China should propose new framework for Taiwan engagement

China should propose a new framework for engagement with Taiwan and explain what Beijing has to offer the democratically-ruled island, according to a presidential candidate for a small opposition party contesting elections in January.
During the run up to Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary polls, China has stepped up military and political pressure to assert its claim of sovereignty, having never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.
Opinion polls show Kop Wen-je, leader of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) competing for second place with Hou Yu-ih, the candidate from the main opposition party, the Kuomintang.
The frontrunner, according to polls, is Lai Ching-te, who took over leadership of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) earlier this year. President Tsai Ing-wen, who leads the DPP government, cannot stand for a third term under Taiwan’s constitution.
The DPP government has repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed as Beijing views Tsai and the DPP as separatists.