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2005
~2004
[ News ] [ Papers ]
Chen Loses Suit Against
Opposition
(AFP, June 15, 2005) A Taiwanese court ruled in favor of two opposition
leaders in their defamation lawsuit against President Chen Shui-bian, who had
accused them of trying to stage a 'soft coup' after his re-election victory
last year.
GIO Steps Up Battle with
TVBS
(Taiwan News, Dec. 22, 2005) The row between the Government Information
Office and the TVBS satellite network has returned to the media limelight
after the regulatory agency threatened to take stiffer penal action against the
company.
Chen's Aide Yu to Run for
DPP Chairman
(China Post, Dec. 16, 2005) Presidential Secretary-General Yu Shyi-kun
announced his candidacy for the chairmanship of the ruling DPP after tendered
his resignation to President Chen Shui-bian.
Lu to Stay on as Acting DPP
Head
(China Post, Dec. 15, 2005) Vice President Annette Lu yesterday unexpectedly
accepted the persuasion by the Central Standing Committee of the ruling DPP
to stay on as the acting chairwoman of the party, which she resigned three
days earlier.
Lu Offers to Resign as
Leader of DPP
(Taipei Times, Dec. 13, 2005) A power struggle between Vice President Annette
Lu and President Chen Shui-bian for control of the Democratic Progressive
Party (DPP) appeared to reach a climax yesterday after Lu said she would
resign from the party's top post.
Ma, Soong Meet to Discuss
Boosting Mutual Cooperation
(China Post, Dec. 13, 2005) James Soong, chairman of the People First Party,
met his Kuomintang counterpart Ma Ying-jeou for a four-hour talk on cooperation
in the immediate future.
Chen Takes Blame for Defeat
(Straits Times, Dec. 9, 2005) Breaking his silence for the first time since his
ruling party's drubbing in last Saturday's local elections, President Chen
Shui-bian said that he will 'bravely shoulder all responsibility' for the
defeat.
KMT, PFP Agree on 2-Phase
Merger
(China Post, Dec. 9, 2005) The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and its
"pan-blue alliance" ally the People First Party (PFP) agreed
yesterday to move toward a merger in two phases.
DPP Names Lu as Interim
Chair
(Taiwan News, Dec. 8, 2005) The Central Standing Committee of the governing
Democratic Progressive Party appointed Vice President Annette Lu as acting
chairwoman in a move that Lu dubbed as a "surprise."
Support for Chen Falls to
21% in Taiwan
(Reuters, Dec. 5, 2005) Fewer Taiwanese adults support Chen Shui-bian,
according to a poll by United Daily News. Only 21 per cent of respondents are
satisfied with the president’s performance.
Taiwan Opposition Heading
for Victory in Local Elections
(AFP, Dec. 3, 2005) With 71 percent of the 12,081 polling stations completing
their vote count, the KMT had won 14 of 23 constituencies while the ruling
Democratic Progressive Party took only six.
Ma to Quit as KMT Chairman,
If Tomorrow's Elections Are Lost
(China Post, Dec. 2, 2005) Mayor of Taipei Ma Ying-jeou promised he would
step down as chairman of the Kuomintang, if his party failed to win at least
half of the top local government posts at stake.
Taiwan's Chen Stokes
Anti-China Rhetoric Before Poll
(Reuters, Dec. 1, 2005) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian hit the campaign
trail for his party, telling voters an opposition win in local government
elections this weekend would undermine the island's sovereignty.
Chen Lambastes KMT, Drums Up
Taiwan Independence Sentiment (China
Post, Nov. 28, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian lambasted his arch rival
opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou and drummed up Taiwan independence sentiment,
as campaigning for local elections, viewed as a mid-term test for Chen,
switched into high gear.
Rallies Draw Huge Crowds
Ahead of Taiwan Polls
(Straits Times, Nov. 28, 2005) Taiwan's rival political parties came head to
head yesterday, mobilizing hundreds of thousands supporters in mass rallies
held simultaneously across the island ahead of local polls.
Taiwan Vote Seen as Test for
Chen
(Reuters, Nov. 23, 2005) Campaigning began in Taiwan for local elections
viewed as a midterm test for President Chen Shui-bian, who has tried to
bolster his faltering popularity by focusing on China.
