Taiwan’s Party Politics

Chen’s First Recall Crisis

Chen’s Second Recall Crisis

~2004 ; 2005

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KMT Leader's Presidential Chances Suffer Blow
(Straits Times, Dec. 13, 2006) For a long while, it seemed that nothing could stop the march of Taiwan opposition chief Ma Ying-jeou to the island's presidency in 2008. But overnight, his chances have diminished following a surprise defeat for his party in last Saturday's mayoral race in Kaohsiung - Taiwan's second-largest city.

Taiwan Court Seals Ballot Boxes Amid Charges of Vote-Rigging
(AFP, Dec. 11, 2006) A Kaohsiung district court ordered the sealing of ballot boxes for the southern Taiwan city's crunch mayoral election after the main opposition Kuomintang claimed evidence of vote-rigging.

DPP Wins Narrowly in Kaohsiung
(Straits Times, Dec. 10, 2006) Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party scored a narrow but psychologically important victory in the closely fought mayoral race in Kaohsiung.

Taiwan Leader’s Party Ekes Out Win
(New York Times, Dec. 9, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian’s Democratic Progressive Party eked out the narrowest victory in Taiwanese political history in crucial mayoral elections here, but the opposition Nationalist Party quickly said it would seek a recount.

Ma Donated over NT$68 mil. in 8 Years
(China Post, Dec. 1, 2006) Mayor of Taipei Ma Ying-jeou made public his charity donations topping NT$68 million. Chow Chih-cheng, president of the Taiwan provincial CPA association, presented the accounting reports.

Prosecutor Denies Pressure Existed to Indict Ma
(Taiwan News, Nov. 27, 2006) Prosecutor-general Hsieh Wen-ding denied charges that prosecutors were urged to indict Taipei City Mayor and KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou over his alleged misuse of a special mayoral allowance before the December 9 Taipei and Kaohsiung municipal elections.

Ma Promises to Step Down as Chairman If Indicted
(Taiwan News, Nov. 25, 2006) Opposition Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou said unequivocally yesterday that he would resign as party leader if he is indicted over allegations of misuse of public funds.

KMT Probity Committee to Probe Ma's Bank Accounts
(China Post, Nov. 21, 2006) A special working group was created under the Kuomintang's integrity and probity committee to look into the bank accounts of its chairman Ma Ying-jeou. Ma himself requested the probe by the probity committee.

Taiwan Opposition Leader Ma Donates to Charity Amid Criticism
(AFP, Nov. 18, 2006) Taiwan opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou has said he would donate some 15 million Taiwan dollars to charity amid criticism of alleged embezzlement.

Ma Sorry for 'Administrative Defects'
(Taipei Times, Nov 16, 2006) Acknowledging his office's mishandling of the special mayoral allowance, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou apologized for what he called "administrative defects," adding that he would not resign over the matter.

Taiwan Opposition Leader Ma Admits Aide Forged Expense Receipts (AFP, Nov. 15, 2006) Taiwan opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou has admitted one of his aides forged receipts to claim Ma's expenses as Taipei mayor, and apologized for the latest political scandal to rock the island.

Taiwan Opposition Leader Grilled over Expenses
(AFP, Nov. 14, 2006) Taiwan's opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou, seen as a presidential hopeful in the 2008 race, has been questioned by prosecutors over his alleged misuse of "special expenses" as Taipei mayor.

Taipei Gears Up for Mayoral Election
(Straits Times, Oct. 20, 2006) In December, the city will elect a new mayor and, in an indication of how important this race is to the main political parties, all have fielded candidates who are either celebrity figures or political heavyweights.

Taiwan Ruling Party Marks 20th Anniversary Amid Corruption Scandals Around President (AP, Sep. 28, 2006) Taiwan's governing party celebrated its 20th anniversary Thursday with a hip hop band at an upscale hotel amid sinking popular support in the wake of corruption scandals surrounding President Chen Shui-bian.

Gov't to Rename CKS Airport
(China Post, Sep. 2, 2006) Premier Su Tseng-chang yesterday said the Cabinet plans to remove late President Chiang Kai-shek's name from Taiwan's main international airport in Taoyuan County.

