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Lien sees no policy conflict with Lee

March 1, 2000 The China Post

Denying any policy incongruity, Vice President Lien Chan said yesterday his proposed return to the "one China" principle does not clash with the "special state-to-state" claim in addressing the sovereignty row with Beijing. "There is no conflict between my position and Lee's," Lien asserted during a meeting with former Control Yuan President Chen Li-an at which Lien thanked Chen for his support.

Although backing the Kuomintang ticket, Chen bluntly criticized Lee's "two-states" theory, saying it heightened cross-strait tensions. The politician-turned Buddhist held that Lien shared his views on the issue.

Suggesting any mode of settlement to the cross-strait standoff is possible, Lien argued his vision of bilateral ties is most provident and flexible.

In his mainland platform unveiled last month, Lien called for a return to the "one China" guideline under which Beijing and Taiwan may have different definitions. Lien also embraced Lee's contention that exchanges should be conducted on a state-to-state basis. "If Beijing would abandon its hostility, the island would agree to more active interactions," said KMT lawmaker Chen Shei-saint, a press aide for the Lien campaign. "The end result could take on the form of unification, confederation, or confrontation."

According to the spokesman, the special state-to-state claim underscored the party's insistence on being treated as an equal, adding continual intimidation from Beijing would only harden the stance. Critics have nevertheless questioned Lien's sincerity to continue Lee's legacy, citing as evidence the fact that he employs several strategists known for their criticism of Lee.

"A close reading of my policy statements would settle any suspicions," added Lien, blaming the media for helping fan the controversy, which he attributed to the attempt of rival camps to create fissure between him and his patron.

Both independent James Soong and Democratic Progressive Party contestant Chen Shui-bian have said the vice president has diverged from the course laid out by Lee.

Reiterating his loyalty, the KMT flag-bearer dismissed the charge as another sorry campaign gambit aimed at splitting the KMT, already embittered by fierce infighting. Asked if he favored a premature retirement of Lee as KMT chairman, Lien said emphatically "it is up to the entire party to decide." Some KMT officials have covertly demanded that Lee immediately yield his chairmanship to Lien as a guarantee that Lee would not meddle in Lien's administration.

Although due to vacate the presidency in May, Lee is expected to continually influence the nation's politics before his tenure as the party's paramount leader expires some 18 months later.