| Both the mainland China and Taiwan gradually resumed cross-strait contacts since the late 1980s in the wake of domestic policies and international situation alternation. Both sides set up the "SEF" and "ARATS" to consult and negotiate cross-strait issues which aroused from exchanges between Taiwan and mainland China. In 1992, the "SEF" and "ARATS" reached an important consensus namely the "1992 consensus". This consensus not only suspended the dispute of "one-China", but also made the basis of the 1993 "Wang-Koo Talks". The "Wang-Koo Talks" was the highest level public contacts of mainland China and Taiwan since 1949. It formed a new model for cross-strait negotiations."Wang-Koo Talks" is considered as a domestic affair for Chinese people, but other countries also played an important role in it, especially Singapore. To analyze the "Wang-Koo Talks", the best work had be done by Singapore to promote the both sides of Taiwan Strait to communicate, can help us to perceive how Singapore playing a special role between the Taiwan Strait. As a Chinese country, Singapore keeps good relationship with mainland China and Taiwan all along. Even before China and Singapore established the diplomatic relations, the two sides had carried out extensive cooperation in economic and trade fields. After China carried out the reform and opening up policy, this cooperation had been further deepened. On the other hand, Singapore has always maintained a substantial relationship with Taiwan, the two sides cooperated extensively in the political, economic, and military areas. These close relationships made it possible to hold the first "Wang-Koo Talks" in Singapore.Singapore made considerable efforts to make the talks happen. Negotiations between Taiwan and mainland China ahead of the conference, arranging the meeting place and the security protection all fall into this category. The country acts like a messenger to balance its relationship with both Taiwan and mainland China in order to maximize its interest. Thus it is reasonable the fundamental element for successful "Wang-Koo Talks" is the successful development of cross strait relationship. The proportion of Singapore influence has been minimized by closer China-Singapore ties and the rise of Taiwan independence movement. |