Ma Presents Accounting of KMT's Falling Assets
(Taiwan News, Aug. 24, 2006) Opposition Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou pledged to put all of his party's assets in a blind trust before 2008 after presenting an accounting of his party's controversial holdings.

'Controversial' Issues Now in History Books
(Taiwan News, Aug. 16, 2006) Starting next month, controversial issues such as the lack of conclusion on Taiwan's international status would be included for the first time in history textbooks for senior high school students, the Ministry of Education said.

Kuomintang Elects CSC Members
(Taiwan News, July 30, 2006) The main opposition Kuomintang elected its Central Standing Committee members with the party's lawmakers bagging over two-thirds of the seats available in its top decision-making body.

Chen's Office Faces Probe over NT$37m Expenses
(Reuters, July 29, 2006) The office of Taiwan's scandal-hit President Chen Shui-bian faces an investigation after the Ministry of Audit could not account for about NT$37 million in funds.

Academics Deplore Chen's Decision to Remain in Power
(China Post, July 27, 2006) The group of academics who recently launched a campaign to pressure President Chen Shui-bian step to down over scandals surrounding his family and aides issued another statement deploring the president's decision to stay on.

Student Holds Out Against President with Hunger Strike
(Taiwan News, July 26, 2006) A male university student Li Wen-cheng has been on a hunger strike at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall for over 110 hours trying to urge President Chen Shui-bian to step down and to stop political conflicts.

President Has Control over Sensitive Areas: Ker
(China Post, July 26, 2006) DPP legislative council convener lawmaker Ker Chien-ming said Chen's role in formulating policies in sensitive areas such as defense and relations with China were "irreplaceable".

DPP Votes to Dissolve Party Factions
(China Post, July 24, 2006) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to the decision that all the party's many factions should be dissolved. But the effects of the decision have come under questioning by even some DPP members and other political parties.

Taiwan President Vows to Stay in Office as Party Congress Opens (AFP, July 22, 2006) Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has vowed to stay in office as his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) opened its annual congress amid a string of corruption scandals that analysts said have tarnished its image.

Chen Cancels DPP Meeting over Rumor Mill
(TN, July 18, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian canceled a scheduled expanded meeting of DPP in order to prevent the assembly from being interpreted as an effort to endorse Chen's continued governance.

DPP Vows to Uphold High Moral Standards
(CNA, July 9, 2006) Chairman Yu Shyi-kun of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) reiterated yesterday the party's determination to uphold the highest moral standards.

Presidential Office Threatens to Sue China Times Again
(China Post, July 7, 2006) The Presidential Office demanded once again that the China Times, one of Taiwan's largest newspapers, apologize and retract a report claiming that President Chen Shui-bian intimidated a senior opposition figure -- or face legal action.

Thousands Rally in Taiwan Against President
(Reuters, June 11, 2006) Thousands of people took to the streets of Taiwan's capital for the second consecutive weekend, calling for President Chen Shui-bian to quit over a deepening financial scandal involving his family members.

Chen Tells Burghardt He's Still in Charge
(Taipei Times, June 9, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian told a visiting US official morning that his delegation of powers to Premier Su Tseng-chang and ranking Democratic Progressive Party officials has not changed his presidential authority.

Chen Reshuffles NSC But Retains Sec-Gen. Chiou
(China Post, June 5, 2006) Two officials of the National Security Council (NSC) will be replaced in line with President Chen Shui-bian's vow to surrender his administrative powers. But opposition lawmakers stressed that NSC Secretary-General Chiou I-jen must go.

Thousands Join Pan-Blue Rally against Chen
(Taipei Times, June 4, 2006) Thousands of protesters yesterday under the lead of the People First Party took to the street calling on the president to step down and assume responsibility for the recent string of allegations of corruption involving government officials and the president's in-laws.

Taiwan Opposition Seeks President's Ouster
(Reuters, June 3, 2006) Taiwan's top opposition leader threatened on Saturday to initiate a vote of no confidence in parliament against President Chen Shui-bian's cabinet over an insider trading scandal involving his son-in-law.

