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Chen’s First Recall Crisis
Chen’s Second
Recall Crisis
~2004 ; 2005
[ News ] [ Papers ]
KMT Leader's Presidential
Chances Suffer Blow
(Straits Times, Dec. 13, 2006) For a long while, it seemed that nothing could
stop the march of Taiwan opposition chief Ma Ying-jeou to the island's
presidency in 2008. But overnight, his chances have diminished following a
surprise defeat for his party in last Saturday's mayoral race in Kaohsiung -
Taiwan's second-largest city.
Taiwan Court Seals Ballot
Boxes Amid Charges of Vote-Rigging
(AFP, Dec. 11, 2006) A Kaohsiung district court ordered the sealing of ballot
boxes for the southern Taiwan city's crunch mayoral election after the main
opposition Kuomintang claimed evidence of vote-rigging.
DPP Wins Narrowly in
Kaohsiung
(Straits Times, Dec. 10, 2006) Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party
scored a narrow but psychologically important victory in the closely fought
mayoral race in Kaohsiung.
Taiwan Leader’s Party Ekes
Out Win
(New York Times, Dec. 9, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian’s Democratic
Progressive Party eked out the narrowest victory in Taiwanese political
history in crucial mayoral elections here, but the opposition Nationalist
Party quickly said it would seek a recount.
Ma Donated over NT$68 mil.
in 8 Years
(China Post, Dec. 1, 2006) Mayor of Taipei Ma Ying-jeou made public his
charity donations topping NT$68 million. Chow Chih-cheng, president of the Taiwan
provincial CPA association, presented the accounting reports.
Prosecutor Denies Pressure
Existed to Indict Ma
(Taiwan News, Nov. 27, 2006) Prosecutor-general Hsieh Wen-ding denied charges
that prosecutors were urged to indict Taipei City Mayor and KMT Chairman Ma
Ying-jeou over his alleged misuse of a special mayoral allowance before the
December 9 Taipei and Kaohsiung municipal elections.
Ma Promises to Step Down as
Chairman If Indicted
(Taiwan News, Nov. 25, 2006) Opposition Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou said
unequivocally yesterday that he would resign as party leader if he is
indicted over allegations of misuse of public funds.
KMT Probity Committee to
Probe Ma's Bank Accounts
(China Post, Nov. 21, 2006) A special working group was created under the
Kuomintang's integrity and probity committee to look into the bank accounts
of its chairman Ma Ying-jeou. Ma himself requested the probe by the probity
committee.
Taiwan Opposition Leader Ma
Donates to Charity Amid Criticism
(AFP, Nov. 18, 2006) Taiwan opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou has said he would
donate some 15 million Taiwan dollars to charity amid criticism of alleged
embezzlement.
Ma Sorry for 'Administrative
Defects'
(Taipei Times, Nov 16, 2006) Acknowledging his office's mishandling of the
special mayoral allowance, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou apologized for what he
called "administrative defects," adding that he would not resign
over the matter.
Taiwan Opposition Leader Ma Admits Aide Forged Expense Receipts (AFP, Nov. 15, 2006) Taiwan opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou has
admitted one of his aides forged receipts to claim Ma's expenses as Taipei
mayor, and apologized for the latest political scandal to rock the island.
Taiwan Opposition Leader
Grilled over Expenses
(AFP, Nov. 14, 2006) Taiwan's opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou, seen as a
presidential hopeful in the 2008 race, has been questioned by prosecutors
over his alleged misuse of "special expenses" as Taipei mayor.
Taipei Gears Up for Mayoral
Election
(Straits Times, Oct. 20, 2006) In December, the city will elect a new mayor
and, in an indication of how important this race is to the main political
parties, all have fielded candidates who are either celebrity figures or
political heavyweights.
Taiwan Ruling Party Marks
20th Anniversary Amid Corruption Scandals Around President (AP, Sep. 28, 2006) Taiwan's governing party celebrated its 20th
anniversary Thursday with a hip hop band at an upscale hotel amid sinking
popular support in the wake of corruption scandals surrounding President Chen
Shui-bian.
