Word: taipei
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...true independence. Instead, the island got further isolated within an Asia that is more tightly linked around an expanding China. "We tried to help our sense of Taiwan identity, but it resulted in self-marginalization in the region," says Philip Yang, a political scientist at National Taiwan University in Taipei. As a result, "we believe Taiwan is losing its edge, losing its advantages and losing its chance at long-term prosperity...
...This theme is one that Hsieh is pounding home on the campaign trail. At a late-February rally of 100,000 people at a Taipei stadium, Hsieh painted Ma's position toward China as a sure way of undermining Taiwan's economy and squashing its democratic ideals and hopes for independence. If Ma has his way, "in the end we will give up our sovereignty," Hsieh blasted. "If this happens, we will not have the dignity of being our own masters." (TIME requested an interview with Hsieh but it wasn't granted...
...message is so far winning out. Polls show him ahead of Hsieh by double digits. A big reason is Ma himself. The former Taipei mayor and triathlon competitor has become the new face of the new KMT. Born in Hong Kong, Ma arrived in Taiwan as a 1-year-old and, after studying in the U.S., held a long list of posts in KMT governments, including Justice Minister. While campaigning, Ma is often received more like a touring pop star than a politician. "Look at how the ladies react," comments one aide as Ma departs from a rally to greet...
...almost any circumstances. Ma has tried to counter by appearing more sensitive to issues of Taiwanese identity. He has spent long stretches in the island's south - DPP territory - where he often bypasses hotels to stay in the homes of ordinary folk. At one rally of labor unionists in Taipei, Ma made sure to lead the crowd in cheers of "Taiwan will win!" in both Mandarin, the language of the mainlanders, and the local Taiwanese dialect. "I eat Taiwan rice, drink Taiwan water," he recently proclaimed. "I will die and be buried here as Taiwanese...
...hurdles in realizing his vision of improved cross-strait relations. Much of his success will depend on the attitude of Beijing. On the surface, the interests of Ma and Hu Jintao appear to be dovetailing. Under Hu, whom Ma compliments as "sophisticated," China has dramatically softened its stance toward Taipei, and Hu these days sounds ready to compromise. In his speech opening the Chinese People's Political Consultative Congress in early March, Hu reiterated his offer to sign a peace treaty. "Status in negotiations would be equal," Hu promised, "and any issue can be discussed...