Two Influential Aides of Taiwan President Resign
(Deutsche Presse-Agentur, June 2, 2006) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian approved the resignations of two of his chief aides, a day after he declared he would relegate power to the premier amid his son-in-law's snowballing insider trading scandal.

Taiwan President Gives Control to Premier
(AP, June 1, 2006) Taiwan's president has handed over day-to-day control of the island's government to the premier in the wake of a series of scandals. Chen, whose term ends in 2008, remains head of state and appeared to retain policy-making authority.

DPP Caucus Promises to Support Chen
(Taipei Times, May 27, 2006) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its legislative caucus unanimously vowed to back President Chen Shui-bian and said they would work together to assist the president in stabilizing the political situation.

New Scandal Threatens President, Party
(Taiwan News, May 25, 20060 National Science Council Vice Chairman Hsieh Ching-jyh was taken into custody over a suspected profiteering scandal involving a project in the southern county of Tainan.

Hsieh Wants China Policy Resolution on DPP Platform
(China Post, May 23, 2006) Frank Hsieh, former premier determined to run for president in 2008, wants a "China policy" resolution on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) platform. He needs a policy that runs counter to the one President Chen Shui-bian has been pursuing, with emphasis on a liberal opening to China in economic exchanges.

Civic Groups Disappointed with Chen
(China Post, May 17, 2006) Results of the survey on 100 of Taiwan's civic groups show that only 5.8 percent of them are satisfied with Chen's performance, while 88.4 percent of them say they are not. The survey was conducted by the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU).

Taiwan President's Son-in-Law Denies Insider Trade
(Reuters, May 15, 2006 ) Taiwan's presidential office has denied insider trading accusations leveled against a son-in-law of President Chen Shui-bian, whose popularity has already slumped to new lows due to a string of corruption scandals.

Chen, DPP Leadership Taken to Task
(China Post, May 8, 20060 President Chen Shui-bian's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) faithful fired a broadside against him and his top lieutenants for the loss of faith among the rank and file.

DPP Registration for Taipei Mayoral Primary Closes with No Candidates (China Post, May 6, 2006) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said it will have to draft a candidate for the Taipei mayoral election after as it has been left with no entrant in the primary for the race after registration closed.

DPP Lawmakers Demand Say in Personnel and Policy Decision-Making (Taiwan News, Apr. 11, 2006) A majority of Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers have signed a motion calling for a direct role for the governing party's legislative caucus in government personnel decisions and policy-making.

Ex-Presidential Aide Detained in Scam Probe
(China Post, Apr. 8, 2006) The Taipei District Court ordered the detention of Chen Che-nan, a former senior aide to President Chen Shui-bian, for alleged fraud and involvement in other cases.

PRC Policy Takes Center Stage in Televised Ma-Chen Debate
(Taiwan News, Apr. 4, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian and opposition Chinese Nationalist Party Chairman Ma Ying-jeou engaged in a sharp exchange of views, especially on cross-strait relations with the People's Republic of China and the government's proposed military procurement package.

DPP Halts Planned Internal Debate on China Policies
(China Post, Mar. 25, 2006) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party has jammed the brakes on planning for a consensus-seeking internal debate on China policies after several of its lawmakers declared a boycott on what they called a discussion with foregone conclusions.

Taiwan Opposition Stages Second Anti-Chen Rally in a Week
(AFP, Mar. 20, 2006) Thousands of slogan-chanting opposition demonstrators took to the streets of the Taiwanese capital in the second rally in a week protesting against President Chen Shui-bian.

Chen Shooting: Suspect's Widow Changes Her Tune
(AP, Mar. 13, 2006) The widow of a suspect in the mysterious election-eve shooting of Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian said she was coerced into making statements implicating her husband.

Taiwan Opposition to Stage Anti-Chen Rally
(AFP, Mar. 12, 2006) Supporters of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) will take to the streets to protest the hardline policy on China adopted by the island's leader President Chen Shui-bian .