Gov't to Rename CKS Airport
(China Post, Sep. 2, 2006) Premier Su Tseng-chang yesterday said the Cabinet
plans to remove late President Chiang Kai-shek's name from Taiwan's main
international airport in Taoyuan County.
Ma Presents Accounting of
KMT's Falling Assets
(Taiwan News, Aug. 24, 2006) Opposition Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou
pledged to put all of his party's assets in a blind trust before 2008 after
presenting an accounting of his party's controversial holdings.
'Controversial' Issues Now
in History Books
(Taiwan News, Aug. 16, 2006) Starting next month, controversial issues such
as the lack of conclusion on Taiwan's international status would be included
for the first time in history textbooks for senior high school students, the
Ministry of Education said.
Kuomintang Elects CSC
Members
(Taiwan News, July 30, 2006) The main opposition Kuomintang elected its
Central Standing Committee members with the party's lawmakers bagging over
two-thirds of the seats available in its top decision-making body.
Chen's Office Faces Probe
over NT$37m Expenses
(Reuters, July 29, 2006) The office of Taiwan's scandal-hit President Chen
Shui-bian faces an investigation after the Ministry of Audit could not
account for about NT$37 million in funds.
Academics Deplore Chen's
Decision to Remain in Power
(China Post, July 27, 2006) The group of academics who recently launched a
campaign to pressure President Chen Shui-bian step to down over scandals
surrounding his family and aides issued another statement deploring the
president's decision to stay on.
Student Holds Out Against
President with Hunger Strike
(Taiwan News, July 26, 2006) A male university student Li Wen-cheng has been
on a hunger strike at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall for over 110 hours trying
to urge President Chen Shui-bian to step down and to stop political
conflicts.
President Has Control over
Sensitive Areas: Ker
(China Post, July 26, 2006) DPP legislative council convener lawmaker Ker
Chien-ming said Chen's role in formulating policies in sensitive areas such
as defense and relations with China were "irreplaceable".
DPP Votes to Dissolve Party
Factions
(China Post, July 24, 2006) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
came to the decision that all the party's many factions should be dissolved.
But the effects of the decision have come under questioning by even some DPP
members and other political parties.
Taiwan President Vows to
Stay in Office as Party Congress Opens (AFP, July 22, 2006)
Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has vowed to stay in office as his
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) opened its annual congress amid a string
of corruption scandals that analysts said have tarnished its image.
Chen
Cancels DPP Meeting over Rumor Mill
(TN,
July 18, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian canceled a scheduled expanded meeting
of DPP in order to prevent the assembly from being interpreted as an effort
to endorse Chen's continued governance.
DPP Vows to Uphold High
Moral Standards
(CNA, July 9, 2006) Chairman Yu Shyi-kun of the ruling Democratic Progressive
Party (DPP) reiterated yesterday the party's determination to uphold the
highest moral standards.
Presidential Office
Threatens to Sue China Times Again
(China Post, July 7, 2006) The Presidential Office demanded once again that
the China Times, one of Taiwan's largest newspapers, apologize and retract a
report claiming that President Chen Shui-bian intimidated a senior opposition
figure -- or face legal action.
Thousands Rally in Taiwan
Against President
(Reuters, June 11, 2006) Thousands of people took to the streets of Taiwan's
capital for the second consecutive weekend, calling for President Chen
Shui-bian to quit over a deepening financial scandal involving his family
members.
Chen Tells Burghardt He's
Still in Charge
(Taipei Times, June 9, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian told a visiting US
official morning that his delegation of powers to Premier Su Tseng-chang and
ranking Democratic Progressive Party officials has not changed his
presidential authority.
Chen Reshuffles NSC But
Retains Sec-Gen. Chiou
(China Post, June 5, 2006) Two officials of the National Security Council
(NSC) will be replaced in line with President Chen Shui-bian's vow to
surrender his administrative powers. But opposition lawmakers stressed that
NSC Secretary-General Chiou I-jen must go.
Thousands Join Pan-Blue
Rally against Chen
(Taipei Times, June 4, 2006) Thousands of protesters yesterday under the lead
of the People First Party took to the street calling on the president to step
down and assume responsibility for the recent string of allegations of
corruption involving government officials and the president's in-laws.
