Plum Blossoms

Step one: the DPP tells Lien Chan that he's not allowed to do anything serious.

In the press release from the President's Office, President Chen Shui-Bian wishes Lien Chan a successful trip, and reminds Lien does not have authorization from the government, and cannot legally sign any agreement with the mainland related to national sovereignty or government authorities. Chen also anticipates meeting with Lien after his return to Taiwan.

Step two: the DPP admonishes Lien for, um, not doing anything serious.

Hu Jintao and Lien Chan agreed to work toward resuming talks, avoiding a military confrontation, and strengthening trade and investment relations. But Joseph Wu [Minister for the Mainland Affairs Council] points out that these are empty promises, and says that Lien's visit can be said to be the “five nots”: not making mainland China recognize the truth in the existence of the “Republic of China,” not making mainland China correctly understand the value of democracy and freedom in Taiwan, not making mainland China reduce its belligerence toward Taiwan and lowering its missile threat, not giving Taiwan the freedom to participate internationally with dignity, and not making mainland China correctly understand the extreme displeasure of the people of Taiwan against the Anti-Secession Law and non-peaceful methods.

Step three: the CCP releases the trap, pointing out its own generosity and that the KMT was handicapped from seizing the deal of the century.

Media in Taiwan are reporting that during Lien Chan's meeting with Hu Jintao, the issue of a cross-strait “peace agreement” came up. Hu actively proposed that if both sides returned to the foundations of the “Understanding of 1992,” eliminate belligerence, and both sides sign a peace agreement, then the mainland “can naturally remove the missiles.” The KMT side, however, understanding that they do not have government authorization, did not approach or reply to the offer.

End result:

• CCP: look great by showing magnanimity, especially after the Anti-Secession Law.

• KMT: look great by showing willingness to work with others, gain brownie points by being able to claim that the DPP are getting in the way of progress.

• DPP: look bad by seeming like obstructionist ideologues who wouldn't let partisan bickering go in favour of the people's well-being.

EastSouthWestNorth has more on the impact of the CCP's new approach and how it's affecting Taiwanese politics.