Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has passed the first test of his new administration. His inauguration speech was conciliatory in tone, reaching out to the millions of Taiwanese who voted against him and to the mainland by pledging not to take action that would increase tensions between the governments on either side of the Taiwan Strait. Words are easy, however. Mr. Chen must honor the message of his speech throughout his second term and fight the temptation to use Beijing as a whipping boy when political expediency demands a scapegoat. The best legacy he can leave the island is a bridge between Taipei and Beijing.
Mr. Chen was re-elected to a second term in office two months ago in a bitterly contested election. The ballot was overshadowed by an assassination attempt the night before the vote, and the results were marred by charges of fraud. As a recount continues, the razor-slim margin of error and the discovery of even more contested ballots guarantee that the controversy over the election will not abate.
Taiwan faces critical challenges: putting its economy on a firm footing, re-establishing the image of stability and maturity that will restore international confidence, and keeping the dragon across the Strait at arm's length. Most important, Taiwan must balance economic and business integration with the mainland, which is essential to future growth, with a sense of identity and purpose that will help the island stave off absorption. Only a united Taiwan can muster the energy and will to accomplish that objective.