Taiwan Opposition Seeks
President's Ouster
(Reuters, June 3, 2006) Taiwan's top opposition leader threatened on Saturday
to initiate a vote of no confidence in parliament against President Chen
Shui-bian's cabinet over an insider trading scandal involving his son-in-law.
Two Influential Aides of
Taiwan President Resign
(Deutsche Presse-Agentur, June 2, 2006) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian
approved the resignations of two of his chief aides, a day after he declared
he would relegate power to the premier amid his son-in-law's snowballing
insider trading scandal.
Taiwan President Gives
Control to Premier
(AP, June 1, 2006) Taiwan's president has handed over day-to-day control of
the island's government to the premier in the wake of a series of scandals. Chen, whose term ends
in 2008, remains head of state and appeared to retain policy-making
authority.
DPP Caucus Promises to
Support Chen
(Taipei Times, May 27, 2006) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its
legislative caucus unanimously vowed to back President Chen Shui-bian and
said they would work together to assist the president in stabilizing the
political situation.
New Scandal Threatens
President, Party
(Taiwan News, May 25, 20060 National Science Council Vice Chairman Hsieh
Ching-jyh was taken into custody over a suspected profiteering scandal
involving a project in the southern county of Tainan.
Hsieh Wants China Policy
Resolution on DPP Platform
(China Post, May 23, 2006) Frank Hsieh, former premier determined to run for
president in 2008, wants a "China policy" resolution on the ruling
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) platform. He needs a policy that runs
counter to the one President Chen Shui-bian has been pursuing, with emphasis
on a liberal opening to China in economic exchanges.
Civic Groups Disappointed
with Chen
(China Post, May 17, 2006) Results of the survey on 100 of Taiwan's civic
groups show that only 5.8 percent of them are satisfied with Chen's
performance, while 88.4 percent of them say they are not. The survey was
conducted by the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU).
Taiwan President's
Son-in-Law Denies Insider Trade
(Reuters, May 15, 2006 ) Taiwan's presidential office has denied insider
trading accusations leveled against a son-in-law of President Chen Shui-bian,
whose popularity has already slumped to new lows due to a string of
corruption scandals.
Chen, DPP Leadership Taken
to Task
(China Post, May 8, 20060 President Chen Shui-bian's Democratic Progressive
Party (DPP) faithful fired a broadside against him and his top lieutenants
for the loss of faith among the rank and file.
DPP Registration for Taipei
Mayoral Primary Closes with No Candidates (China Post, May 6, 2006)
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said it will have to draft a
candidate for the Taipei mayoral election after as it has been left with no
entrant in the primary for the race after registration closed.
DPP Lawmakers Demand Say in
Personnel and Policy Decision-Making (Taiwan News, Apr. 11, 2006) A majority of Democratic Progressive
Party lawmakers have signed a motion calling for a direct role for the
governing party's legislative caucus in government personnel decisions and
policy-making.
Ex-Presidential Aide
Detained in Scam Probe
(China Post, Apr. 8, 2006) The Taipei District Court ordered the detention of
Chen Che-nan, a former senior aide to President Chen Shui-bian, for alleged
fraud and involvement in other cases.
PRC Policy Takes Center
Stage in Televised Ma-Chen Debate
(Taiwan News, Apr. 4, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian and opposition Chinese
Nationalist Party Chairman Ma Ying-jeou engaged in a sharp exchange of views,
especially on cross-strait relations with the People's Republic of China and
the government's proposed military procurement package.
DPP Halts Planned Internal
Debate on China Policies
(China Post, Mar. 25, 2006) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party has
jammed the brakes on planning for a consensus-seeking internal debate on
China policies after several of its lawmakers declared a boycott on what they
called a discussion with foregone conclusions.
Taiwan Opposition Stages
Second Anti-Chen Rally in a Week
(AFP, Mar. 20, 2006) Thousands of slogan-chanting opposition demonstrators
took to the streets of the Taiwanese capital in the second rally in a week
protesting against President Chen Shui-bian.
