The forum exposes the current government's inability to promote cross-Strait economic and trade relations.

Chen is using the tactic of violating the 'five noes' with the argument that the situation has changed.

I don't think Ma can please everyone in Taiwan ... but probably some middle-level voters will feel more comfortable with his predictable and pragmatic stance.

In the short term China is not a threat to the U.S.. China is building up militarily, but its policies focus on non-military confrontation. At present, China isn't even a threat to Japan.

They were some new terms but some old concepts.

Taipei is not following Washington's warning because Taipei has an internal agenda.

They've decided it's more efficient for Washington to tell Taiwan what to do and what not to do.

The U.S. was sending a message that the status quo is best for everyone.