Chen Che-nan, 21 Others
Indicted
(China Post, Nov. 22, 2005) Chen Che-nan, former deputy secretary-general to
President Chen Shui-bian, was indicted for breaches of trust, but the
prosecution did not demand punishment.
Taiwan Under Fire for Fining
TV Station
(Financial Times, Nov. 10, 2005) Taiwan faced criticism over its decision to
fine a television station that has been critical of the government, for
alleged violation of foreign ownership laws.
TVBS To Be Fined NT$1m by
GIO for 'Breaking Law'
(Taiwan News, Nov. 9, 2005) Government Information Office chief Pasuya Yao announced
last night that the TVBS satellite television company will be fined NT$1
million for violating the ban in the Satellite Broadcasting Law on direct
foreign ownership of over 50 percent.
Chen Brushes Off Criticism
of Aid Disclosure
(Straits Times, Nov. 8, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian has dismissed
criticism of his disclosure of the amount of aid given to former ally
Senegal. Mr Chen said the cost of the West African nation's move to switch
diplomatic recognition to Beijing needed to be made public.
President Blasts Lawmakers,
Prosecutors for Chaotic Revelations (Taiwan News, Nov. 7, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian launched a
salvo of criticism at prosecutors and investigators who have collaborated
with pan-blue lawmakers to release many unsupported "exposures" in
order to throw Taiwan into chaos.
Officials Reassure US about
TVBS
(Taipei
Times, Nov. 5, 2005) Taiwan's
foreign ministry has sent a message to the US government to allay any
concerns Washington may have over President Chen Shui-bian's handling of the
TVBS case.
Taiwan Urged to Keep Freedom
of the Press
(Associated Press, Nov. 3, 2005) U.S. State Department spokesman reiterated
that Washington would like to see press freedom continue to be guaranteed in
Taiwan.
Chen Says No TV Station
Shutdowns
(China Post, Nov. 2, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian yesterday maintained that
no TV stations would be shut down by the government during his term. Meanwhile Premier
Frank Hsieh refused to be as committed as the president.
Most People Have Lost
Confidence in DPP Government, Poll Finds (Central News Agency, Oct. 31, 2005) Sixty percent of people in
Taiwan have no confidence in the capacity of the Democratic Progressive Party
to perform as the ruling party.
President Apologizes for
Senior Aide's Scandals
(China Post, Oct. 30, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian made an apology to all
people in Taiwan yesterday for the alleged involvement of one of his former
senior aides in a series of scandals.
TVBS Facing Closure over
Ownership Violation
(Taiwan News, Oct. 30, 2005) Taiwan's top media regulator threatened to shut
down a cable TV network accused by ruling lawmakers of seeking to subvert the
government.
Chen Che-nan Scandal Deepens
(Taipei Times, Oct. 29, 2005) Former Presidential Office deputy
secretary-general Chen Che-nan will be expelled from the Democratic
Progressive Party (DPP) for his alleged involvement in the Kaohsiung Rapid
Transit Corp (KRTC) scandal.
DPP Scandals Energize Ma,
KMT
(Taiwan News, Oct. 23, 2005) Playing on alleged scandals plaguing the
Democratic Progressive Party administration, Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou
sought to boost fellow candidates for the year-end elections by vowing to
restore the nation's core values and economic prosperity.
DPP Factions to Abandon 'New
Movement'
(China Post, Oct. 17, 2005) The factions in the ruling Democratic Progressive
Party (DPP) have decided to suspend quarreling with each other and stop using
the term of "New DPP Movement" to highlight party reforms.
DPP Factions Quarrel over
Best Methods to Enact Party Reforms (Taiwan News, Oct. 15, 2005) Two major factions within the
Democratic Progressive Party quarreled over how to reform the ruling party,
following President Chen Shui-bian's criticism of term "new" reform
movement.
Poll Shows Chen's Popularity
at New Low
(Taiwan News, Oct. 10, 2005) A poll released showed that support for
President Chen Shui-bian has plummeted to its lowest level since he took office
more than five years ago. The president's popularity decreased to 25 percent.
Ma Pledges Reform, Lauds
Beijing Deal in Interview
(CNA, Oct. 8, 2005) The Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou said in an interview
that he will continue to push for party reforms to create favorable
conditions for the party's return to power in the 2008.
Chen Under Fire over Stalled
Reforms
(AP, Oct. 7, 2005) A spate of corruption and mismanagement scandals has made
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian a daily punching bag for the island's
prime-time political talk shows.
