Chen Li-an
He offered his endorsement, but at the same time he said he saw a contrast between the policy of "special state-to-state" relations with China first proposed by President Lee Teng-hui
"For China, none of the candidates is a heavyweight negotiator beside Lien," Chen said.
"I believe that Lien would be calm and open-minded at the negotiating table, which would benefit Taiwanese people." he said.
"I agree with Lien's `One China Policy,' which would make room for both sides of the strait," Chen added.
Chen said President Lee's "state-to-state model" had made relations very dangerous.
Lien has been questioned frequently, mostly by the DPP's Chen Shui-bian
Lien has said he agrees with the government's current policy -- that contained in the interpretation of cross-strait relations there is room for interpretation of what a reunified one-China would be.
Lien has been at pains to explain that he is not straying from Lee, who first laid out the government's stance.
However, Lien's disapproval of Lee's pronouncement on cross-strait relations and general praise for Lien's policy proposals have highlighted differences between the candidate and Lee.
Some believe Chen Li-an's support is significant in such a close race.
Chen ran in the 1996 presidential election as an independent, capturing well over one million votes. He is believed to have met with high-ranking Beijing officials since that election.
He is also seen as helpful in rallying support from mainlanders, or waishengren
Lien's campaign officials insist that Lien's and Lee's cross-strait policies are compatible.
Lee Ching-ping
Lien expressed his appreciation for Chen's support and pledged to do his best to build a safe and prosperous country if elected.
His campaign officials also claimed that Chen's endorsement proved that Lien's policies are in the best interests of the people.
Lien's spokesman was positive Chen's endorsement will have a positive impact on Lien's election bid.
Responding to the announcement of Chen Li-an's endorse-ment of Lien, the DPP said that the vice president is incapable of negotiating with China.
"Lien Chan is weak and lazy. President Lee said that the Chinese authorities are like hooligans. Is this weak and lazy Lien Chan capable of negotiating with rogues?" asked Chen Shui-bian's deputy campaign manager Lo Wen-chia (羅文嘉).
Yan Wan-chin (顏萬進), director of the DPP's China Affairs Department, said that Chen Li-an's move clearly shows that Lien is different from Lee in China policies.
While the DPP highlights the distinction between Lee and Lien, Independent candidate James Soong's
Soong's spokesmen said that the "special state-to-state" formula has been written into the KMT's party platform and thus remains a burden for Lien.
Soong has said Lien has yet to accurately expound what are the connections between his mainland policy and "special state-to-state" formula.
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