Taiwan's opposition party proposes dialogue with China

The statement by Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party comes just days after her party out-polled the ruling Nationalists in closely watched mayoral elections. It reflects her desire to break away from the DPP's traditional anti-China posture ahead of presidential elections in March 2012.

“We will establish a think tank research center in the party to strengthen our analytical and policy capacity to deal with cross-strait development,” she said. “Ultimately, we recognize the need for a peaceful and stable framework for interacting with China.”

Under the 2000-2008 presidency of the DPP's Chen Shui-bian, the mainland was constantly at loggerheads with the island, accusing Chen of seeking formal independence, and threatening to attack if he followed through.

Since China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949, China has consistently maintained the island is part of its territory, to be brought back into the fold by persuasion if possible, by force if necessary.

Relations between the sides have improved considerably during the 2 1/2 year administration of Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, who believes that linking Taiwan's high-tech economy to China's lucrative markets is the key to long-term prosperity for Taiwan's 23 million people.

Tsai's remarks suggest she believes a moderate China policy is necessary to win the allegiance of Taiwan's large contingent of moderate voters, who reject both formal independence and integration into the mainland.

Tsai herself was beaten in Saturday's elections in her bid to become mayor of suburban Taipei's newly constituted Xinbei city, and her party lost three of the five mayoralty races up for grabs.

But her role in reconstituting its fortunes in the wake of Chen's ignominious departure from office — he is now serving a 19-year sentence on corruption charges — has made her one of the favorites for the DPP's 2012 presidential nomination.

While losing three races Saturday, the DPP out-polled the Kuomintang 49-44 percent, with the remainder going to independents.

In her comments, Tsai refused to divulge her presidential plans, but said she has no intention of stepping down as DPP chairwoman.

Some older members of the party have suggested she should, because she failed to lead it to a majority of mayoral victories in Saturday's poll.

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