KMT candidate vice President Lien Chan reaffirmed his resolve to put party assets in a trust. He said January 9, 2000 he fully respected Lee and praised him for leading the country to democracy in such a short time, saying its was a historical accomplishment. “Don’t under estimate him (Lee) --- that he doesn’t have the sincerity to put party assets in trust.”

Lien, who is often criticized for shouldering the party’s burdens that prevent him from seeking real reform, told reporters that those burdens did not exist.

Democratic Progressive Party Chen Shui-bian (January 9, 2000), said that if he wins the presidential election, he can guarantee cross-strait peace. Two states will have only positive interaction and competition but not war.

James Soong independent presidential candidate said January 9, 2000, “If I have made mistakes in the past, I hope you will all forgive me.” He told a roaring crowd of supporters at Taipei’s Chungshan football stadium. “We must tell Beijing that Taiwan won’t accept “one country two systems’ unification formula, and that the ROC is not a regional government of the PRC. We don’t want war --- but we will not be ruled by the PRC,” he said.

Nevertheless, personality cults still exist in the politics of Taiwan. This promotes an inclination on the part of people to unconditionally forgive those they admire. This is dangerous.

… No matter who wins the March 18 presidential election, he will face four thorny problems;

Political status of both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The ROC’s political activities in the world arena.

Pushing Beijing to reduce hostility toward Taipei.