Written by Laurence Brahm - Published by South China Morning Post on 03/01/2005

Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and his opposition rival, James Soong Chu-yu of the People First Party (PFP), made significant process in easing cross-strait tension during their closed door talks last Thursday.

Mr Chen came to the talks having learned a lesson in last December’s legislative election: the victory by his opponents in the “pan-blue” caucus forced him to resign his chairmanship of the Democratic Progressive Party. The message to the president and the DPP was clear: defiant rhetoric gets votes, but does not sustain power. Nobody gains from war.

That defeat gave Mr Chen the freedom to move away from his past independence agenda, towards mending bridges across the Taiwan Strait that predecessor Lee Teng-hui had tried to burn.

Then Chen-Soong meeting was about establishing an understanding between DPP and PFP, avoiding conflict and laying p[practical stepping stones towards restoring cross-strait dialogue.

Their joint statement presented a historic turnaround: “President Chen commits to the following pledges, that during his term as president, he will not declare independence, will not change the national emblem, will not push for the inclusion of the so-called ‘state-to-state’ description in the constitution, will not promote a referendum to change the status quo in regards to the issue of independence or unification. Furthermore, the abolition of neither the National Reunification Guidelines will be set forth as an issue.” This represents an unprecedented breakthrough for cross-strait relations.

One of Beijing’s biggest concerns has been Mr Chen’s plans for constitutional reform next year. Previous suggestions that such reforms might involve key changes in Taiwan’s status, if carried through, would almost certainly provoke war. The Chen-Soong joint statement assures Beijing that no such agenda is on the cards.

“President Chen and Chairman Soong both agree and pledge that the Constitutional reform project will not involve issues of national sovereignty, territory, or status quo across the strait; and that the reform project will follow due procedures as set forth in the constitution.”

There is scope for legitimate reform: many Taiwanese government institutions are arguably burdened by outdated functions and bureaucratic procedures, and the number of legislators need to be cut in half for its legislative Yuan to function efficiently.

The joint statement called for cross-strait economic, cultural and academic exchange, and cross-strait chartered cargo flights.

The passenger flights during the Lunar New Year were a practical and symbolic breakthrough. Commercial carriers on both sides negotiated without government interference, and flew directly from both sides without stopping over in third location.

If that model could be applied to other holidays, the symbolism would be implicit and the linkages more regular. If applied to cargo flights, the model may serve as a foundation to restore the “three-links” – direct transportation, commercial and communication links between Taiwan and the mainland.

Most significant was the Chen-Soong commitment: “We believe that for no matter what the conflict, there is always a resolution; that all animosities can be resolved; and that all historical disputes can be settled. Only if we can walk away from the political shadows of the past will they be able to find new and creative opportunities to bridge the cleavages left over from Mr Lee’s era. Mr Chen and Mr Soong now seem committed to stepping away from those shadows.

Laurence Brahm is a global activist, international mediator, political columnist and author. He is the leading advocate of a fresh development paradigm - The Himalayan Consensus - an innovative approach to development.

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