On Constraints

Michael Turton writes on the conventional wisdom that Taipei and Beijing have domestic constraints that limit how far and fast negotiations can go. Michael is rightly skeptical about just what can constrain the KMT from selling out Taiwan's sovereignty, and I would like to point out this article appearing in the China Daily. It summarizes a Financial Times article, but there is one line I find particularly noteworthy:

The resumption of dialogue will come "faster than expected", the Financial Times commented.

So let me get this right: (1) Media gets excited about Ma Ying-jeou winning since that would improve ties with China; (2) Media tells itself improved relations will take time, based largely on Ma's pre-election posturing; (3) Media then suggests dialogue will resume "faster than expected."

Don't forget, as Michael points out, that a lot must have already been discussed in the official but secretive channels between the KMT and CCP itself, so you know the first few gambits have already been discussed. And don't forget, Ma is openly for unification; he's just been forced to posture in such a way as to put off unification for a generation, though I am sure he will work to make it the most likely or even the only option.