Chen Shooting: Suspect's
Widow Changes Her Tune
(AP, Mar. 13, 2006) The widow of a suspect in the mysterious election-eve
shooting of Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian said she was coerced into making
statements implicating her husband.
Taiwan Opposition to Stage
Anti-Chen Rally
(AFP, Mar. 12, 2006) Supporters of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) will
take to the streets to protest the hardline policy on China adopted by the
island's leader President Chen Shui-bian .
KMT Wins By-Election for
Legislative Seat in Chiayi
(Taiwan News, Mar. 12, 2006) The opposition Kuomintang won the legislative
by-election in Chiayi City, tying it with the governing Democratic
Progressive Party for the largest party caucus in the Legislature and
asserting the end of DPP dominance in the southern city.
More PFP Lawmakers Defect to
KMT
(China Post, Jan. 28, 2006) Five People First Party lawmakers defected to the
Kuomintang yesterday, making it a total of seven defections in recent weeks.
Chen Wants Internal Debate
Ahead of Conference
(Taiwan News, Jan. 27, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian called on new
Democratic Progressive Party Chairman Yu Shyi-kun to uphold the core value of
"Taiwan identity" and organize a wide-ranging policy debate in the
governing party in preparation for a second "Economic Development
Advisory Conference."
Former DPP Chief Quits Party
(China Post, Jan. 25, 2006) A highly respected former chairman of the
Democratic Progressive Party, Lin Yi-hsiung, announced his withdrawal from
the ruling party, saying malignant partisan fights have been destabilized the
country.
Departing Premier Warns
Gov't on Policies
(China Post, Jan. 24, 2006) Departing Premier Frank Hsieh issued warnings to
President Chen Shui-bian that his administration's policies were not in synch
with the wishes of the people in Taiwan.
Taiwan Names New Premier to
Push China Policy
(Financial Times, Jan. 19, 2006) Taiwan’s president selected a popular former
party chief, Su Tseng-chang, to become premier, a move that could shore up
the president’s flagging support and enable him to adopt a tougher stance on
cross-Strait relations with China.
Taiwan Premier Quits in
Reshuffle
(Reuters, Jan. 17, 2006) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian says he has accepted
the resignation of Premier Frank Hsieh in a long-expected cabinet reshuffle.
Taiwan media have speculated that Chen's former chief of staff, Su
Tseng-chang, will get the job.
Taiwan's Ruling DPP Elects
Ex-Premier as Chairman
(Reuters, Jan. 15, 2006) Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party chose
former Premier Yu Shyi-kun, a top aide to President Chen Shui-bian, as
chairman after the DPP's crushing defeat in December 3 local polls.
DPP Members Show Signs of
Rebellion Against Chen
(China Post, Jan. 10, 2006) Members of President Chen's own Democratic Progressive
Party are showing signs of muted rebellion against Chen's leadership and new
China policies outlined in his New Year's day address.
Chen Loses Suit Against
Opposition
(AFP, Dec. 22, 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.
Emotions Run High at Wu's
Trial By Chiu Hei-yuan
(Taipei Times, Dec. 22, 2006) The confusion surrounding the special
"state affairs" fund is finally being reviewed in a court of law.
This case, however, has deep political implications. Furthermore, it is
legally complex and it is therefore difficult to see how a verdict will be
reached smoothly.
Hsieh, Su Vie for Right to
Bear DPP Standard in Election
(China Post, Dec. 19, 2006) Hsieh, who made a great deal of political hay in the mayoral
election in Taipei on December 9, seems to have the upper hand. At least one recent
online poll shows Hsieh, who lost the election but won the admiration of the
party in distress, trouncing the premier nine to one in popularity.
Taiwan Elections Show Ruling
Party Still Standing
(Reuters, Dec. 12, 2006) A better than expected showing for Taiwan President
Chen Shui-bian scandal-tainted party in weekend mayoral elections has given
it new hope for the presidential race in 2008 and taken some pressure off it
to reform.