KMT Wants Taiwan Gov't to
Suspend 2ND Phase of Financial Reform (CNA, Oct. 7, 2005) Kuomintang urged the government to suspend the
second phase of its financial reform plan, saying that the government needs
to clear public suspicions that the plan is favoring specific large financial
groups in the name of privatization.
Seventy Lawmakers Give
Endorsements to New DPP Movement (Taiwan News, Oct. 6, 2005) A total of 70 lawmakers from different
factions and generations within the ruling Democratic Progressive Party have
endorsed a campaign calling for a review of the party's problems.
DPP Old Guard Lashes Out
Against 'Young Turk' over Planned Reforms (China Post, Oct. 3, 2005) The Democratic Progressive Party old
guard, irked by an impertinent young turk, lashed out at his planned reform,
which apparently is purported to help him win the year-end election as
magistrate of Taipei.
DPP Youth Launch Campaign
Aimed at Reviving Party's Values
(China Post, Oct. 2, 2005) A group of young members from the ruling
Democratic Progressive Party is launching a soul-searching campaign in the
wake of a spate of scandals plaguing the government.
Opposition the Biggest
Threat to Security: Chen
(Taipei Times, Sep. 13, 2005) The most serious defense challenge facing the
nation is the opposition's blockade of three important arms-procurement bills
in the Legislative Yuan, President Chen Shui-bian said.
Taiwan's KMT Rubs Up Its
Image
(Financial Times, Sep. 10, 20050 Ma Ying-jeou, new leader of Taiwan's
opposition Kuomintang, has started a campaign to highlight the party's
historic links with the island.
Chen Tells Ma to Abandon
'One-China Myth'
(Taiwan News, Aug. 26, 20050 President Chen Shui-bian urged the new chairman
of the Kuomintang to drop his party's "one China myth" and boldly
embrace the "mainstream values" of "Taiwan identity" and
"putting priority on Taiwan."
KMT Overcomes Voting
Glitches
(Taiwan News, Aug. 21, 2005) The Kuomintang survived a few hitches and some
controversy to directly elect 210 Central Committee members and 31 Central
Standing Committee members.
Ma Takes Over Reins of
Kuomintang
(Taiwan News, Aug. 20, 20050 Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou officially took over
the Kuomintang chairmanship from Lien Chan, vowing to reform the party.
Addressing the KMT's 17th plenary session, Ma proposed seven reforms to
eradicate the KMT's shortcomings.
Taiwan Closes Case on Chen's
Shooting, Blames Suicide Victim (AFP, Aug. 17, 2005)
An unemployed man who later committed suicide was responsible for shooting
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, prosecutors said as they wound up a
controversial case that has divided the island.
Newly Elected KMT Chairman
Faces Battle to Heal Internal Rifts
(AFP, July 18, 2005) Ma Ying-jeou's election as head of the opposition
Kuomintang ushers in a new generation of reform-minded leadership but
analysts say he faces an uphill battle to heal internal rifts.
China's Hu Congratulates
Taiwan's Newly Elected KMT Leader
(Bloomberg, July 17, 2005) China's President Hu Jintao congratulated the
newly appointed leader of Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party, Taipei Mayor
Ma Ying-jeou, and said it should help bring the island's leadership closer to
the mainland.
Taiwan's Opposition KMT
Elects Mayor as New Chief
(Reuters, July 16, 2005) Taiwan's main opposition KMT Party elected popular
Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou as its new leader on Saturday, boosting his chances
of running for the presidency in 2008.
KMT Blasts Chen's Idea of
Appointing Township Chiefs
(Taipei Times, Jun 24, 2005) The KMT criticized a proposal by President Chen
Shui-bian to appointment township chiefs, saying the idea was a blow to
grassroots democracy.
Parties Divided over
Redistricting
(Taipei Times, June 13, 2005) The new system requires that the current 29
constituencies be redrawn into 73, and the four major parties are maneuvering
for advantage.
Wang
Jin-pyng Becomes 2nd Candidate for KMT Election
(China Post, June 8, 2005) Wang submitted a
registration form endorsed by over 100,000 party members for his candidacy, a
day after Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou formally signed up for the poll.
Chen Shui-bian Marks Sixth
Year in Office Quietly
(AP, May 21, 2005) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian marked the start of his
sixth year in office by working at a garbage recycling center in a Taipei
suburb. Meanwhile, opinion polls showed a significant slide in his
popularity.
