Chinese Concessions

5 November 2008

The Wall Street Journal Asia

Ted Galen Carpenter succinctly and accurately summarizes the cross-strait detente since Taiwan's China-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou came to power earlier this year ("Taiwan's Delicate Detente," Oct. 30). Mr. Carpenter argues that "if Beijing does not make meaningful concessions soon, Chinese leaders may find themselves facing a new DPP government following the 2012 elections." However, it is precisely the fear of the DPP's return that is preventing China from being promptly receptive to President Ma's olive branch. China is concerned that the DPP will inherit and benefit from the concessions if it regains the 2012 presidency. The bottom line is -- China needs to concede that unpredictable elections outcomes are facts of life in a democracy. China's continuing strategy of military coercion against Taiwan and strangling Taiwan's international space will only be outright rejected by Taiwan's electorate, regardless of who is in power in Taiwan.

Iris Blaauw

Washington