Dr. Phillip M. Chen

Chairman: Dr. Phillip M. Chen, President, CSIPF
...
Chen retains an open attitude with regards the issue of unification/independence, arguing that this must be decided by the people of Taiwan.

3. The DPP believes that a majority of scholars in Mainland China view cross straits relations from too personal a perspective and therefore are generally opposed to Chen Shui-bian.

4. Chen Shui-bian has, as a result of election campaign considerations, adopted a low key approach to unification / independence related issues, so as to offset the negative impression that may be caused by the perception of him as being bellicose and a supporter of Taiwan independence.

5. In terms of cross straits relations Chen Shui-bian has striven to emphasize his position as being based a respect for ¡§the will of the people¡¨, but in point fact this amounts to a ¡§wait and see¡¨ approach to Taiwan's future.

...
As such, it is still not really possible to differentiate Chen in this area from the other presidential hopefuls.

3. The DPP's three principles of normalization, peace and no-predetermined policy positions, tend too much towards compromise.Consequently, the DPP's adaptability in tactics violates its own basic values.

4. On a personal level Chen Shui-bian's image has long been tied up with Taiwan independence and war.This will have a negative impact on the DPP's campaign for the presidency in this election.

...
Indeed, Chen only stepped back from this initial position in the face of adverse reaction both domestically and internationally.In future strategic considerations will ensure that Chen tries to dissipate the political danger of such issues as ¡§cross straits relations¡¨ or ¡§unification/independence¡¨ through a policy position whereby the ¡§the public makes its own decision¡¨.This will go hand-in-hand with the expression of goodwill through US and Japanese channels, with the express aim of reducing pressure being brought to bear by both Mainland China and the wider international community.

3. In the event of a Chen Shui-bian victory in the presidential election the Chinese Communists will be forced to take full consideration of possible fallout from taking a ¡§hard-line stance¡¨ against the political will of the Taiwanese people.In addition, Chen has proved an adept learner, expressing a willingness to continue talks with Mainland China, but on the understanding that he will place the interests of Taiwan before all other considerations.In addition, it is even possible that he will be more open or creative in his approach to such issues as the ¡§Three Contacts¡¨, TMD, or the unfolding of confidence building measures.

Visitor: