The following are excerpts of the interview on Sept. 4, 2008.
TJ: Some people have expressed concern at the hastening pace of cross-strait relations. According to a recent public opinion poll by the MAC, about 30 percent of people in Taiwan feel that cross-strait relations are proceeding too quickly, an increase of more than 10-percentage points compared with the result in March 2008. What do you think of this?
Lai: What we have done over the past three months were mostly initiated and discussed during the Democratic Progressive Party administration. These are actually what the DPP wanted to do but could not owing to non-cooperation on the mainland Chinese side. Therefore, the pace is really not too fast. "Efficient" is a more appropriate description. I personally think the current pace of cross-strait relations is just right.
TJ: What do you think of the current cross-strait relations?
Lai: Based on various public opinion polls in the last three months, cross-strait policy has received fairly encouraging approval ratings, ranging from 50 to 70 percent, the highest among all governmental policies.
I have met with many important political and economic leaders from various countries, including representatives from the American and European Chamber of Commerce, over the past three months. They all expressed support for a better cross-strait relationship, and believed that such a development would help attract more foreign investment to Taiwan.
TJ: There have been concerns in some circles over a perceived shift in foreign policy toward mainland China by the Ma administration. How do you plan to address these possible anxieties?
Lai: Some in Taiwan are worried about losing our sovereignty. I would like to reiterate that the MAC gives precedence to our sovereignty over all others. Every opening-up policy has been well planned. It might be a little bit overwhelming to see so many changes in such a short time, especially after an eight-year impasse between the two sides of the strait. People's misperception of going "too fast" in our exchange with the mainland indicates that the MAC needs to communicate with the public on our policy more.
TJ: When is the next round of talks between Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation and the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait? What will be on the agenda for discussion?
Lai: The second round of talks is likely to take place in late October or early November. Transportation will be the focus, which is highly decisive to our economy. Chartered cargo flights, shipping services, new flight routes, expanding chartered passenger flights and normalization of the "mini-three-links" all will be discussed.
Such kind of institutionalized consultation will help both sides gain experience, reduce misunderstanding and build up mutual trust. We uphold the principle of pragmatism: setting aside all highly sensitive, political, sovereignty-related issues while welcoming open discussions on the others. So far, both sides have demonstrated good will to each other.
The mainland Chinese government was uncooperative during the DPP era. Now we have to seize the historic opportunity to build up mutual trust. Maybe in the future, though it is hard to say when, both sides can sit down to talk about the tough issues.
TJ: You just returned from a visit in the United States. Which U.S. officials did you meet during the visit? What did you learn about the U.S. attitude toward the current status of cross-strait relations?
Lai: Cross-strait relations have taken a substantial upturn since May 20. We would like our U.S. friends to fully understand our intention and planned course of action. I told them that we view Taiwan-U.S. relations as equally important to cross-strait relations. Reconciliation in the Taiwan Strait will help bring peace and stability. Provocations in the past had brought tensions to Taipei-Washington relations, so we need to restore our friendship now.
I cannot reveal whom I met during the trip. But, I can confirm that from my contacts and observations, the U.S. positively supported and applauded President Ma's current cross-strait policy.
TJ: Do you think we can improve relations with mainland China while winning more recognition in international society?
Lai: Taiwan's pursuit of more space in the international community does not collide with our intention of improving cross-strait relations. The mainland should understand that marginalizing Taiwan in international society is detrimental to the development of cross-strait relations. The pursuit of more space in the international community is a common wish of all the people in Taiwan, and any responsible government should take people's wish as a command.
TJ: President Ma's decision of appointing you as the MAC minister shocked many in Taiwan and abroad. What was your supporters' reaction to the appointment?
Lai: My supporters actually approved my decision of accepting the appointment. Before I joined the MAC, I was deeply involved in grassroots movements that had helped establish close ties between many social and disadvantaged groups and me. They have no misgivings about me.
There is too much confrontation and mistrust in Taiwan's political circles. The supreme guiding principle for my job is the welfare of Taiwan's people. I personally do not have any burden in terms of political ideology. A person with a global vision does not see things through the looking glass of "blue" or "green." I insist on continuing my center-left approach and caring for the mid-lower class in our society. My belief has nothing to do with blue or green and is absolutely unconcerned with unification or independence.
Write to Ellen Ko at ellenko@mail.gio.gov.tw