Taiwan's Troubled Politics
(Economist, Dec. 11, 2006) The outcome could be interpreted as a sign that
both the pro-DPP, which advocates formal independence from China, and the
KMT, which favours closer ties with the mainland, will have to move to the
centre to attract the middle-ground swing voters.
Legislators Say KMT Must
Learn Lessons
(Taipei Times, Dec. 11, 2006) Although Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou
termed election an "acceptable performance" for the party, some KMT
lawmakers suggested Ma should see the electoral outcome as a
"failure."
Taiwan Remains Polarised
After Key Mayoral Races
(Agence France Presse, Dec. 11, 2006) The mixed results indicated that Taiwan
remained split by ideology, with those residents seeking independence forming
a majority in the south and those favoring improved ties with rival China
dominating the north.
Strategic Voting and Mayoral
Races By Wang Yeh-li
(Taipei Times, Dec. 7, 2006) Because the results of the mayoral races could
influence the internal power distribution of the Kuomintang and the
Democratic Progressive Party and even the prospects of candidates for the
presidential election in 2008, this year's elections have attracted
particular attention.
Front Runner Has Big Plans
If Voted Mayor of Taipei
(Straits Times, Dec. 7, 2006) The boyish-looking Mr Hau told The Straits Times that he has big
plans for Taipei - including turning its domestic Sungshan airport into a hub
for direct cross-strait flights.
Hsieh Has No Chance, But
Eyes Bigger Prize
(Straits Times, Dec. 7, 2006) Former premier Frank Hsieh is a man tasked with
a mission almost impossible - winning Saturday's mayoral race in Taipei. Yet,
ironic as it sounds, throwing his hat into the mayoral polls is his best bet
to keep himself in the 2008 race for the presidency.
KMT and DPP Gear Up for Key
Mayoral Polls
(Straits Times, Dec. 4, 2006) They are seen widely as a barometer of public
support for President Chen Shui-bian and the ruling Democratic Progressive
Party (DPP) in the wake of a string of graft scandals implicating him and his
family.
US Official Praises Taiwan's
Democracy
(Taipei Times, Nov. 30, 2006) "I think it's a good thing whenever a
system is in place that allows for legal, peaceful processing of divisive
issues," Thomas Christensen, the deputy assistant secretary of state for
East Asia specializing in Taiwan and China policy told reporters in
Washington.
Taiwan Mayor Polls Seen as
Test for Ruling Party
(Reuters, Nov. 27, 2006) Mayoral elections in Taiwan's two biggest cities
next month will provide a new, stern test for the island's beleaguered ruling
party even though President Chen Shui-bian has survived three attempts in
parliament to oust him.
How a Scandal Crept Up on Ma
Ying-jeou
(Straits Times, Nov. 25, 2006) In an ironic twist of political fortunes, the
Kuomintang (KMT) chairman now finds himself at the center of a deepening
corruption probe which is threatening to put an end to his presidential
hopes.
Taiwan's Ma Suffers Surprise
Setbacks in Presidential Bid
(Associated Press, Nov. 18, 2006) Movie-star looks, moderate policies toward
rival China and a squeaky-clean reputation were supposed to propel Ma
Ying-jeou to victory in Taiwan's coming presidential elections. But 16 months
after winning the leadership of the main opposition Nationalist Party, Ma has
hit unexpected turbulence in his bid for the island's top job.
Anti-Chen Campaign in Taiwan
Boosts Democracy, Raises Battered Spirits of Governing Party (Associated Press, Oct. 19, 2006) The five-week campaign of
street protests to force President Chen Shui-bian to resign over corruption
allegations has been unsuccessful so far and appears to be waning, but the
big winner may be Taiwan's still-developing democracy.
Assets, Party Relations Dog
Ma in First Year as Chair
(Taipei Times, Aug 28, 2006) The party's asset problem remains a burden. In
addition, Ma's problematic relations with party heavyweights and his
inability to present solid policies to solve the country's problems challenge
his leadership in the pan-blue camp.
KMT Comes Clean About Assets
to Shed Tainted Image
(Straits Times, Aug. 24, 2006) The leader of Taiwan's biggest opposition
group demonstrated his resolve to restart his party on a clean slate by
making public for the first time its vast assets, which otherwise would
affect his bid for the island's presidency.
