| The Japan Times EDITORIAL A good start for Mr. Chen Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has passed the first test of his new administration. His inauguration speech was conciliatory in tone, reaching out to the millions of Taiwanese who voted against him and to the mainland by pledging not to take action that would increase tensions between the governments on either side of the Taiwan Strait. Words are easy, however. Mr. Chen must honor the message of his speech throughout his second term and fight the temptation to use Beijing as a whipping boy when political expediency demands a scapegoat. The best legacy he can leave the island is a bridge between Taipei and Beijing. Mr. Chen was re-elected to a second term in office two months ago in a bitterly contested election. The ballot was overshadowed by an assassination attempt the night before the vote, and the results were marred by charges of fraud. As a recount continues, the razor-slim margin of error and the discovery of even more contested ballots guarantee that the controversy over the election will not abate. Taiwan faces critical challenges: putting its economy on a firm footing, re-establishing the image of stability and maturity that will restore international confidence, and keeping the dragon across the Strait at arm's length. Most important, Taiwan must balance economic and business integration with the mainland, which is essential to future growth, with a sense of identity and purpose that will help the island stave off absorption. Only a united Taiwan can muster the energy and will to accomplish that objective. Thus, the first task of the new president is to unify his island. He began the healing process in his speech when he reached out to all citizens of Taiwan. He explained that all Taiwanese and their ancestors have made important contributions to the island and that each individual is an indispensable member of the "New Taiwan" family. The test now is to see if the president and his party learn the give and take of mature politics or continue the scorched-earth tactics of the past. Building a political relationship with the mainland is the second task. This will be an uphill battle. Beijing does not trust Mr. Chen, and it will make no gesture or try any policy that appears to give him a victory or that could be considered recognition of his government. As far as the mainland is concerned, Mr. Chen is an advocate of Taiwanese independence who is only biding his time. His failure to recognize the "one-China" principle -- Beijing's starting point for any negotiations between the two governments -- is proof that he has not abandoned the idea of an independent Taiwan. The Chinese government sees his call for revision of Taiwan's constitution and his support for referendums as steps in a process that will lead inexorably to independence -- and Beijing will not permit that. Mr. Chen understands this. In his speech last week, he acknowledged the differences separating the two governments and their roots. While demanding recognition of the "simple and honest wish" and the "aspiration of Taiwan's 23 million people," he also conceded that "we can understand why the government on the other side of the strait, in light of historical complexities and ethnic sentiments, cannot relinquish the insistence on the one-China principle." The president said he will move forward with constitutional reform before 2008, as promised. As an olive branch, he promised to leave, as is, the most sensitive parts of the document -- those that affect its international status, such as sovereignty, territory or independence. He also said he would follow existing procedures for reform. That means proposals will have to be approved by 75 percent of the National Assembly, thus ensuring that the measures will truly represent the will of the Taiwan people. Mr. Chen has not ruled out any outcome. "Relations in any form whatsoever" are possible, if they enjoy the "consent of the 23 million people of Taiwan." That is reassuring, for the people of Taiwan have made it clear that they understand the stakes involved in reckless politicking, even when their leaders do not. They appreciate the narrow line they walk, and recognize the dangers their leaders court. Beijing should demonstrate its own good sense. The mainland leadership has no reason to fear democracy on Taiwan. Indeed, if the island is only a renegade province, then the Beijing government should be proud of the accomplishments of its countrymen and women across the Strait. A statement that recognizes Mr. Chen's victory is a starting point. More convincing still would be a gesture that acknowledges the impressive achievements that Taiwan has made, such as sponsorship in the World Health Organization. That would go a long way toward winning the hearts and minds of the Taiwanese people -- and test Mr. Chen's claim that any outcome is possible. The Japan Times: May 26, 2004 (C) All rights reserved |
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