Taiwan should take steps to boost cross-strait ties

In her inauguration speech, Taiwan’s new President, Dr Tsai Ing-wen, acknowledged again that the 1992 meeting had happened, but without endorsing the “1992 Consensus” or the “one China” principle.

She called, however, for a “positive dialogue” with Beijing (“Tsai’s conciliatory call gets cool reception from China”; May 21).

Though China had said repeatedly that it wanted a clear stance from Taiwan on the issue, its top leaders have not made assertive demands or criticised the new government so far.

China is Taiwan’s biggest export market. Visitors from China totalled 4.2 million last year, forming the biggest market share (40 per cent) of Taiwan’s tourism industry.

Since Dr Tsai’s victory in January, ties between people on both sides do not seem to have been affected. Chinese visitors have kept visiting Taiwan between January and April, maintaining their market share.

But who knows if this “honeymoon period” will end?

Taiwan’s new government must rebuild consensus among the people on important issues such as cross-strait relations, amid the deep division. The Taiwanese must also take steps to stop the meaningless politicking among themselves.

Geopolitical developments in the region are happening fast. Taiwan, too, has interests in the region’s disputes. Disruptive China-Taiwan relations would complicate matters further.

Let us hope the Taiwanese can unite, reflect and achieve a diplomatic breakthrough with China in the next few months. Only then can more positive dialogues take place to improve the relationship further.