The DPP Decision Making Process of Party Transformation and Foreign Policy Towards the United States

• Main Authors: Hsin-yi Luo, 羅欣怡
• Other Authors: Edward I-hsin Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2001
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/17020343265959729223

碩士 === 淡江大學 === 美國研究所 === 89 === The main theme of this paper is that the DPP’s party transformation and foreign policy adjustments are influenced by two main factors: pressure from the United States and attempts to break through the current domestic ruling situation. The DPP gained attention from the world community when its seat numbers substantially increased and when President Chen Shui-bian won the Taipei mayoral election in 1994. Since the DPP would potentially become the ruling party, it followed pressures of party transformation and had to justify its policies to the international community. Hence, the rise of the Taiwan independence claim. U.S. pressure reached its highest point in 1997 when the DPP became the local ruling party. During the DPP’s 1997 win of local ruling power, the U.S. began to take note of cross-strait relations. Due to Taiwan’s democratic self-determination and its impact on U.S.-China policy, the U.S. had to face the Taiwan independence issue. Through visits and exchanges, however, DPP members have developed an understanding of Taiwan’s position in U.S. China policy. The DPP’s “One China, One Taiwan” policy is based on U.S. support. After Clinton presented the “Three No’s,” the U.S. indicated their stance of not supporting Taiwan independence. The DPP must change the policy to: “Taiwan is already independent, and the DPP does not need to and will not declare independence.” In view of the DPP decision-making process, it corresponds with Allison’s three decision-making models, including the “Organizational Behavior Model,” the “Governmental Politics Model” and the “Rational Actor Model.” First of all, the DPP is concerned with the growth and decline of factions as aroused by inner-party power restructuring. The strongest faction within the party can lead policy orientation. Secondly, the chairman is the main decision maker and has power to dictate internal affairs and to choose the party’s personnel. The chairman’s leadership style and familiarity with diplomacy can also affect his control over diplomatic affairs. Besides the secretary-general, the deputy secretary-general and the director of the International Affair Department, few legislators and few members of the central standing committee can influence policy making. The director of International Affair Department is the main player in dealing with diplomacy. Third, the fact that the DPP changed its diplomatic strategy and upheld party transformation under pressure from the U.S. shows that the DPP is a party that can adapt.