KMT Wins By-Election for Legislative Seat in Chiayi
(Taiwan News, Mar. 12, 2006) The opposition Kuomintang won the legislative by-election in Chiayi City, tying it with the governing Democratic Progressive Party for the largest party caucus in the Legislature and asserting the end of DPP dominance in the southern city.

More PFP Lawmakers Defect to KMT
(China Post, Jan. 28, 2006) Five People First Party lawmakers defected to the Kuomintang yesterday, making it a total of seven defections in recent weeks.

Chen Wants Internal Debate Ahead of Conference
(Taiwan News, Jan. 27, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian called on new Democratic Progressive Party Chairman Yu Shyi-kun to uphold the core value of "Taiwan identity" and organize a wide-ranging policy debate in the governing party in preparation for a second "Economic Development Advisory Conference."

Former DPP Chief Quits Party
(China Post, Jan. 25, 2006) A highly respected former chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, Lin Yi-hsiung, announced his withdrawal from the ruling party, saying malignant partisan fights have been destabilized the country.

Departing Premier Warns Gov't on Policies
(China Post, Jan. 24, 2006) Departing Premier Frank Hsieh issued warnings to President Chen Shui-bian that his administration's policies were not in synch with the wishes of the people in Taiwan.

Taiwan Names New Premier to Push China Policy
(Financial Times, Jan. 19, 2006) Taiwan’s president selected a popular former party chief, Su Tseng-chang, to become premier, a move that could shore up the president’s flagging support and enable him to adopt a tougher stance on cross-Strait relations with China.

Taiwan Premier Quits in Reshuffle
(Reuters, Jan. 17, 2006) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian says he has accepted the resignation of Premier Frank Hsieh in a long-expected cabinet reshuffle. Taiwan media have speculated that Chen's former chief of staff, Su Tseng-chang, will get the job.

Taiwan's Ruling DPP Elects Ex-Premier as Chairman
(Reuters, Jan. 15, 2006) Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party chose former Premier Yu Shyi-kun, a top aide to President Chen Shui-bian, as chairman after the DPP's crushing defeat in December 3 local polls.

DPP Members Show Signs of Rebellion Against Chen
(China Post, Jan. 10, 2006) Members of President Chen's own Democratic Progressive Party are showing signs of muted rebellion against Chen's leadership and new China policies outlined in his New Year's day address.

Chen Loses Suit Against Opposition
(AFP, Dec. 22, 2005) A Taiwanese court ruled in favor of two opposition leaders in their defamation lawsuit against President Chen Shui-bian, who had accused them of trying to stage a 'soft coup' after his re-election victory last year.

Emotions Run High at Wu's Trial By Chiu Hei-yuan
(Taipei Times, Dec. 22, 2006) The confusion surrounding the special "state affairs" fund is finally being reviewed in a court of law. This case, however, has deep political implications. Furthermore, it is legally complex and it is therefore difficult to see how a verdict will be reached smoothly.

Hsieh, Su Vie for Right to Bear DPP Standard in Election
(China Post, Dec. 19, 2006) Hsieh, who made a great deal of political hay in the mayoral election in Taipei on December 9, seems to have the upper hand. At least one recent online poll shows Hsieh, who lost the election but won the admiration of the party in distress, trouncing the premier nine to one in popularity.

Taiwan Elections Show Ruling Party Still Standing
(Reuters, Dec. 12, 2006) A better than expected showing for Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian scandal-tainted party in weekend mayoral elections has given it new hope for the presidential race in 2008 and taken some pressure off it to reform.

Taiwan's Troubled Politics
(Economist, Dec. 11, 2006) The outcome could be interpreted as a sign that both the pro-DPP, which advocates formal independence from China, and the KMT, which favours closer ties with the mainland, will have to move to the centre to attract the middle-ground swing voters.

Legislators Say KMT Must Learn Lessons
(Taipei Times, Dec. 11, 2006) Although Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou termed election an "acceptable performance" for the party, some KMT lawmakers suggested Ma should see the electoral outcome as a "failure."

