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China

Taiwan's President Tries to Find Middle Ground in Taiwan-China Relations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has made a statement that could potentially draw Beijing into peace talks, but it remains unclear whether China will accept his proposal. Chen said that his government could agree to the concept of "one China," but with a condition that Taiwan and China could have their own interpretations of what that means. This approach is similar to a 1992 agreement that began talks between the two sides, but Beijing ended those talks when Taiwan's president, Lee Teng-hui, asserted that Taiwan and China had a "state-to-state relationship."

Key Takeaways:

  • President Chen Shui-bian has proposed a formula that might draw Beijing into peace talks by accepting the concept of "one China," but with a condition that Taiwan and China could have their own interpretations of what that means.
  • This approach is similar to a 1992 agreement that began talks between the two sides, but Beijing ended those talks when Taiwan's president, Lee Teng-hui, asserted that Taiwan and China had a "state-to-state relationship."
  • Chen's statement is the most authoritative and sincere policy statement from his administration, according to a security aide in Taipei.
  • Beijing has responded cautiously to Chen's remarks, but Chinese officials have said in recent weeks that they could never agree to multiple interpretations of "one China."
  • The fundamental chasm between Taiwan and China remains, with most Taiwanese wanting to maintain the island's de facto independent status, while China insists that Taiwan must agree to rejoin the motherland.
  • China was angered when Britain allowed Taiwan's former president, Lee Teng-hui, to make a private visit, and China calls Lee a troublemaker whose travels are intended to further Taiwanese independence.

Statistics:

  • In 1992, the two sides began talks between semiofficial representatives, but those talks ended last year when Taiwans' president at the time, Lee Teng-hui, asserted that Taiwan and China had a "state-to-state relationship."
  • According to a security aide in Taipei, Chen's statement is the "most authoritative, sincere and good-will policy statement" from his administration.

Sources:

  • "Tale of Two Memories" by The New York Times (date not specified)
  • "Lee's Visit Angers China" by The New York Times (date not specified)
  • "Taiwan Looks Ahead" by The New York Times (May 20, 2000)

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