Report Says US Support for
Taiwan Appears Weaker
(Central News Agency, Aug. 13, 2006) The public enthusiasm displayed formerly
by the US government for supporting Taiwan initiatives appears to have abated
in the wake of recent political developments here, according to a report
released on Friday by the US Congressional Research Service.
Why Chen Should Not Step
Down By Lee Wen-chung, Julian Kuo and
Tuan Yi-kang (Taipei
Times, Jul 26, 2006) If we require that the president step down for moral
reasons only, the decision on what moral standard to follow would be
subjective. We believe it could trigger several different political crises
and put an end to the president's decision to delegate power just as it is
gradually being implemented.
DPP Party Leaders Split on
Impact of Faction Ban
(Taiwan News, July 24, 2006) Senior leaders of the Democratic Progressive
Party agreed to abide by a resolution approved by the party's 12th national
congress to ban inner party factions, but were divided on the move's future
impact on the party's functions and culture.
Chen Needs to Rely on Political
Maneuvers for Survival: Experts By
Jane
Rickards (China Post, July 21, 2006) Beleaguered with a string of
corruption allegations, President Chen has lost all public trust and will
need to rely on political maneuvers with his four possible successors if his
presidency is to survive, analysts said.
Asian Pols Face Second-Term Blues By Simon
Montlake
(Christian Science Monitor, July 20, 2006) A severe bout of second-term blues
is afflicting the leadership of some of the region's most vibrant, US-allied
democracies. How their institutions resolve the various clouds is shaping up
as a crucial test of their resilience.
Chen's Core Support Falls as He
Fights for Survival
(Editorial,
China Post, July 20, 2006) The academics have a particular concern: Allowing
an incompetent and morally tainted leader like Chen to continue to head the
government will only undermine Taiwan's independence cause.
DPP's 'Go West' Stance Alienates
TSU By Huang Tien-lin
(Taipei Times, July 13, 2006) If the remarks made by each side are carefully
examined, the friction in relations can be seen to be rooted not just in the
Chen administration's various scandals, but also in fundamental policy
differences.
Blue or Green, It's Just Not Enough By Chiu
Hei-yuan
(Taipei Times, July 9, 2006) An evaluation of the prospects for the nation's
democracy based on these core issues does not lead to much optimism. It will
take a long time to establish an effective democratic system.
'Indigenous' Choice for
Taiwan's Future
(Editorial, Taiwan News, July 5, 2006) The question of whether Lien or Ma
represent a fully "indigenous" choice that would safeguard Taiwan's
sovereignty, democracy and interests will be determined not by their legal or
ethnicity, but by their political advocations, which are decidedly not
"Taiwan-centric."
DPP Alienates with Its
Discourse By Chen Fang-ming
(Taipei Times, June 19, 2006) If an opposition movement must possess vision,
then being in government requires an even deeper and wider vision. Facts tell
us, however, that although the DPP was able to quickly win power, the party
was not prepared to rule.
Recall Motion Just Start of
Political Battle
(Central News Agency, June 12, 2006) Analysts say the KMT wants to use the
recall campaign to maintain momentum to unseat the president, using that
momentum to add pressure on a government led by what they see as a tainted
president.
Scandals Threaten Taiwan's
Economic Growth
(Associated Press, June 11, 2006) The intense political strife over whether
to oust President Chen Shui-bian in the wake of a series of corruption
scandals is threatening to undermine Taiwan's economy, an analyst at a global
ratings agency has said.
Taiwan's Chen Turns to US
for Support
(Straits Times, June 10, 2006) Besieged by rising calls for him to step down,
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has turned to the United States for
support by reviving a promise not to declare independence for the island.
Chen Fights Campaign to
Force His Resignation
(Reuters, June 9, 2006) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, in his first
self-defense against the opposition's growing campaign for his resignation,
likened opposition attempts to oust him to a trial during China's chaotic
Cultural Revolution.
Ceding Power Has Left Chen a
Weaker Lame Duck
(Editorial, China Post, June 8, 2006) Chen's move to surrender power has
produced both favorable and unfavorable results for him, with respect to the
impact the action has had to date on the ruling party.
