The leader of Taiwan's opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Tsai Ing-wen, looks set to win her party's nomination to run in 2016 presidential elections. However, her critics say there is a lack of recent debate in the party under her leadership, as the DPP treads more carefully around its former pro-independence platform. In a speech at a behind-closed-doors party conference on Thursday and paraphrased by a party spokesman, Tsai outlines her view of the island's problematic relationship with Beijing, which views Taiwan as a renegade province awaiting reunification, and has vowed to use military force, should it seek formal independence from China:
The basic principle for the DPP, when it comes to cross-straits relations, should be maintaining the status quo. I have confidence that I will be able to manage cross-straits relations and avoid upset, without provoking conflict, clashes and opposition.
That means keeping the peace in the Taiwan Strait, and maintaining peace and stability in cross-straits relations. This is at the core of cross-strait ties, and the DPP will work tirelessly towards this goal when it returns to power.
Cross-straits relations shouldn't just be seen as relations with the [ruling] Chinese Communist Party. If Beijing can move beyond the framework of the Communist Party, then our future journey should and can be a calm, easy and scenic one, in which both sides deal with each other in a spirit of friendship and equality, regardless of which political party is in power in Taiwan.
The DPP will deal with the core issues in the cross-straits relationship in a step-by-step manner. We will take responsibility, stick to our position and respect public opinion.
If we keep open the channels of communication, and deal with problems in a sincere and resolute manner, we should be able to overcome any obstacle, and carve out a future for cross-straits relations that is in the best interests of Taiwan, and of all parties involved.
Reported by Lee Tung for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated by Luisetta Mudie.
