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Stabilizing Cross-Strait Relations
Before the 2000 presidential election, many people predicted that cross-strait relations would deteriorate if Chen Shui-bian were elected, and some even said that the Chinese communists would attack Taiwan. However, the facts prove that they are wrong. Over the past year, cross-strait relations have not deteriorated; on the contrary, exchanges between the two sides have become more frequent and stable.
Ensuring National Sovereignty
In his inaugural speech, President Chen pledged to protect national sovereignty, dignity, and security, as well as safeguard the welfare of the entire citizenry. To maintain sovereignty and dignity means that we cannot yield to an overbearing power. However, in order to safeguard national security, we cannot irritate such a power. Nevertheless, the new administration has successfully balanced potentially conflicting goals exceedingly well.
President Chen has assured mainland authorities that, as long as the Chinese mainland does not use force against Taiwan, he would not declare independence or change the national title during his tenure of office. Over the past year, the new administration has tried to avoid provocations, continuously expressing goodwill and dedicating itself to resuming cross-strait negotiations. As a result, the international community has seen our efforts as beneficial to cross-strait relations.
Expanding Cross-strait Exchanges
In his inaugural address, President Chen stated: "This is a new opportunity for the two sides to create an era of reconciliation together." While ensuring national security, the new administration has gradually relaxed restrictions on cross-strait exchanges. For example, we have relaxed restrictions for mainland spouses to come to Taiwan and have provided health insurance for them. In addition, to meet the demands of the industrial sector, we have allowed mainland scientific experts to visit Taiwan. Due to increasing arrivals from the Chinese mainland, we have established relevant regulations to manage entry and exit of mainland visitors.
The Three Small Links
The "Three Small Links" were initiated in January 2001, allowing direct communication, trade, and transportation between the Chinese mainland and the off-shore islands of Kinmen and Matsu. The new administration has set up a task force to evaluate and adjust the "patience over haste" policy. The new policy will relax the industrial regulations, emphasize risk management of capital, and adjust rules appropriately in cases of necessity, while encouraging businesses to keep their roots in Taiwan.
Standing Firm and Stepping Out
Cross-strait relations are closely related to our foreign relations. In August 2000, President Chen conducted his first state visits to Latin America and Africa, successfully proclaiming our democratic achievements and consolidating friendships with our diplomatic allies. In May 2001, he once again visited Central and South America to further expand foreign relations.
Moreover, President Chen's transit stops in New York and Houston and the new US arms package for the ROC armed forces were significant breakthroughs in ROC-US relations. The US new arms sales will assist the ROC to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability and strengthen bilateral relations. Therefore, the latest development shows that the new administration's dedication to stable cross-strait relations has been recognized by the international community, particularly the US.
Securing Cross-strait Stability
As President Chen said in his inaugural speech, the people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same ancestral, cultural, and historical background, so there is no reason for long-term confrontation.
Based on the principles of democracy and parity, the new administration will show utmost goodwill and patience to establish conditions for cooperation and a constructive mechanism for interaction between the two sides. Within one year, the new administration stabilized cross-strait relations. Stability itself is an achievement. In a stable situation, we can seek new opportunities.
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