The Study of Political Mutual Trust Across Taiwan Strait（1992－2012）

• Main Authors: An-Kuo Chen, 陳安國
• Other Authors: Ya-Chung Chang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/41068700787914138204

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 政治學研究所 === 100 === Having being separated for more than sixty years since 1949, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have differentiated themselves from each other in terms of their political systems, ideologies, and ways of life. Following lifting the ban on visiting relatives in Mainland China by Taiwan government on November 2, 1987; extensive and close exchanges between the two sides had been carried out. Nevertheless, as Taiwan’s political leaders in power moved in opposite direction on their cross-Strait policy from 1995 to the first half of 2008, it had not only undermined the mutual trust of the two sides, but almost led to a breakdown in cross-Strait relations on several occasions. After assuming office on May 20, 2008, President MA, Ying-jeou had advocated resuming talks with China as soon as possible on the basis of the “Consensus of 1992,” seeking peace and prosperity of the two sides by following the guidelines of “facing reality, pioneering a new future, shelving controversies, and pursuing a win-win solution.” On the New Year’s Day of 2009, China’s President HU, Jin-tao responded to Ma administration’s proposal, in his New Year’s Day Address titled “Join Hands to Promote the Peaceful Development of Cross-Straits Relations and Strive with a United Resolve for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation,” by referring to issues in all aspects from economy and trade, culture, diplomacy to national defense; issues regarding “military mutual trust” between the two sides were also directly mentioned in the speech. Such interactions between the two sides have definitely brought hope of breaking the current political impasse. Furthermore, President MA, Ying-jeou’s victory over the 2012 re-election also paved the way for a reconciliatory and amiable atmosphere between the two sides. Although it appeared to be optimistic, there was cause for worry. In order to avoid internal political dispute, MA administration introduced a China policy that aimed to “maintain the status quo” and “deal with the economy first, and politics and military later;” hence many important issues, such as strengthening indentification and resolving the core problem of “one China principle,” that could have laid a sound foundation for improving the cross-Strait relations were left aside. On the other hand, Beijing continued its efforts in military buildup and squeezing Taiwan''s international space despite the relationship between these two sides has eased. As a matter of fact, both governments should realize that leaving aside the core issues would definitely lead to more aloofness between people of the two sides and add to the uncertainty of the situations across the Taiwan Strait, which would in turn jeopardize the cross-Strait mutual trust and the steady and peaceful development in the future. In sum, this study aims to explore the practice and future path of political mutual trust across Taiwan Strait through the “Review of the Course of the Cross-Strait Mutual Trust Proposals,” the “Analysis of the Major Events Impacting the Cross-Strait Mutual Trust,” and the “Exploration of the US-Taiwan-China Tri-lateral Relations and the Internal Influence Factors of the Two Sides,” and by utilizing certain theoretical concepts (mechanisms) of international relations including “Confidence Building Measures (CBMs),” “Neo-functionalism,” and “Social Constructivism,” in an attempt to provide a broader view for future studies on cross-Strait policy.