A prominent US political scientist praised Taiwan's gradual transformation to democracy in light of the recent presidential election, while calling for more unity by Taiwan's divided political groups in the interests of a better relationship with China.
Speaking at a symposium jointly sponsored by a ROC-funded academic foundation and New York University, Robert Scalapino -- an honorary professor of the University of California at Berkeley -- said Taiwan has gradually transformed into a full democracy from an authoritarian regime.
He noted that late President Chiang Ching-kuo (
Pointing out that Taiwan's democracy may still face a strong challenge from dictatorship, he suggested that President-elect Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) join forces with all of Taiwan's political camps to reduce political tensions and open political talks with China to improve bilateral ties.
Although Taiwan's political culture is characterized by political localization, the identification of the so-called "new Taiwanese" concept, an aspiration for a civilian leadership and political uncertainties in cross-strait relations, Scalapino stressed that Taiwan's leadership must pay heed to the people's desire that Taiwan maintain the current status quo with China.
Answering questions from the audience, Scalapino expressed his belief that the US should maintain its "one China" policy while abiding by the Taiwan Relations Act. He claimed that the US must engage in dealings with China, a superpower in the Western Pacific, in order to maintain peace there.
The seminar, which was attended by more than 50 political and economic experts from the US and Asia, will run through to Sunday. Charles Teng (
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