MUNCIE, Ind. - Taiwan's newly-elected president is steering a moderate political course to diffuse tension between his nation and mainland China, a Ball State University expert says.

Chen Shui-Bian is taking a middle stance between his nation's two prominent political parties and both groups have reluctantly accepted what he has done, Ball State political science professor Teh-Kuang Chang said.

"He has adapted a moderate policy to comfort the people in Taiwan and to diffuse the tension between Taiwan and Mainland China," Chang said.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Chen was elected president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) even after China warned against voting for him. His unexpected win has raised tension between China and Taiwan and is drawing attention of United States political analysts.

Much of the tension is due to the DPP's win over the old ruling party Kuomintang (KMT) which was preferred by the Chinese Communists. The DPP platform advocates human rights, democracy, social welfare and the right to self-determination, but its position for Taiwan's independence conflicts with the KMT.

A major concern is whether Taiwan's new democratic government will declare independence from China. China has threatened force against Taiwan if independence is declared.

"Taiwan has purchased arms from the United States in accordance with the U.S.-Taiwan Relations Act, but the U.S. does not want to interfere with the politics between China and Taiwan," Chang said. "Chen has indicated his willingness to cooperate with the U.S. government based upon the act and he has indicated peaceful relations with China by appointing Tang Feim (former KMT national defense minister) as prime minister."

Chang said that in keeping with his moderate stance, Chen is choosing to distance himself from the DPP.

"Chen said he is the president of the tenth Republic of China. This implied that he would not declare independence and that he is not president of Taiwan," said Chang. "But the independence of Taiwan is still on the DPP platform, so he will relinquish his position as a standing member of the DPP. This indicates his statesmanship and that his government is the people's government and not controlled by any political party."

In forming a new government, Chang said, Chen has sought advice from prestigious scholars and business leaders without records of political corruption. Chen has also disregarded party politics and will make appointments based on the person's ability. In governing in this way, Chang hopes Chen will foster peace.

"Chen wants to seek a peaceful relationship with mainland China with negotiation instead of confrontation," Chang said. "He wants to visit mainland China and invite the leadership to visit Taiwan and resume a political dialogue with representatives from both countries."

Many are awaiting the next step for Chen, who failed for re-election as mayor of Taipei but succeeded in the presidential election. Expectations are high for the new president.

"Chen is an intelligent leader and can be successful if he can coordinate parties for the benefit of the people by using able persons," Chang said. "This can form a smooth transition from the Kuomintang into a pure democracy."

By Roseanne Durril, Graduate Assistant

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Chang by phone (765) 285-8780 or by fax (765) 285-8980.)