Want China Times
Date: 2015-08-14
By: Zhang Jian

Tsai Ing-wen, the leader of Taiwan’s main opposition Democratic Progressive Party,

Tsai Ing-wen surrounded by supporters at an event in Taipei, Aug. 2. (Photo/Huang Shih-chi)

stands a good chance of winning the presidency in early 2016. However, the DPP’s return to power could have a negative impact on Taiwan’s relations with China and the United States.

First, it would affect the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. Over the past eight years of the Kuomintang administration, the two sides’ adherence to the 1992 Consensus as a political foundation for cross-strait exchanges has helped maintain peaceful development of cross-strait ties.

The DPP meanwhile has not revised the Taiwan independence clause in its party charter and does not recognize the 1992 Consensus. After floating the concept of a “Taiwan consensus” in 2012, Tsai has recently proposed “maintaining the status quo” in cross-strait relations as the party’s basis for its dealings with China. But if the DPP is still unwilling to officially relinquish the Taiwan independence platform, this will significantly affect cross-strait relations if Tsai becomes president.     [FULL  STORY]