Cross-strait policy has always been a central focus of presidential elections. New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜) of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) recently said that he “respects” the so-called “1992 consensus,” but beat around the bush when asked if he endorses it.
Hou prevaricated by saying that the public needs to reach a consensus to safeguard the peace and prosperity of the Republic of China.
Asked how he would unite the “anti-Democratic Progressive Party [DPP] camp,” Hou said that people should collaborate with each other, since the purpose of presidential elections is to work for the greater good of Taiwanese and the nation, not to bring about social division regardless of political affiliation and identity.
When it comes to sensitive or controversial issues, Hou has generally responded with bureaucratic language. Whether such remarks are filled with political shenanigans is open to interpretation, but as Hou dodges every question thrown at him, he has made the public suspicious of his character and competency.
Former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) have been reiterating the “1992 consensus” to bolster ties with China, repeatedly reassuring Beijing of the KMT’s unchanged stance.
However, the DPP and the majority of Taiwanese know that the “1992 consensus” is a self-humiliating act that renders Taiwan a sitting duck awaiting a Chinese invasion.
It should have been clear as day what the consensus implies, but Hou continues to waver, stoking suspicion that he is not averse to being at the mercy of Beijing.
Chu claims that the KMT would unite all “anti-DPP camps” to defeat the DPP. As Chu works on exacerbating political polarization and social division to arouse anti-DPP sentiments, would not Hou’s proposal of “collaboration” go against Chu’s party line?
Would Hou dare speak out against the party elite, including Chu? It would be far wiser for him to take a clear stance if he has a better opinion to offer and refrain from pussyfooting around.
Chen Ho-wen
Taipei
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