Taiwan Remains Polarised After Key Mayoral Races
(Agence France Presse, Dec. 11, 2006) The mixed results indicated that Taiwan remained split by ideology, with those residents seeking independence forming a majority in the south and those favoring improved ties with rival China dominating the north.

Strategic Voting and Mayoral Races By Wang Yeh-li
(Taipei Times, Dec. 7, 2006) Because the results of the mayoral races could influence the internal power distribution of the Kuomintang and the Democratic Progressive Party and even the prospects of candidates for the presidential election in 2008, this year's elections have attracted particular attention.

Front Runner Has Big Plans If Voted Mayor of Taipei
(Straits Times, Dec. 7, 2006) The boyish-looking Mr Hau told The Straits Times that he has big plans for Taipei - including turning its domestic Sungshan airport into a hub for direct cross-strait flights.

Hsieh Has No Chance, But Eyes Bigger Prize
(Straits Times, Dec. 7, 2006) Former premier Frank Hsieh is a man tasked with a mission almost impossible - winning Saturday's mayoral race in Taipei. Yet, ironic as it sounds, throwing his hat into the mayoral polls is his best bet to keep himself in the 2008 race for the presidency.

KMT and DPP Gear Up for Key Mayoral Polls
(Straits Times, Dec. 4, 2006) They are seen widely as a barometer of public support for President Chen Shui-bian and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the wake of a string of graft scandals implicating him and his family.

US Official Praises Taiwan's Democracy
(Taipei Times, Nov. 30, 2006) "I think it's a good thing whenever a system is in place that allows for legal, peaceful processing of divisive issues," Thomas Christensen, the deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asia specializing in Taiwan and China policy told reporters in Washington.

Taiwan Mayor Polls Seen as Test for Ruling Party
(Reuters, Nov. 27, 2006) Mayoral elections in Taiwan's two biggest cities next month will provide a new, stern test for the island's beleaguered ruling party even though President Chen Shui-bian has survived three attempts in parliament to oust him.

How a Scandal Crept Up on Ma Ying-jeou
(Straits Times, Nov. 25, 2006) In an ironic twist of political fortunes, the Kuomintang (KMT) chairman now finds himself at the center of a deepening corruption probe which is threatening to put an end to his presidential hopes.

Taiwan's Ma Suffers Surprise Setbacks in Presidential Bid
(Associated Press, Nov. 18, 2006) Movie-star looks, moderate policies toward rival China and a squeaky-clean reputation were supposed to propel Ma Ying-jeou to victory in Taiwan's coming presidential elections. But 16 months after winning the leadership of the main opposition Nationalist Party, Ma has hit unexpected turbulence in his bid for the island's top job.

Anti-Chen Campaign in Taiwan Boosts Democracy, Raises Battered Spirits of Governing Party (Associated Press, Oct. 19, 2006) The five-week campaign of street protests to force President Chen Shui-bian to resign over corruption allegations has been unsuccessful so far and appears to be waning, but the big winner may be Taiwan's still-developing democracy.

Assets, Party Relations Dog Ma in First Year as Chair
(Taipei Times, Aug 28, 2006) The party's asset problem remains a burden. In addition, Ma's problematic relations with party heavyweights and his inability to present solid policies to solve the country's problems challenge his leadership in the pan-blue camp.

KMT Comes Clean About Assets to Shed Tainted Image
(Straits Times, Aug. 24, 2006) The leader of Taiwan's biggest opposition group demonstrated his resolve to restart his party on a clean slate by making public for the first time its vast assets, which otherwise would affect his bid for the island's presidency.

Report Says US Support for Taiwan Appears Weaker
(Central News Agency, Aug. 13, 2006) The public enthusiasm displayed formerly by the US government for supporting Taiwan initiatives appears to have abated in the wake of recent political developments here, according to a report released on Friday by the US Congressional Research Service.

Why Chen Should Not Step Down By Lee Wen-chung, Julian Kuo and Tuan Yi-kang (Taipei Times, Jul 26, 2006) If we require that the president step down for moral reasons only, the decision on what moral standard to follow would be subjective. We believe it could trigger several different political crises and put an end to the president's decision to delegate power just as it is gradually being implemented.

