Springtime in cross-strait ties

As a first step, Chinese Taipei should be allowed to obtain an observer's status at the WHA, if not a membership in WHO. This symbolic step must be taken if Hu is really serious about “the feelings of our Taiwan compatriots.” Judging from Hu's pragmatism and shrewdness, there is reason to hope for the best outcome. Otherwise, Hu's message would be nothing but inanities for propaganda. Hu is wise enough to know he has much to gain and little to lose making good on his words.

There is more to Hu's olive branch. He called for cross-strait negotiations on ending hostilities and concluding a peace agreement. Peace and prosperity are the be-all, end-all for the economic and political development of both sides. The mainland's “peaceful rise” to the forefront of the world's powers would not have been possible without peace and stability. For Taiwan, its future is irrevocably intertwined with the mainland, its largest market and lifeline of its export-driven economy. A cross-strait peace accord is important, though it is a long shot compared to the WHA issue.

Of course, critics would dismiss Hu's message as nothing new and a “one China” trap. It is, because his predecessor Jiang Zemin had said similar things, like “under the principle of one China, everything is negotiable.” But times have changed. President Ma Ying-jeou is unlike his two predecessors who are die-hard secessionists hostile to China. Both Ma and Hu are pragmatists eager to seek similarities rather than magnifying differences. Ma recognizes a historical, geographical, and cultural one China, and that provides the common language for negotiations.

Since Ma's inauguration last May, cross-strait relations have started to thaw –Taiwan's generous donation to the Sichuan earthquake, participation in the Beijing Olympics, the historic Santong (three links), just to mention a few. Year 2009 is ushered in with propitious signs for a cross-strait spring when flowers will be blossoming 30 years after the CCP waved its olive branch to Taiwan.

1|2

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos Respond to this email