Nip referendum move in the bud

Taiwan's main opposition Democratic Progressive Party, DPP, Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen speaks during a press conference in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, April 15, 2015. [Photo/IC]

Cross-Straits relations are facing a testing time as May 20, when Taiwan's top leader-elect is scheduled to take office, draws near.

Although Tsai Ing-wen, also head of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, has claimed that her administration will try to maintain the cross-Straits status quo, there are few indications that her inauguration speech will mention the 1992 Consensus, which has been the foundation for improving cross-Straits ties.

Further fueling worries that relations will deteriorate is the recent attempt by some DPP lawmakers to amend the island's referendum law, in a bid to drastically lower the threshold for an island-wide referendum and enlarge the scope of issues that can be put to a public vote to include "sovereignty" and cross-Straits agreements.

If adopted by the island's top legislature, the amendment would risk crossing the bottom line set by the mainland to fight secessionist activity on the island.

Die-hard separatists have long seen the current bill as an obstacle to their pursuit of de jure "Taiwan independence", because it excludes referendums on sensitive issues such as changing the island's name, "anthem", flag and "constitution".

An amendment would give them a free hand to push the envelope as they challenge the one-China policy. It would not only make it easier for them to derail any efforts to improve cross-Straits relations, such as the signing of trade and economic agreements, but also offer them the chance to hijack the Taiwan people in direct confrontation with the mainland.

The separatists are playing a dangerous game by seeking to push forward their secessionist cause in this way.

Tsai must waste no time in putting a brake on this reckless move. Failure to do so runs counter to her promise of maintaining the "status quo" and will force the mainland to drop any illusion that she is someone it can work with to safeguard peace and stability across the Straits.

--China Daily