Taiwan Leader's Approval
Rating Drops Despite Election Victory: Poll (AFP, May 19, 2005) Taiwan pro-independence President Chen
Shui-bian's approval rating has dropped to 33 percent from 43 percent a year
ago when he was inaugurated for a second-term.
Taiwan's Premier Urges Party
to Take 'Middle Road'
(AP, May 19, 2005) Taiwan's Premier said that the island's ruling party must
take the 'middle road' and cater to the majority of Taiwanese who want to
ease tensions with China.
Chen Shui-Bian to Pursue
Inter-Party Harmony, Cross-Strait Peace (Asia Pulse, May 6, 2005) Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian said
Thursday he is determined to work with opposition leaders to mend inter-party
rifts and pursue peaceful co-existence across the Taiwan Strait.
Chen Makes TIME's List of
Top Leaders
(Taiwan News, Apr. 12, 2005) Chen told Time last year, "I am a maker of
history," and Elliot anticipates that, "If that turns out to be so,
let's hope it's because Chen Shui-bian proves to be a force for
reconciliation across the Taiwan Strait, not for war over it."
Taipei Mayor Launches
Campaign for KMT Chairmanship
(AFP, Apr. 4, 2005) Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou kicked off his campaign for the
leadership of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), with a
vow to reform and rejuvenate the party.
Thousands in Taiwan Protest
Mysterious Shooting
(Reuters, Mar. 20, 2005) Thousands in Taiwan rallied in the streets demanding
the truth behind the shooting of President Chen Shui-bian one year ago, which
opposition parties said might have been staged to win votes for the incumbent
in the last election.
Taiwan Police Say Who Shot
President, but Suspect Is Dead
(NYT, Mar. 8, 2005) The Taiwan police announced late Monday morning that they
had identified the man who shot and injured President Chen Shui-bian on the
eve of national elections a year ago.
Taiwan President's Advisers
to Quit over Peace Overture to China (AFP, Mar. 1, 2005) A
senior pro-independence advisor to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has vowed
to resign after Chen pledged not to seek formal independence for the island
during reconciliation talks with an opposition leader.
Opposition Leader Admits US
Role in Talks with Chen
(Strait Times, Mar. 1, 2005) The Americans had a hand in the consensus
reached between Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties last week. Mr Soong
admitted openly that the United States played an important role in bringing
about the consensus.
TSU Threatens to Quit the
Pan-Greens
(TT, Feb. 28, 2005) Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) Chairman Shu Chin-chiang
announced that his party will quit its partnership with the Democratic
Progressive Party (DPP) if President Chen Shui-bian intends to violate former
president Lee Teng-hui's political ideals.
Chen-Soong Meeting Aimed at
Inter-Party Reconciliation
(CNA, Feb. 24, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian said morning prior to his meeting
with opposition People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong that the
meeting is aimed at ending the hostile political wrangling among the domestic
parties and boosting inter-party reconciliation.
Taiwan's
President Fails to Get His Priorities Right By Kathrin Hille (Financial
Times, Dec. 28, 2005) In just five years President Chen Shui-bian has fallen
from being Taiwan's
hero of democracy to become its most reviled politician.
Identity Crisis Biggest
Enemy, Says President
(Central News Agency, Dec. 24, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian said yesterday
that the national identity disparity among Taiwanese people is posing the
greatest challenge to the country's security.
Taiwan’s Voters Bring Back
the Blues By Shelley
Rigger
(Far Eastern Economic Review, December 2005) How can the DPP make itself a
party that Taiwanese voters trust to form a government? To enlarge its
support, the DPP needs to offer a persuasive package of ideas that a majority
of Taiwanese can embrace.
A Referendum On President Chen By John F. Copper
(Far Eastern Economic Review, December 2005) The best explanation for
pangreen’s defeat is that its usual or core election tactics—picking a fight with
China to stir up local nationalism and accentuate ethnic feelings, claiming
to be the force behind Taiwan’s democratization, and tarring the opposition
with corruption—did not work.
Ma Steers KMT into Position
for Next Polls
(Straits Times, Dec. 19, 2005) In a display of pragmatism, opposition
Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Ma Ying-jeou has urged his party's lawmakers to
refrain from 'vicious battles' and unreasonable boycotts.
