A summary of Chen Shui-bian's capriciousness over the past four years:
On the status of Taiwan and the mainland:
May 20, 2000: Both sides can jointly deal with the issue of a future one China.
January 1, 2001: The two sides can set up a new framework for political integration across the Straits.
April 13, 2002: The Taiwan question can be solved through the European Union model.
August 3, 2002: There is one country on each side of the Taiwan Straits.
September 28, 2003: Taiwan should complete drafting a new "constitution" for the island through referendum.
February 16, 2004: Some form of eventual reunification will not beruled out in the future.
On the issue of one China:
June 28, 2000: The new administration is willing to accept the one-China principle, with each side of the Straits to have a different interpretation of the definition of one China.
June 30, 2000: Both sides of the Taiwan Straits have never reached an agreement on the one-China principle.
July 31, 2000: Both sides of the Straits should establish an interactive relationship in line with the 1992 spirit.
On the establishment of the three direct links:
May 21, 2000: The three-links policy should be comprehensively reviewed.
June 29, 2001: The establishment of the three direct links is a road we must take.
September 28, 2002: The three links can be opened up only when the future transport links are defined as special international routes.
October 23, 2002: The three direct links are not a panacea for economic ills.
January 1, 2003: Direct transport links can be negotiated under the peace and stability framework.
July 4, 2003: Taipei will not allow direct transport links under the framework of one China.
August 13, 2003: Direct transport links will be realized by the end of next year.
(China Daily February 26, 2004)
