Chen Shui-bian Declares 'One Country on Each Side' of Taiwan Strait

In a video conference with independence supporters in Tokyo on August 3, 2002, President Chen Shui-bian made his boldest statement on cross-strait relations, declaring there is “one country on each side” of the Taiwan Strait, effectively abandoning the ambiguity of his 2000 inaugural pledges.

The Statement

Chen’s precise words reverberated across the strait:

“With Taiwan and China on each side of the Taiwan Strait, each side is a country. This needs to be clear. Taiwan is our country, and our country cannot be bullied, diminished, or marginalized.”

Democratic Evolution

Chen’s statement reflected democratic pressures:

Public Opinion Shift

Taiwan identity surging
Unification support collapsing
Status quo preference dominant
Democratic sovereignty valued

Political Dynamics

DPP base demanding clarity
2004 election approaching
Legislative gridlock frustrating
International marginalization continuing

Beijing’s Predictable Rage

Immediate Response

“Dangerous provocation” condemned
Military threats renewed
Economic retaliation promised
International isolation intensified

Propaganda Mobilization

Chen labeled “troublemaker”
War preparations publicized
Nationalist emotions inflamed
No dissent tolerated

Abandoning Ambiguity

The statement marked clear departure:

From 2000 Pledges

“Four Noes” effectively dead
Strategic ambiguity ended
Reality acknowledged
Democratic will expressed

New Framework

Two equal countries
No subordination
Separate sovereignties
Future negotiable

Domestic Political Fallout

Opposition Attacks

KMT: “Reckless provocation risking war” PFP: “Violating inaugural promises” TSU: “Finally telling truth”

Public Response

Polls showed 60% support
Youth strongly favorable
Business community nervous
Military on alert

International Complications

U.S. Displeasure

Bush administration “disappointed”
Stability concerns raised
Private warnings delivered
Support questioned

Regional Worries

Japan concerned about escalation
ASEAN urged restraint
EU confused by shift
Markets volatile

Democratic Logic

Chen’s reasoning reflected democratic realities:

Electoral Pressure

Approval ratings falling
Base mobilization needed
Identity politics powerful
Truth resonates

Governance Frustration

Beijing’s intransigence
International isolation
Economic coercion
Military intimidation

Authoritarian Response Pattern

Military Escalation

Exercises intensified
Missile deployments increased
Invasion scenarios publicized
Nuclear threats implied

Economic Warfare

Investment restrictions
Trade barriers threatened
Business pressure applied
Financial markets targeted

Strategic Implications

For Cross-Strait Relations

Dialogue prospects dimmed
Military tensions increased
Economic integration questioned
International involvement deepened

For Taiwan Politics

Polarization intensified
Identity debates sharpened
Election stakes raised
Democracy tested

Media Coverage Divide

Taiwan’s Free Press

Extensive analysis
Diverse opinions
International perspectives
Public debate vigorous

China’s Propaganda

Uniform condemnation
War threats emphasized
No alternative views
Nationalism stoked

U.S. Damage Control

Public Statements

“No unilateral changes”
“Peaceful resolution”
“Dialogue encouraged”
Ambiguity maintained

Private Messages

Chen pressured to clarify
Beijing warned on force
Military preparations made
Allies consulted

Economic Consequences

Immediate Impact

Stock market dropped 3%
Currency under pressure
Investment plans delayed
Tourism affected

Longer-term Concerns

Cross-strait trade risks
Technology transfer limits
Financial integration questions
Supply chain vulnerabilities

Identity Confirmation

The statement crystallized reality:

Taiwan Identity

Separate country consciousness
Democratic values central
Chinese identity fading
Future self-determined

Generational Divide

Young embrace separation
Old cling to ambiguity
Middle pragmatic
Future direction clear

Historical Parallel

Comparison with Lee’s 1999 statement:

Similarities

Reality acknowledged
Beijing infuriated
U.S. concerned
Politics driven

Differences

Clearer formulation
Democratic mandate stronger
Identity shift advanced
Less room for interpretation

Looking Forward

The statement’s impact would shape:

2004 Election

Referendum debates
Identity politics central
China factor dominant
Democracy vs. stability

Long-term Trajectory

Ambiguity unsustainable
Identity irreversible
Democracy non-negotiable
Conflict structural

Chen’s “one country on each side” declaration represented democratic Taiwan’s growing confidence in acknowledging reality, despite authoritarian China’s threats, marking another milestone in the island’s journey from Chinese province to separate democratic nation, whatever the risks.