Taiwan's President On Shaky
Ground By Edward Cody
(Washington Post, June 2, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan's ardent
champion of independence, has been gravely wounded by a string of political
missteps and mounting corruption allegations against his family, undermining
his leadership and raising doubts about the remaining two years of his term.
For Chen, a Painful Fall
from the 'Son' to the 'Shame of Taiwan' By Goh Sui Noi (Straits
Times, June 2, 2006) Mr Chen, a native Taiwanese, was celebrated as the 'son
of Taiwan' when he came to power in 2000, the first president from an
opposition party. Now, he has to endure a hurtful twisting of that sobriquet
- from tai wan zhi zi (son of Taiwan) to tai wan zhi chi (shame of Taiwan).
Su now Hot Pick for DPP
Presidential Ticket By Ong Hwee Hwee
(Straits
Times, June 2, 2006) The power-sharing move has made Mr Su a clear front
runner in the race to represent the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
in the 2008 presidential election.
Taiwan President Chen
Shui-bian Delegates Some Powers
(Bloomberg, June 1, 2006) A ''question mark'' remains on Chen's sincerity in
making the change, we'll have to see in the coming months if Chen loosens his
grip on these and whether Premier Su has the right to do a Cabinet reshuffle
to place the ministers he thinks appropriate.''
End Political Decay Through
Reform
(Editorial, Taiwan News, May 29, 2006) President Chen and the Democratic Progressive
Party government need to display an even stronger resolve to bring the
country on the correct track by pushing "sunshine" laws and other
institutional measures to curb corruption and cronyism, including in the DPP
itself.
Taiwan President Struggles
to Shake Off Scandal By Benjamin Kang Lim
(Reuters, May
29, 20060 Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian is struggling to weather a
political crisis amid attacks from the opposition and even factions of his
party own after his son-in-law was detained on suspicion of insider trading.
An Apology Is Not Nearly
Enough By Chiu Hei-yuan
(Taipei Times, May 27, 2006) Chen said that he would undergo more
self-examination and humbly accept criticism. Although it is no easy task for
the president to make an apology like this, it was inadequate given the
gravity of the problem.
Is President Chen another
Nixon or another Clinton?
(Editorial, China Post, May 22, 2006) The lesson President Chen should
learn from former President Clinton is clear: if President Chen can make
substantial policy achievements, the public might still forgive him for the
misbehavior of his relatives and subordinates.
DPP Politicians Scramble to
Distance Themselves from Chen By Jane
Rickards (China Post, Apr. 11, 2006) Ruling Democratic
Progressive Party (DPP) politicians are likely to scramble to distance
themselves from President Chen Shui-bian, the party's long-time strongman,
after his long-term aide was arrested on fraud charges, analysts said
Chen-Ma Talks on TV Just
Highlight Their Differences By Ong
Hwee Hwee (Straits Times, Apr. 4, 2006) It had
the makings of a reel-life drama: two archrivals representing each side of Taiwan's
political divide going head-to-head in a showdown - all televised live.
Meeting offers no solution for resolving key cross-strait issue.
Beijing's Silence Reveals
Doubts about KMT Chief
(Straits Times, Mar. 30, 2006) Beijing refrained from commenting directly on
Taiwanese opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou's recent trip to the United States,
including his appeal for Taipei to take part in international organizations.
KMT Chairman Ma Impresses in
Washington By Jane
Rickards
(China Post, Mar. 29, 2006) After a U.S. tour that left Washington impressed
that he's an internationally-minded leader who wants to find a balance
between Taiwan's needs and that of the region, analysts said.
Combat Fatigue By Bill Powell and Time Culpan
(TIME.com, Mar. 26, 2006) "We spend too much time on Chen and his
independence," "We have more important and deeper things to
discuss." The
problem for Chen and the DPP is that voters are losing patience with the
politics of provocation and confrontation.
