Taiwan may spur a democratic China: Li

But Cheng Li, a senior researcher with the Brookings Institution, said that people in China may have to wait more than 50 years before its people can elect its president, according to the Central News Agency.

Many people in Taiwan think that cross-strait peace talks may not be possible unless China has become a democracy, he noted.

He said he agrees with such an argument, which he said will provide a momentum for the democratization in China.

Li believes that China will one day become a democracy where there are fair elections, rule of law, and free press.

Asked to comment on the prospects of cross-strait relations, Li said a host of different factors — such as international developments, changes in China, and Taiwanese people's opinions — may affect the Taipei-Beijing ties.

But he expressed optimism about cross-strait ties, saying at least there will not be a war.

The social scientist completed his undergraduate studies in China before obtaining his master's and doctoral degrees in the United States, the CNA said.

Li noted that 1.6 million Chinese students have studied overseas over the past 30 years, and 500,000 of them have returned to China after completing their studies.

Li made the remarks following a forum in Washington D.C. on the impact of overseas students' return on China's politics.

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