2000 Taiwan Election
...mbers. The Party’s organizational structure closely resembles that of the Kuomintang. The party was established primarily by family members and defense lawyers of imprisoned dissidents, the DPP became the first political party to challenge the Kuomintang’s decades long grip on power. The DPP quickly support from ethnic Taiwanese frustrated by the authoritarian rule of the Kuomintang, whose loyalists and leaders had fled from mainland China in 1949 following their army’s defense by the Chinese Communists. In its charter the DPP promotes holding a referendum on independence from China and opposes the Kuomintang’s “one China’s policy.” DPP presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian has pledged, however, that if elected he will not declare independence for Taiwan unless China invades. The New Party was established in August 1993, shortly before the Kuomintang’s 14th National Congress, a group of KMT “Young Turks” including six legislative Yuan members and one former lawmaker broke away from the party to establish the New Party. The New Party differs from the KMT and the DPP in organizational structure, stressing the leadership of those holding public office. At the head of the party is the National Campaign and Development Committee. The convener of the committee, a position currently filled by Lee-Chian-hua, serves as the leader of the party. In August 1999, the party took almost everyone by surprise by nominating the renowned writer Li Ao as its presidential candidate for the 2000 presidential election. Candidates Campaign Issues for Three Presidential: Conventional wisdom holds that each of the three major presidential candidates enjoys certain notable advantages. Former Taiwan Governor James Soong is regarded as the most charismatic. Official Kuomingtang candidate Vice President Lien Chan is backed by his part’s awesome resources. Former Taipei Mayor Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party has a reputation for action and dynamism. James Soon’s Proposal: James Soon, independent was once a leading figure in the ruling Kuomintang (KMT), or Nationalist Party. Soong split with the party in November 1999 when he launched his own campaign for president. He challenged the KMT’s candidate, Vice President Lien Chan. Soong, once the director-general of Taiwan’s Government Information Office and later managing director for two of Taiwan’s nationwide broadcast television network, has sought to distance himself from the policies of the KMT in recent months. More recently, from 1993 to 1998, he was governor of Taiwan Province. He has proposed a 30 year non-aggression pact with Beijing. That would be followed by a 20- year “quasi-international” arrangement between Taiwan and mainland China modeled after the European Union, after which referendum would be held on independence. Soon has also proposed calling on all-party conference to build a national consenous on steps to take in improving relations with China. Soong enjoyed a lead in the polls until late Feb., when the KMT filed a lawsuit alleging Soong of embezzling $12 million from the party leader. Soong denied the accusation. James Soong’s Position: (Fig.3) Soong has suggested that Taiwan and China engage in a “quasi-international” relationship similar to the European union, but China is not interested. Although he was born in China and has supported reunification in the long term, Soong also has recommended that Taiwan arm itself with submarines that could launch strikes at China’s airports and harbors. Popular, charismatic and at one time an effective provincial governor, Soong has led the polls throughout much of the campaign. He has also been the focus of another issue: corruption. When the KMT failed to make him its presidential candidate, Soong bolted the party and began campaigning as an independent. Stung by his “disloyalty,” Lien and Lee have likened Soong to Adof Hitler and Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos. They also accused him of embezzling $11.7 million in the party funds. Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party candidate Chen Shui-bian has accused the KMT of “black gold” (literally term: bribery and gangster) politics- using its businesses (from petrochemical to karaoke bars; assets of $3.8 billion) to influence local politics, business and even organized crime. But Soong has denied the charges several times. He says the money came from political contributions and that he was entrusted by President Lee to carry out party tasks. Among the tasks, Soong says, was supporting the family of the late Chiang Ching-kuo—Chiang Lai-shek’s son and successor- who rules Taiwan when it was under martial law. Soong has offered to repay the KMT more than $8 million, but the party has refused to accept the money. After the charges were leveled in late 1999, Soong’s popularity dipped significantly. Even so, the latest polls show he still enjoys a slight lead over Chen. Lien Chan’s Proposal and Position: (Fig.4) Lien Chan, Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) is the handpicked successor of President Lee Teng-hui and is the hope of the ruling Kuomintang, or the Nationalist Party, to cling to its 50- year hold- on power. Lien, who was premier under Lee from 1993 to 1997, has also served as governor of Taiwan Province, foreign affairs minister and minister of transportation and communication. Lien has pledged to improve contacts with China and says he favors opening direst trade and postal and air links with the main land. He also promises to push for regular summits between the two sides. Lien rejects, however, the Beijing government’s “one country, two systems” model for reunification under which Hong Kong and Macau reverted to Chinese rule in 19997 and 1999. He endorses President Lee’s policy of demanding an equal “state-to-state” relationship with China, a view that has enraged the Beijing government. Lien is gruff, distant, and stiff, and trails Soong and Chen in the opinion polls. Although he could be expected to continue Lee’s policies, he has not repeated Lee’s “state-to-state”” remark and has suggested a “peace zone” in the Taiwan Straight. He has also recommended Taiwan expand its defense capabilities by developing long-range missiles. Lien says the Beijing has to face the reality and work together to work out solutions. Beijing has to face the reality and work together to work out solutions. Taiwan is simply calling attention to the reality of the two sides bring governed over the past 50 years. Chen Shui-bian’s Proposal and Position: (Fig.5) Chen Shui-bian, Democratic Progressive Party is known for his advocacy of independence. Chen recently softened his nationalist campaign talk and now promotes building closer track ties with main land China. Chen would neither declare independence nor change the official name of Taiwan-unless it was invaded. He promises he will not bring Taiwan to the brink of war. Like fellow presidential contender Lien Chan, Chen supports establishing shipping links with China and possibly later lifting restrictions on direct flights tot he mainland. He says he would consider allowing Taiwan banks to open branches in China. He would aim to resume cross-strait negotiations and would open to discussing the ‘one China’ policy, so long as it was not pre-condition for dialogue. Chen would try to visit China after the presidential election and before his inauguration if elected. Likewise, he would invite Chinese leaders to visit Taiwan. Chen says that unless China attempts to use force, the DPP will never declare the independence of Taiwan unilaterally, or even call for a referendum on the issue. He stresses that Taiwan has already become an in dependent, sovereign country, so there is no need to take up the question of whether Taiwan is independent. As mayor of the capital Taipei from 1994 to 1998, Chen gained a ...