Taiwan Opposition Leader Viewed
Favorably in US By Roger
Mitton (Straits Times, Mar. 24, 2006) From
Washington's perspective, given a choice between Mr Ma and President Chen,
there is no choice. Mr Ma wins every time. He is viewed as an articulate
pragmatist who will work much more harmoniously with the US.
Taiwanese Hopeful Would
Alter Course on China By Edward
Cody
(Washington Post, March 19, 2006) In an interview last week, Ma pledged that
if he won the next presidential election, in 2008, as widely expected, he
would shift Taiwan sharply away from the confrontational, pro-independence
policies followed by President Chen Shui-bian.
Chen Driven 'Only by Self-Interest' By Goh Sui Noi
(Straits Times, Mar. 20, 2006) TaiwanPresident Chen Shui-bian was driven to
push the envelope on cross-strait issues following his party's crushing
defeat in last December's local elections, not so much by strong ideals as by
a need for self-preservation, according to analysts and even many of his own
party members.
Interview with Ma:
Cross-Strait Issues and a Vision for Taiwan
(Straits Times, Mar. 18, 2006) Interview with Kuomintang chairman and Taipei
mayor Ma Ying-jeou. How about the unification and independence issues. Where
do you stand? We don't believe it makes much sense to discuss unification or
independence at the moment. Neither is likely in the foreseeable future. I
think our attention should focus on the maintenance of the status quo.
Chen Shui-bian’s Last Hurrah By Hugo
Restall
(Far Eastern Economic Review, January/February 2006) Mr. Chen has shown an
incredible talent for upsetting the political apple cart. Taiwanese of every
ideological stripe have wearied of the constant turmoil caused by their
president’s dramatic reversals of policy.
Lin's Withdrawal Is a
Wake-up Call
(Editorial, China Post, Jan. 27, 2006) That has not been the case in Taiwan
in recent years, he observed. The inter-party conflict plaguing the island
since 2000 has led to increasing social division, he commented.
The Uncertain Political Road
Ahead By Nat Bellocchi
(Taipei Times, Jan. 24, 2006) Now that both major parties have new chairmen
in place, the march to 2008 begins. There will be transitional elections on
the way, including new legislative elections.
Taiwan’s New Cabinet ‘Hostile to China’ By Mac
William Bishop
(Financial Times, Jan. 24, 2006) Taiwan’s cabinet resigned as its new premier
revealed the names of key appointees, while opposition parties criticized the
line-up as “self-serving” and embracing an ideology hostile to Beijing.
Su Faces 2008 Polls Factor By Annie Huang
(Agence France Presse, January 23, 2006) Taiwan's incoming premier, Su Tseng-
chang, faces a tough dilemma: should he support the unpopular president's
hard line on the mainland or try to warm ties in an attempt to woo
pro-Beijing voters ahead of an election?
Chen Gives Su Hot Seat as
Taiwan's New Premier
(Straits Times, Jan. 20, 2006) Apart from having to deal with a combative
legislature, Mr Su is also likely to have his hands tied, with Mr Chen still
calling the shots on important issues related to the island's defense,
foreign policy and cross-strait ties.
DPP Squabble Costs Hsieh
Premiership
(China Post, Jan. 18, 2006) Premier Frank Hsieh clarified that he was not the
"odd man out" in President Chen Shui-bian's "four-player
game," saying he decided to bow out after other front runners for the
2008 presidential race wouldn't accept Chen's mediation and balancing
arrangement.
Boost for Taiwan President
as Ally Wins Party Poll By Kathrin
Hille
(Financial Times, Jan. 16 2006) Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan’s president, appeared
strengthened on Sunday as his Democratic Progressive party elected a chairman
seen as his proxy.
Chen Gains Ally, But Sees
Factions Rise Against Him By Lawrence
Chung (South China Morning Post, Jan. 16, 2006)
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has seen an ally elected to lead his
Democratic Progressive Party, but the vote is also being seen as ushering in
anti-Chen factions determined to wrest power from him.
DPP Votes for New Chief;
Same China Stance Likely
(AFP, Jan. 14, 2006) Taiwan's ruling party will choose a new leader tomorrow,
having lost badly in local elections last month, but analysts say they expect
no change in its leanings towards independence from China.
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.
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