DPP Party Leaders Split on Impact of Faction Ban
(Taiwan News, July 24, 2006) Senior leaders of the Democratic Progressive Party agreed to abide by a resolution approved by the party's 12th national congress to ban inner party factions, but were divided on the move's future impact on the party's functions and culture.

Chen Needs to Rely on Political Maneuvers for Survival: Experts By Jane Rickards (China Post, July 21, 2006) Beleaguered with a string of corruption allegations, President Chen has lost all public trust and will need to rely on political maneuvers with his four possible successors if his presidency is to survive, analysts said.

Asian Pols Face Second-Term Blues By Simon Montlake
(Christian Science Monitor, July 20, 2006) A severe bout of second-term blues is afflicting the leadership of some of the region's most vibrant, US-allied democracies. How their institutions resolve the various clouds is shaping up as a crucial test of their resilience.

Chen's Core Support Falls as He Fights for Survival
(Editorial, China Post, July 20, 2006) The academics have a particular concern: Allowing an incompetent and morally tainted leader like Chen to continue to head the government will only undermine Taiwan's independence cause.

DPP's 'Go West' Stance Alienates TSU By Huang Tien-lin
(Taipei Times, July 13, 2006) If the remarks made by each side are carefully examined, the friction in relations can be seen to be rooted not just in the Chen administration's various scandals, but also in fundamental policy differences.

Blue or Green, It's Just Not Enough By Chiu Hei-yuan
(Taipei Times, July 9, 2006) An evaluation of the prospects for the nation's democracy based on these core issues does not lead to much optimism. It will take a long time to establish an effective democratic system.

'Indigenous' Choice for Taiwan's Future
(Editorial, Taiwan News, July 5, 2006) The question of whether Lien or Ma represent a fully "indigenous" choice that would safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty, democracy and interests will be determined not by their legal or ethnicity, but by their political advocations, which are decidedly not "Taiwan-centric."

DPP Alienates with Its Discourse By Chen Fang-ming
(Taipei Times, June 19, 2006) If an opposition movement must possess vision, then being in government requires an even deeper and wider vision. Facts tell us, however, that although the DPP was able to quickly win power, the party was not prepared to rule.

Recall Motion Just Start of Political Battle
(Central News Agency, June 12, 2006) Analysts say the KMT wants to use the recall campaign to maintain momentum to unseat the president, using that momentum to add pressure on a government led by what they see as a tainted president.

Scandals Threaten Taiwan's Economic Growth
(Associated Press, June 11, 2006) The intense political strife over whether to oust President Chen Shui-bian in the wake of a series of corruption scandals is threatening to undermine Taiwan's economy, an analyst at a global ratings agency has said.

Taiwan's Chen Turns to US for Support
(Straits Times, June 10, 2006) Besieged by rising calls for him to step down, Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has turned to the United States for support by reviving a promise not to declare independence for the island.

Chen Fights Campaign to Force His Resignation
(Reuters, June 9, 2006) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, in his first self-defense against the opposition's growing campaign for his resignation, likened opposition attempts to oust him to a trial during China's chaotic Cultural Revolution.

Ceding Power Has Left Chen a Weaker Lame Duck
(Editorial, China Post, June 8, 2006) Chen's move to surrender power has produced both favorable and unfavorable results for him, with respect to the impact the action has had to date on the ruling party.

Taiwan's President On Shaky Ground By Edward Cody
(Washington Post, June 2, 2006) President Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan's ardent champion of independence, has been gravely wounded by a string of political missteps and mounting corruption allegations against his family, undermining his leadership and raising doubts about the remaining two years of his term.

For Chen, a Painful Fall from the 'Son' to the 'Shame of Taiwan' By Goh Sui Noi (Straits Times, June 2, 2006) Mr Chen, a native Taiwanese, was celebrated as the 'son of Taiwan' when he came to power in 2000, the first president from an opposition party. Now, he has to endure a hurtful twisting of that sobriquet - from tai wan zhi zi (son of Taiwan) to tai wan zhi chi (shame of Taiwan).