Elections in Taiwan
(Editorial, Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 7, 2005) The election outcome will have major
repercussions on both the future of the region and China-Taiwan relations. We
hope Chen will recalibrate his China policy in response to the verdict of
voters.
KMT Worse Off in Legislature
(Straits Times, Dec. 6, 2005) While Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) has
reason to celebrate its victory in Saturday's local elections, the win
weakens its hold on the legislature, Taiwan News reported.
Hard Road Seen for Taiwan's
Chen After Elections By Michael Kramer (Reuters, Dec. 5, 2005) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian is in
danger of becoming a lame duck for the remaining 2- years of his term after
his party's crushing defeat in local government elections, political
commentators said.
Poll Defeat Poses Crisis for
Ruling Party of Taiwan By Kathrin
Hille (Financial Times, Dec. 5, 2005) Taiwan’s
ruling party is facing its biggest crisis since it came to power more than
five years ago after suffering a devastating defeat in local polls seen as a
vote of no confidence towards the government of President Chen Shui-bian.
DPP Suffers Crushing Defeat
in Local Polls
(Straits Times, Dec. 4, 2005) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) suffered
a disastrous defeat in local elections, an outcome widely taken to be a
no-confidence vote against President Chen Shui-bian.
Taiwan Opposition Wins Local
Poll; China Policy Cited
(Bloomberg, Dec. 4, 2005) Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party won a
majority of local government seats contested in a setback for President Chen
Shui-bian and a barometer for the 2008 presidential campaign, analysts said.
Taipei County a Super
Battleground Between Chou, Luo
(Taiwan News, Nov. 30, 2005) With a population of 3.68 million that exceeds
more than the combined population of 11 of the country's 23 cities and
counties being contested this Saturday, Taipei County is dubbed a super
battleground where the magistrate election outcome may make or break the
rival parties in the 2008 presidential race.
Why Taiwan's Voters Are Fed
Up With Chen
(BusinessWeek, Dec. 5, 2005) Is Chen Shui-Bian a lame duck? Taiwan's
President was voted into office twice on the strength of his anti-China,
pro-independence stance. But the rhetoric is wearing thin.
Local Elections to Test
Taiwan’s Ruling Party By Kathrin
Hille
(Financial Times, November 30 2005) Taiwan’s ruling party faces an uphill battle
for votes in Saturday’s local elections, which are seen as a test of whether
it will hold on to power in presidential polls two years from now.
Politicians Sling Mud to
Gain Edge in 3-in-1 Elections
(Taiwan News, Nov. 28, 2005) The trading of accusations has produced hundreds
of lawsuits, with the accused suing their rivals for slander, and the
accusers countersuing for being the targets of "false charges."
Taiwan in the Grip of
Election Fever By Ong Hwee
Hwee
(Straits Times, Nov. 25, 2005) Taiwan's two main parties - the ruling
Democratic Progressive Party and opposition Kuomintang - will square up
against each other in next week's local elections.
'Deliberative Democracy'
Won't Give Chen What He Wants
(Editorial, China Post, Nov. 8, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian wants to carry
on his constitutional reform. He said his second phase of constitutional
reform will be carried out "according to the concept of deliberative
democracy."
KRTC Scandal: Workers' Riot
Ends Up Reshaping Politics
(Taipei Times, Nov. 7, 2005) Unexpectedly, a scandal that started with a Thai
workers riot is now reshaping Taiwan politics. President Chen Shui-bian is
unable to say that he had nothing to do with the current main defendent in
the scandal, Chen Che-nan.
Hurt by Scams, Chen Falling
to Status of Lame-Duck President
(Editorial,
China Post, Nov. 5, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian, embattled by the
still-spreading scandal at the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation and his
mishandling of its aftermath, is seeing his authority undergoing an
accelerated fall to lame-duck status.
China Reaches Deeper into
Taiwan Politics By Robert Marquand
(Christian
Science Monitor, Nov. 5, 2005) Half a year after top opposition Taiwan
politicians Lien Chan and James Soong were feted in historic visits to
Beijing, the ripple effects brought by promises of good will and trade appear
to have intensified political divisions and emotions in the young democracy.
Upcoming Local Elections
Stir Little Interest
(Taiwan News, Oct. 22, 2005) Although the elections for 18 county magistrates
and five mayors are less than two months away, the many campaign activities
organized by the candidates seem to have generated little excitement over the
races.
