Tsai shows no goodwill on cross-Strait ties: mainland scholar

By shunning the 1992 Consensus embodying the one China principle, new Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen has shown no intention of affirming the common political foundation across the Taiwan Strait, commentated a mainland scholar.

Of her over 6,000-word inaugural speech on Friday, Tsai allocated less than 400 words to cross-Strait relations, which are of great concern to Taiwan's economic growth and future, said Ni Yongjie, deputy director of the Shanghai Institute of Taiwan Studies, in a signed article.

Describing the speech as "rather disappointing," the article says, "we can see Tsai is seeking stability rather than development; only managing risks rather than adding growth drive; [with the aim] to drive cross-Strait ties apart instead of closer."

Though Tsai has called for the two ruling parties across the Strait to "set aside the baggage of history," she failed to mention that it was the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that had forged a series of pro-independence documents, hampering cross-Strait relations, the article says.

Compared with the DPP's reluctance to develop cross-Strait ties, Tsai spared no effort when advocating the "new southward policy," "Taiwan joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership," and developing armament industries, moves seen to alienate the mainland and build Tsai's leverage against the mainland.

"So, where is her goodwill?" the author asked.

The mainland will closely watch not only what Tsai says but also what she does. Declining to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus is tantamount to sabotaging the political foundation of cross-Strait negotiations and communications, says the article.

"Right now, the ball is still in Tsai's court. As long as she returns to the 1992 Consensus -- and the one-China principle -- cross-Strait ties will remain peaceful while maintaining good interactions," it says. Endi