An agonizing dilemma for Tsai

It is unmistakably clear that the current general mood of the people of Taiwan favors a more liberal policy toward Beijing as practiced by Ma. And this climate is further reinforced by the journey embarked on by Chen as a member of the anti-China DPP. Even though Chen insisted that she went to China as a mayor, having nothing to do with the DPP, to promote the World Games which her city will host this year, and she was lavishly praised by some of the DPP for her “bold” move to mention “President Ma” right in the face of high-ranking Beijing officials, the very fact that she agreed to host the athletic event under the name of “Chinese Taipei,” a name opposed officially by the DPP as downgrading the statehood of Taiwan, she was perceived to have made enormous concessions to the Chinese Communists on the question of Taiwan's sovereignty.

Indeed, Chen's visit and acts in Beijing did nothing in substance to change the internationally acknowledge status of Taiwan as a non-state and an “integral part” of China. All knowledgeable persons, including those of the “pan-green” camp, know this, despite their public reactions otherwise. That's why the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), a tiny DPP ally, openly chided the DPP for its excessive elation over Chen's “daring” performance in Beijing. As the TSU asserted, the DPP had played into the hands of the Communists without knowing it.

Here is the political dilemma for Tsai: If she chooses to follow the mainstream opinion in Taiwan, she will have to be more open on China and may be obliged to pay a visit to Beijing under a pretext just as Chen did. But, if she does so, she will definitely risk incurring the wrath of the deep “green” supporters who form the core of the DPP. Either way, the stakes are high for her and the party's future.

An outstanding graduate of an esteemed institution of higher learning in London, Tsai used to project a fresh, clean and intelligent image in Taiwan politics. This was the primary reason for her unexpected election as head of the DPP in the wake of corruption charges and the indictment of former President Chen Shui-bian. But indications so far are that Tsai is experiencing extreme difficulties in her effort to reform the DPP as desired by party moderates and the majority of the population on this island. Instead, she seems to be dragged along by DPP extremists represented by former President Chen.

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