Source: Liberty Times
Wu Yu-shan, a professor in the political science department at National Taiwan University, admitted that some of Chen's recent comments have served to allay fears of instability. However, he also warned that if president-elect Chen puts all of his cards on the table at this time, then in the future he may be left with nothing to bargain with when negotiating with Beijing.
Wu was commenting on some of the statements that Chen has made in recent days, such as his call to open direct transport, trade and communications links with the mainland, as well as his invitation to Beijing's senior cross-strait negotiator to attend his inauguration ceremony.
Yesterday Chen said he hoped Wang Daohan, chairman of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, would visit the island to participate in the former Taipei mayor's inauguration as president on May 20.
Wu said that there are people in Taiwan, the PRC and the U.S. who are worried that Chen will bring instability to the cross-strait relationship. The professor noted that a recent proposal to delete a pro-independence clause from the DPP's charter would have a positive impact, but added that he suspects it will be difficult for the party to reach a quick consensus on the matter.
Wu suggested removing the clause may not be a good idea, as it could prove useful at a later date when negotiating with mainland China. He suggested that it would therefore be better to put the question to one side for the time being.
Stressing that Chen will not take office for two months, and will then enjoy four years as president, Wu suggested the president-elect not move too quickly for fear of destabilizing cross-strait relations. Nevertheless, the professor added, Chen's recent actions demonstrate that should a crisis arise, he would probably have the ability to deal with it effectively.
Although Chen is a gifted politician, the DPP's inexperience in cross-strait affairs means the new administration will probably have to rely on the expertise of incumbent officials for some time to come, Wu stated. The professor still believes, however, that the outlook for cross-Strait relations under a Chen administration is going to be positive.
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