Senior presidential adviser Peng Ming-min was lavish in his praise of former President Lee Teng-hui, who has played a major role in the establishment of the TSU. Lee has worked strenuously and endured considerable abuse in fighting for the cause of democracy in Taiwan, said Peng, who also endorsed the TSU's stated objectives of "reviving the economy, stabilizing the political situation, consolidating democracy, and strengthening Taiwan." In Peng's opinion, in stating these objectives the TSU has put its finger on exactly what Taiwan needs, and has put itself squarely in the mainstream of society.

In its policy position on cross-strait relations, the TSU stresses the following points:

• The separate existence of Republic of China and the People's Republic of China is an objective fact that no one can deny.
• Any change of the current status will have to be made by the people as a whole acting without any outside interference.
• All public affairs must be conducted in accordance with the "Taiwan first" principle.
• The TSU is in favor of an appropriate degree of adjustment to the "no haste, be patient" policy and the "three links" policy.

In the area of cross-strait political relations, the TSU has resolved to keep to the line pursued by Lee Teng-hui during his presidency. In the area of cross-strait policy, the TSU will:

• support the concept of a "special state-to-state relationship," which was put forward by Lee Teng-hui;
• oppose relaxation of the "no haste, be patient" policy; and
• oppose the idea that the future of Taiwan's economy depends solely upon mainland China.

In the area of cross-strait economic and trade relations, Lee and his followers are adamantly opposed to any relaxation of the "no haste, be patient" policy. Luo Chih-ming, a Lee follower and candidate for a Kaohsiung City district seat in the Legislature, stressed that the TSU will demand that the government publicize information about corporate investments in mainland China. He further stated that the TSU will oppose the practice of some businesses of "investing in the mainland while leaving nothing but debt back in Taiwan." Lee and his followers are also planning to push for passage of a law to protect Taiwanese businesses doing business on the mainland.

In the political arena, the TSU advocates:

• a straightforward presidential system, with ultimate executive power and responsibility in the hands of the president;
• reduction of the number of legislative seats by half, and adoption of a single-member district, two-round voting system;
• an eventual end to the use of nuclear power in Taiwan; and
• the elimination of the influence of "black gold" (i.e. organized crime and dirty money) in politics.