Su now Hot Pick for DPP Presidential Ticket By Ong Hwee Hwee
(Straits Times, June 2, 2006) The power-sharing move has made Mr Su a clear front runner in the race to represent the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the 2008 presidential election.

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian Delegates Some Powers
(Bloomberg, June 1, 2006) A ''question mark'' remains on Chen's sincerity in making the change, we'll have to see in the coming months if Chen loosens his grip on these and whether Premier Su has the right to do a Cabinet reshuffle to place the ministers he thinks appropriate.''

End Political Decay Through Reform
(Editorial, Taiwan News, May 29, 2006) President Chen and the Democratic Progressive Party government need to display an even stronger resolve to bring the country on the correct track by pushing "sunshine" laws and other institutional measures to curb corruption and cronyism, including in the DPP itself.

Taiwan President Struggles to Shake Off Scandal By Benjamin Kang Lim
 (Reuters, May 29, 20060 Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian is struggling to weather a political crisis amid attacks from the opposition and even factions of his party own after his son-in-law was detained on suspicion of insider trading.

An Apology Is Not Nearly Enough By Chiu Hei-yuan
(Taipei Times, May 27, 2006) Chen said that he would undergo more self-examination and humbly accept criticism. Although it is no easy task for the president to make an apology like this, it was inadequate given the gravity of the problem.

Is President Chen another Nixon or another Clinton?
(Editorial, China Post, May 22, 2006) The lesson President Chen should learn from former President Clinton is clear: if President Chen can make substantial policy achievements, the public might still forgive him for the misbehavior of his relatives and subordinates.

DPP Politicians Scramble to Distance Themselves from Chen By Jane Rickards (China Post, Apr. 11, 2006) Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) politicians are likely to scramble to distance themselves from President Chen Shui-bian, the party's long-time strongman, after his long-term aide was arrested on fraud charges, analysts said

Chen-Ma Talks on TV Just Highlight Their Differences By Ong Hwee Hwee (Straits Times, Apr. 4, 2006) It had the makings of a reel-life drama: two archrivals representing each side of Taiwan's political divide going head-to-head in a showdown - all televised live. Meeting offers no solution for resolving key cross-strait issue.

Beijing's Silence Reveals Doubts about KMT Chief
(Straits Times, Mar. 30, 2006) Beijing refrained from commenting directly on Taiwanese opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou's recent trip to the United States, including his appeal for Taipei to take part in international organizations.

KMT Chairman Ma Impresses in Washington By Jane Rickards
(China Post, Mar. 29, 2006) After a U.S. tour that left Washington impressed that he's an internationally-minded leader who wants to find a balance between Taiwan's needs and that of the region, analysts said.

Combat Fatigue By Bill Powell and Time Culpan
(TIME.com, Mar. 26, 2006) "We spend too much time on Chen and his independence," "We have more important and deeper things to discuss." The problem for Chen and the DPP is that voters are losing patience with the politics of provocation and confrontation.

Taiwan Opposition Leader Viewed Favorably in US By Roger Mitton (Straits Times, Mar. 24, 2006) From Washington's perspective, given a choice between Mr Ma and President Chen, there is no choice. Mr Ma wins every time. He is viewed as an articulate pragmatist who will work much more harmoniously with the US.

Taiwanese Hopeful Would Alter Course on China By Edward Cody
(Washington Post, March 19, 2006) In an interview last week, Ma pledged that if he won the next presidential election, in 2008, as widely expected, he would shift Taiwan sharply away from the confrontational, pro-independence policies followed by President Chen Shui-bian.

Chen Driven 'Only by Self-Interest' By Goh Sui Noi
(Straits Times, Mar. 20, 2006) TaiwanPresident Chen Shui-bian was driven to push the envelope on cross-strait issues following his party's crushing defeat in last December's local elections, not so much by strong ideals as by a need for self-preservation, according to analysts and even many of his own party members.

