2023-06-30
The CNAS Delegation Visits DPP, Exchanges Views on Diplomatic, Cross-Strait, Defense and Youth Issue
Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, under secretary of state for Global Affairs under President George W. Bush, led the Center for a New American Security’s “Next Gen” delegation to visit the DPP headquarters on the evening of June 29. During the meeting, we engaged in in-depth discussions on the important issues for the 2024 elections that our voters and international partners are concerned about. Representing the DPP at the meeting were Deputy Secretary-General Yang Yi-shan, Party Spokesperson and Director of the International Affairs Department Peifen Hsieh, Director of the China Affairs Department Wu Jun-zhi, Director of the Public Opinion Survey Center Chen Po-chou, and Deputy Director of the International Affairs Department Chiu Wen-li, among others.
During the meeting, Deputy Secretary-General Yang stated that cross-strait relations are the most important issue for voters in Taiwan’s coming elections, especially in the wake of the Ukraine war. The U.S. plays a critical role in maintaining peace and stability in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region. In recent months, the U.S. has met with leaders of several neighboring countries in the Indo-Pacific, such as South Korea and the Philippines, repeatedly underscoring the need to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in joint statements.
Spokesperson Hsieh pointed out that in contrast to China’s continued unilateral actions undermining stability in the Taiwan Strait, the DPP has always maintained a clear position: that Taiwan is already a sovereign and independent country and does not need to formally declare independence. Hsieh also emphasized that the DPP considers the U.S. a crucial ally and strategic partner to Taiwan, both in terms of shared values and geopolitical factors.
Director Wu stated that since Xi Jinping became leader of China in 2012, Beijing has relentlessly sought to annex Taiwan using the “one country, two systems” framework, which completely contravenes mainstream public opinion in Taiwan. The main policy of the DPP is to maintain the status quo. Facing increasing pressure from China, President Tsai Ing-wen has performed an admirable balancing act in dealing with the CCP. Even as Taiwan under her leadership has garnered international support, we never provoked China, but neither have we once capitulated. Chairman Lai Ching-te has repeatedly stated that he intends to continue President Tsai’s cross-strait policy, preserving the status quo while seeking negotiations with China based on the principles of equality and dignity.
Asked about ways to increase support among the younger generation, Director Chen responded that the DPP has different strategies for communicating with voters of different age groups. Voters ages 30 to 39, who have mostly started families, have been greatly impacted by Covid. Overall, however, these voters remain supportive of President Tsai’s governance approach. To win their support, we thus will seek to resort to a sense of stability made possible by policy consistency. For younger voters ages 20 to 29, the DPP aims to promote policies that alleviate their economic burdens, giving them hope for the future.
Deputy Director Chiu shared pragmatic ways for the government to assist the younger generation, especially young families. Potential policies include increasing subsidies for childcare and early education, strengthening the social-safety net, and increasing the budget for long-term care to lessen the burden on families.
Spokesperson Hsieh stated that the meeting lasted for approximately an hour and a half. The atmosphere was lively; both sides felt time was insufficient for every topic of their concern to be discussed. The DPP’s International Affairs Department specially prepared commemorative beer mugs for the visitors marking Taiwan’s achievement of marriage equality. Members of the visiting delegation expressed their appreciation for the DPP’s continued efforts and commitment to promoting progressive values.
