implementing its policies and the economic downturn. Opening the doors to cross-strait negotiation now will be like entering a tiger's mouth. Tackling Taiwan's own domestic financial, economic and political integration is far more useful, not to say important, than high talk about cross-strait integration.
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