Following the post-Cold War reshuffling of the political world order and subsequent political changes and developments within both China and Taiwan, cross-strait relations have become a primary focus of Taiwan’s national policy. Yet the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), as viewed by outsiders, has generally been considered lacking a clear, coherent, and concrete China policy. Indeed, when confronted with issues relating to China, the DPP has on occasion failed to provide a unified and single authoritative voice.

 Hence, the 7^th session, 57^th meeting of the DPP’s Central Standing Committee passed a resolution to hold a conference on its China policy on February 13-15, 1998. By conducting a thorough discussion and detailed discourse, the DPP hopes to reach an internal consensus and form a basic party policy platform toward China and cross-strait relations.

The title of the conference is recommended as "Democratic Progressive Party China Policy Symposium".

 Due to the inherently broad and expanding scope encompassed by any China policy, and to facilitate and expedite the conference's process, the Department of China Affairs recommends 3 directions for policy discourse:

1. The new Post-Cold War order of international politics' effect on Taiwan-China cross-straits relations.

1. How has the Asian-Pacific balance of power altered since the dissolution of the former USSR? Does this support Taiwan's growth or hinder its development?
2. How does China's increasing influence and expanding role in the Asia-Pacific region affect Taiwan's relative position?
3. How do closer US-China relations affect Taiwan's international status?
4. Does the US-Japan Security Agreement benefit Taiwan's security?
5. Will the US, under pressure from China, take actions influencing Taiwanese interests?
6. Will countries gradually comply with China's insistence, and adopt a "One China Policy" ?
7. Will other countries exert pressure on Taiwan to advance talks with China? Would such pressure force Taiwan into accepting China's conditions for renewed talks?
8. What is the international position toward China's use of military force in the Taiwan Strait ? Is it possible China will renounce the possibility of using force against Taiwan?
9. What are Taiwan's chances of entering international organizations ? Which international organizations might Taiwan join ?
10. Can Taiwan join regional security organizations to avoid military conflict in the Taiwan Strait ?

1. Should Taiwan engage in talks with China ? What are the goals of cross-strait negotiations ?
2. What approach should Taiwan adopt in talks with China ? (Government to Government ? Party to Party ? People to People?)
3. Should preconditions be made and agreed upon prior to talks ? If yes, what conditions ?
4. How should the topics of discussions be decided ? What topics should proceed with negotiations ? What topics are not appropriate ?
5. Should cross-strait talks be hastened to reach some result ? What should be done if talks are stalled or no consensus is reached ?
6. Should talks between heads-of-state or government officials be allowed ? Are there necessary preconditions ?
7. Should offices for representatives or liaison offices be set up between Taiwan and China ?
8. What issues should there be greater exchange between Taiwan and China ?
9. Should the Chinese be allowed to travel into Taiwan more freely ? How should immigration be handled in such a scenario ?
10. What matters deserve cooperation between China and Taiwan ? (i.e. fighting crime, repatriation of criminals, economic investment…)

3. Development of cross-strait trade relations, and policies to address the challenges of entering the World Trade Organization.

1. Should steps be taken now to increase the flow of cross-strait trade ?
2. What activities should cross-strait trade encompass ? Which should be promoted, and which should be restricted ?
3. Should Chinese investments in Taiwan be opened significantly ?
4. Should restrictions on Taiwan investment in China be removed ?
5. Should restrictions be lifted on China's imports to Taiwan ?
6. Should direct flights between Taiwan and China be established ? Are there preconditions for establishing direct flights ?
7. Should direct links of travel, trade, and communications be necessary conditions for Taiwan's entry to the WTO ?
8. Should Taiwan join the WTO, is the establishment of the "three links" an immediate requirement ?
9. Should Taiwan and China engage in trade negotiations prior to joining the WTO ?
10. How should Taiwan proceed in establishing rules and regulations pertaining to cross-strait trade ?

1. Preparatory Work:

2. The Department of Chinese Affairs will provide the following information for conference representatives to review:

1. Past DPP documents pertaining to China
2. Beijing documents on Taiwan since Deng's Six Points.
3. Kuomintang documents, since Lee Teng-hui was elected President, pertaining to its China policy.
4. Information on post- Taiwan Strait Missile Crisis Taiwan-China-US relations.
5. Information concerning Taiwan and China's bids to join the WTO, and relevant WTO entrance rules and regulations.
6. Reports and research on cross-strait trade and commerce.
7. Information relevant to cross-strait negotiation behavior.
8. Post-Deng China's political-economic status and evaluative reports.
9. Results of the past year's public opinion surveys regarding cross-strait relations.

1. The conference will proceed as the first of a continued series of conferences. Focusing on the three aforementioned directions for discussion, an exchange of differing viewpoints and opinions, and cross-debate will seek to clarify and identify issues to help in arriving at a consensus on a China policy.
2. The conference is open to the public. Conference representatives must submit a prepared report.

1. 12 representatives from the DPP Central Executive and Advisory Committees and Party Headquarters.
2. 12 representatives from DPP members of the Legislative Yuan.
3. 12 representative from DPP members of the National Assembly.

2. 12 representatives from DPP members of the Legislative Yuan:

3.12 representatives from DPP members of the National Assembly:

Chiou I-bin, Chiou I-yin, Chiou Kuo-chan, Lai Chin-lin, Chou Wai-yo, Chung Chia-bin, Chuang Shen-long, Wu Chun-ming, Chen Yiao-chan, (2 remaining spots to be filled)

1. Candidates seeking to participate in the conference shall submit a report, both a hard copy and the disk on which it is stored, to DPP Headquarters no later than 6pm on February 4, 1998.
2. Reports should include three recommendations by the candidate, each at least 2,000 characters in length for a total of 6,000 characters or more.
3. Combined reports by two candidates must submit a single report no less than 9,000 characters in length, and combined reports by three candidates no less than 12,000 characters.
4. Candidates who submit their reports after the deadline or do not meet the required length will lose their eligibility.
5. Written reports should state clearly the author(s) position and recommendations on the three topics for discussion, and adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Written in a objective matter based on facts.
2. State clearly basic policy position.
3. Explain reasons for policy position.
4. Include concrete policies addressing the topics for discussion.

1. Time: February 13-15, 1998
2. Location: International Conference Center,