Surprising image of a Communist

At a brief news conference before his departure in Taichung in central Taiwan, Chen began his remarks with a deep appreciation of the “understanding and kindness shown by the 23 million people of Taiwan.” At the same time, he expressed concern over the police officer who had been injured while trying to stop protesters from firing firecrackers. He, together with his wife, even gave a bow to all those policemen assigned to protect him and his entourage to express thanks for their painstaking efforts to maintain order during his stay in Taiwan. A major local newspaper described Chen's friendly and humble gesture as “impressive”, indicating, once again, the Chinese Communist negotiator's sensitivity to the sentiments of Taiwan society.

Such an understanding of the working of a democratic system like Taiwan's was demonstrated on the first day when Chen arrived amid strong protests. Seeing both well-wishers and opponents lining up the road from the airport to the hotel where he would stay, Chen said he “absolutely respects” the different opinions voiced by Taiwan's people.

Indeed, in recent years, Chinese Communist leaders have increasingly shown a soft and diplomatic style in handling domestic and international affairs. One can still vividly recall how Wen Jiabao, Beijing's premier, radiated benevolence and profound concern over the victims of a massive earthquake in southwest China when he repeatedly said “I'm sorry I came late” while traveling in the stricken area. It has become almost a routine that top Beijing leaders like to demonstrate their scholarship and human touch by reciting famous classical Chinese poems for such occasions as when they meet with representatives from Taipei to discuss cross-strait issues. Such behavior was a far cry from their erstwhile image as ignorant and merciless “bandits” or rigid Marxist-Leninists.

Leaders in Taiwan, however, seem to be becoming less and less humane and artful in governing. For example, on the heels of the departure of Chen, some SEF officials were reported to be chiding local “political heavyweights” for vying to play host to a “C-lister” politician from the mainland (referring to Chen). Many, President Ma included, believe such remarks were “very inappropriate.” Earlier, during the August 8 floods, Ma, on inspecting a disaster area, joked about “serving as a vent of anger” of the victims. What a poignant contrast with Premier Wen's sincere, apologetic and fatherly attitude toward the earthquake. Isn't it odd that leaders of a democracy do not understand humanity as much as Communists do?

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