RELATIONS ACROSS the TAIWAN STRAIT: a NEW ERA Tang
UNISCI Discussion Papers, Nº 21 (Octubre / October 2009) ISSN 1696-2206 RELATIONS ACROSS THE TAIWAN STRAIT: A NEW ERA Tang Shaocheng 1 Institute of International Relations, Taipei, Taiwan Abstract: The author analyzes the cross Strait relations of the Ma Ying-jeou administration from both international and bilateral perspectives. The positions of the US and EU bode well for a new beginning. Together with the compromise of the “1992 consensus”, Ma’s conception of a “special relationship” was not rejected by Beijing despite some remaining distrust of Taiwan. Thus, German experiences, where “special relationship” originated, could be used as a reference to the cross Strait relations, though only selectively. This could serve as a good basis for the further development of relations between both sides. Therefore, prospects for better ties, at least in the near future, seem promising. Keywords: two-level game, United States, European Union, cross Strait relations, special relationship, German experiences, diplomatic moratorium. Resumen: El autor analiza las relaciones Taiwan-RPCh del nuevo gobierno de Ma Ying-jeou desde la perspectiva tanto internacional como bilateral. Las posiciones de los EEUU y la UE presentan buenos augurios. Junto con el compromiso del “consenso de 1992”, la concepción de Ma de una “relación especial” no ha sido rechazada por Pekín a pesar de cierta desconfianza latente hacia Taiwan. Así las experiencias de Alemania, donde el concepto de “relación especial” surgió, podrían ser usadas como referencia para las relaciones Taiwan-RPCh, si bien sólo de manera selectiva. Podría servir como una buena base para un ulterior desarrollo de las relaciones entre ambas partes.
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