Interview with Ma: Cross-Strait Issues and a Vision for Taiwan
(Straits Times, Mar. 18, 2006) Interview with Kuomintang chairman and Taipei mayor Ma Ying-jeou. How about the unification and independence issues. Where do you stand? We don't believe it makes much sense to discuss unification or independence at the moment. Neither is likely in the foreseeable future. I think our attention should focus on the maintenance of the status quo.

Chen Shui-bian’s Last Hurrah By Hugo Restall
(Far Eastern Economic Review, January/February 2006) Mr. Chen has shown an incredible talent for upsetting the political apple cart. Taiwanese of every ideological stripe have wearied of the constant turmoil caused by their president’s dramatic reversals of policy.

Lin's Withdrawal Is a Wake-up Call
(Editorial, China Post, Jan. 27, 2006) That has not been the case in Taiwan in recent years, he observed. The inter-party conflict plaguing the island since 2000 has led to increasing social division, he commented.

The Uncertain Political Road Ahead By Nat Bellocchi
(Taipei Times, Jan. 24, 2006) Now that both major parties have new chairmen in place, the march to 2008 begins. There will be transitional elections on the way, including new legislative elections.

Taiwan’s New Cabinet ‘Hostile to China’ By Mac William Bishop
(Financial Times, Jan. 24, 2006) Taiwan’s cabinet resigned as its new premier revealed the names of key appointees, while opposition parties criticized the line-up as “self-serving” and embracing an ideology hostile to Beijing.

Su Faces 2008 Polls Factor By Annie Huang
(Agence France Presse, January 23, 2006) Taiwan's incoming premier, Su Tseng- chang, faces a tough dilemma: should he support the unpopular president's hard line on the mainland or try to warm ties in an attempt to woo pro-Beijing voters ahead of an election?

Chen Gives Su Hot Seat as Taiwan's New Premier
(Straits Times, Jan. 20, 2006) Apart from having to deal with a combative legislature, Mr Su is also likely to have his hands tied, with Mr Chen still calling the shots on important issues related to the island's defense, foreign policy and cross-strait ties.

DPP Squabble Costs Hsieh Premiership
(China Post, Jan. 18, 2006) Premier Frank Hsieh clarified that he was not the "odd man out" in President Chen Shui-bian's "four-player game," saying he decided to bow out after other front runners for the 2008 presidential race wouldn't accept Chen's mediation and balancing arrangement.

Boost for Taiwan President as Ally Wins Party Poll By Kathrin Hille
(Financial Times, Jan. 16 2006) Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan’s president, appeared strengthened on Sunday as his Democratic Progressive party elected a chairman seen as his proxy.

Chen Gains Ally, But Sees Factions Rise Against Him By Lawrence Chung (South China Morning Post, Jan. 16, 2006) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has seen an ally elected to lead his Democratic Progressive Party, but the vote is also being seen as ushering in anti-Chen factions determined to wrest power from him.

DPP Votes for New Chief; Same China Stance Likely
(AFP, Jan. 14, 2006) Taiwan's ruling party will choose a new leader tomorrow, having lost badly in local elections last month, but analysts say they expect no change in its leanings towards independence from China.

Taiwan's President Fails to Get His Priorities Right By Kathrin Hille (Financial Times, Dec. 28, 2005) In just five years President Chen Shui-bian has fallen from being Taiwan's hero of democracy to become its most reviled politician.

Identity Crisis Biggest Enemy, Says President
(Central News Agency, Dec. 24, 2005) President Chen Shui-bian said yesterday that the national identity disparity among Taiwanese people is posing the greatest challenge to the country's security.

Taiwan’s Voters Bring Back the Blues By Shelley Rigger
(Far Eastern Economic Review, December 2005) How can the DPP make itself a party that Taiwanese voters trust to form a government? To enlarge its support, the DPP needs to offer a persuasive package of ideas that a majority of Taiwanese can embrace.

A Referendum On President Chen By John F. Copper
(Far Eastern Economic Review, December 2005) The best explanation for pangreen’s defeat is that its usual or core election tactics—picking a fight with China to stir up local nationalism and accentuate ethnic feelings, claiming to be the force behind Taiwan’s democratization, and tarring the opposition with corruption—did not work.