Following Four Years of Deadlock, How Will the Two Sides of the Strait Restart Consultations?

 Following Four Years of Deadlock, How Will the Two Sides of the Strait Restart Consultations?

United Daily News Editorial (Taipei, Taiwan)

January 15, 2020

 Translation of an Excerpt

In her victory speech, Tsai Ing-wen at the first opportunity urged the Beijing authorities to face squarely the choices of the Taiwan people, and expected to initiate dialogue with the Mainland. On the same day, the Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman issued a brief response, only reiterating its " political foundation of consistent and clear-cut policy on insisting on the 1992 Consensus, and opposition to Taiwan independence", which was no different from the rhetoric of the past four years. It is not difficult to imagine that Beijing is still interpreting the results of this election and observing the follow-up developments of Taiwan's political picture.

However, Beijing could also try consultations with Taiwan, exploring new possibilities. Nevertheless, to achieve this, it needs four requirements: First, Taiwan is willing to make the necessary compromises, and grasp the two-year window of opportunity. With respect to the so-called compromises, it does not mean sacrificing sovereignty, but creating an ambiguous concept similar to the "1992 Consensus" of the past, maintaining Taiwan's space for survival. Second, the Mainland must also adjust its hardened stance, so as to restart consultations with Taiwan. When Xi Jinping at first stated that the 1992 Consensus was the "fundamental policy", he of course could also gavel down by introducing a new cross-Strait consensus. With the new consensus, even if all circles could not immediately agree, they could still move toward each other, jointly talk things out, and create a new agreement. Third, the two sides of the Strait need to erect channels, nurturing mutual trust. Fourth, the cross-Strait microclimate is being affected by the US-China macroclimate, and hence, the US attitude is also crucial.

The four above-mentioned requirements: the two sides of the Strait each take one step of concession, erecting mutual trust, and the US attitude, even granted all could be satisfied, thus restarting consultations, may still not be able to ensure the completion of a new agreement. Nevertheless, cross-Strait relations are the most important challenge and opportunity for Taiwan's survival. President Tsai must not duck them, she must have the courage to act, maintain her principles and show wisdom.

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