Kaohsiung mayor's Ma reference draws praise from DPP, KMT

Her mentioning of “President Ma Ying-jeou of our central government” — a taboo in China — while meeting with Chinese officials particularly won praise from Democratic Progressive Party members who had previously opposed the trip.

DPP Legislator Pan Men-an said he had not approved of Chen's China trip, but the mayor's “President Ma” remark and her composure were laudable.

DPP Legislator Chiu Yi-ying said she was elated to hear Chen making that reference to Ma, which she said showed the political heavyweight's wisdom and experience.

KMT Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng also lauded Chen for her courage in making the remark.

“Chen's action demonstrated patriotism. Her courage in saying what other Taiwanese politicians have dared not say in Beijing before is worthy of our emulation,” Wang said.

The mayor arrived in China Thursday to promote the upcoming World Games 2009 in her city. But her capacity as a heavyweight of the pro-Taiwan independence party has sparked concerns inside the opposition camp over the trip's implications when the DPP is vehemently condemning the Ma administration's pro-China line.

Some DPP leaders were critical of the timing of the trip, which took place just a few days after the party organized a massive demonstration in Taipei last weekend to protest Ma's China-leaning policies.

But the focus has now been turned to her “President Ma” remark.

Former DPP Legislator Lin Cho-shui, who is dubbed the “master” of pro-independence discourse, said Chen's visit is a wake-up call that the party needs to rethink its China policy.

The DPP must ponder how it can maintain its firm stance while showing “appropriate friendliness” towards China.

“Chen Chu's Beijing trip has created an impact on both the ruling and opposition camps. The actual impact is deeper and complex than what it appears,” Lin said.

Lin admitted that he had been worried that Chen might kowtow to China during the trip or accept the idea of “one China, two systems.”

Her “President Ma” remark dispelled all the fears and worries, Lin said.

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