Foreshadowing the collapse of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Taiwanese Premier Frank Hsieh urged policy makers exercise caution in cross-strait relations.

Speaking at a breakfast reception on May 9, Mr. Hsieh said that erratic and unpredictable moves by the Mainland regime towards Taiwan had destabilized the region. Hinting that the future of the CCP is in doubt, he said that Taiwan should avoid aggressive gestures and be prepared for the consequences.

Mr. Hsieh said that despite the good-will shown by Taipei to the Mainland and the relatively upbeat mood since the resumption of direct charter flights between the rivals, the Communists had repeatedly moved to undermine the relationship. He cited the recent passing of the Anti-Secession Law and the visits by two Taiwanese opposition leaders to Beijing. Mr. Hsieh said that he himself had fallen prey to the Mainland’s machinations, when the CCP prevented him from visiting Siemens plants in Germany and Austria.

The premier urged the Taiwanese people to recognize how the Mainland was uniting opposition forces against Taipei. He said that Taiwan should continue to forge the cross-strait relationship, preserve its national dignity and find its place in the world. Taiwan should not be lulled by the apparent openness displayed during the recent diplomatic exchanges. And the Mainland policy of “status quo” belies the actual suppression being exercised by the Communists.