Speaking with Christine from CNA's "News Now" on Cross-Straits Ties
For some political analysis, let’s now speak to Mr James Char from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. James, President Xi Jinping has offered Mr Chu what he calls "equal" talks to resolve political differences – but only if Taiwan accepts it's a part of China. What does this mean in plain terms? Can you decode this for us?
Sure, Christine. What we can see from Xi’s action is that he is basically extending out an olive branch to the Kuomintang and the Taiwanese people in general with his remark. Clearly, with the Sunflower protest movement last year in March and April following the passing of the Cross-Strait Service Trade Pact, Xi would need to calibrate his remarks to appeal to Taiwanese society, and also at the same time, maintain his nationalist credentials of safeguarding China’s core interest.
Now, from your political observation, is this an opening gambit to some new strategy or just another step in the continuing dance between both parties?
Well, basically, what we can see in the last ten years is that there has been routine contact between the Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party since former KMT Chairman Lien Chan visited China back in 2005. In fact, (Eric) Chu is the third KMT chief to meet with China’s top leaders. Interestingly, the way I see it is that the meeting has potential to set the foundation for the next stage of development of cross-strait relations. And most crucially for China, and also for Taiwan, is that it allows the maintenance of political contact and also the promotion of positive interactions to promote both inter-party relations and state-to-state relations. And I would expect the exchange of views between Xi Jinping and Eric Chu to focus on the peaceful development of cross-straits relations. So, as what we’ve seen with the Sunflower movement as well, back in last year, I think the sharing of opinions will also focus on how the welfare of compatriots on both sides of the straits can be promoted according to the Chinese Communist Party.
Now, James, all that’s good and well, for as long as the KMT is in power. Political observers do say that they are likely to lose the upcoming elections. So what would you say President Xi’s ultimate aim, or aims, by having this meeting with Mr Chu today?
Well, as I’ve mentioned earlier, the meeting carries great potential to set the foundation for future dialogue between the CCP and the KMT. While there is general consensus that the Democratic Progressive Party will win the next elections, with Tsai Ing-wen at the helm as well, I think the CCP is looking ahead over the longer term. And by doing so, it would like to actually encourage the stakeholders in Taiwan… Well, if you remember, the KMT is one of the key parties, besides the DPP, in Taiwan, so I do believe that it will try to pass on the views shared between itself and the Chinese Communist Party regarding how future administrations can take joint responsibility for the peaceful development of cross-straits ties.
Thank you very much for your time.
My pleasure, Christine.