Taiwan’s Chen Battles
Worsening Image, Say Analysts
(Reuters, Oct. 20, 2005) With local government elections due in December,
analysts say if Chen fails to clear doubts raised by the probe, it could
undermine his credibility and cost votes for the ruling Democratic
Progressive Party.
Chen's Last Chance
(Editorial, Taiwan News, Oct. 17, 2005) Effective leadership, determined
action, participative dialogue with the public and more skillful political
bargaining will be the core of Taiwan's political development in the next two
and half years.
DPP Sees the Need to Take
Action
(Editorial, Taiwan News, Oct. 13, 2005) The governing Democratic Progressive
Party appears finally to have received and understood the message that it
needs to take action to show that it still deserves the support of the Taiwan
people.
Chen Must Revitalize
Taiwan's Democracy
(Editorial, Taiwan News, Oct. 10, 2005) Taiwan politics has reached a major
historical crossroad in which potential political decay may well overwhelm
the democratic evolution that our country has progressively realized to date.
Is Ma Becoming Taiwan's
Blair? By
Richard Hazeldine
(Taipei Times, Oct. 4, 2005) One couldn't help but
think of the parallels between Ma's recent landslide victory and British
Prime Minister Tony Blair's win in the Labour party leadership race of 1994.
Ma: A Follower or A Leader?
(Editorial, China Post, Sep. 18, 2005) If Ma wants to be anything more than a
caretaker, he must demonstrate leadership. He must show the U.S. -- Taiwan's
only real ally -- that the island can stand up for itself.
KMT's New Leader Starts
Party on Road to Reform
(Associated Press, Aug. 22, 2005) Taiwan's new opposition leader has taken a
crucial step in reforming the Kuomintang (KMT) by going public with the
election of the party's Central Standing Committee.
Ma Has Big Role in
Cross-Straits Relations
(China Daily, Aug. 20, 2005) Based on the new leader's rich experience in
dealing with cross-Straits issues, the KMT under his leadership is expected
to play a more positive role in developing cross-Straits ties.
Identity Issue Raises Its
Head Again By Nat Bellocchi
(Taipei Times, Aug. 10, 2005) While much of the media in Taiwan is already
focusing on likely candidates for president three years hence, the two main
parties have yet to establish their platforms for the forthcoming campaign.
Lien Can Help Unify
Opposition Camp By Lawrence
Chung
(Straits Times, July 23, 2005) Outgoing Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Lien Chan's
extended stay in politics would keep alive the possibility of the opposition
joining forces to take on the ruling party in 2008, said analysts.
Ma Faces Daunting Challenges
(China Post, July 17, 2005) Ma's real objective will be the 2008 presidential
election, and finding ways to lead the party in a new wave of personnel
changes, power restructuring, upgrading of the party's competitiveness will be
key to his winning the national leadership.
KMT Faces Crucial Choice of
Leader By Lawrence Chung
(Straits Times, July 15, 2005) Taiwan's largest opposition party Kuomintang
(KMT) will elect a new leader tomorrow in a vote widely seen as the party's
primary for the 2008 presidential poll.
'Wang Has No Enemies and Ma
Has No Friends' By Jane Rickards (China Post, July 12, 2005) Ma did not seem to be interested in
making alliances with other politicians and his appeal lay mostly with
grassroots voters who were impressed with this. This was in sharp contrast to
his opponent, Legislative Speaker Wang.
Soong's Party in Crisis
After Poor Showing By Goh
Sui Noi
(Straits Times, May 19, 2005) Taiwan's People
First Party (PFP), torn by internal strife after its dismal showing in the
National Assembly election on Saturday, is in crisis.
Taiwan: Burying the Hatchet By George Wehrfritz and Jonathan Adams (Newsweek
International, Mar. 7, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian reaches out to a
longtime rival, now a potential bridge to the suspicious leaders in Beijing.
Chen Defends Reconciliation
with Soong after Criticism
(China Post, Feb. 27, 2005) Chen said his meeting with Soong was of great
significance, granted that the spirit of agreeing to disagree is crucial to
ending partisan confrontation and bringing about unity and stability in
Taiwan.
Why Chen-Soong Consensus Is
a Relief for China By Ching Cheong (Straits Times, Feb. 26, 2005)
Consensus falls short of Beijing's hopes but is likely to prevent conflict.
But Mr Chen's definition of Taiwan's status remains a sticking point in
cross-strait ties.
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