A summary of Chen Shui-bian's capriciousness over the past four years:

On the status of Taiwan and the mainland:

May 20, 2000: Both sides can jointly deal with the issue of a future one China.

January 1, 2001: The two sides can set up a new framework for political integration across the Straits.

April 13, 2002: The Taiwan question can be solved through the European Union model.

August 3, 2002: There is one country on each side of the Taiwan Straits.

September 28, 2003: Taiwan should complete drafting a new "constitution" for the island through referendum.

February 16, 2004: Some form of eventual reunification will not beruled out in the future.

On the issue of one China:

June 28, 2000: The new administration is willing to accept the one-China principle, with each side of the Straits to have a different interpretation of the definition of one China.

June 30, 2000: Both sides of the Taiwan Straits have never reached an agreement on the one-China principle.

July 31, 2000: Both sides of the Straits should establish an interactive relationship in line with the 1992 spirit.

On the establishment of the three direct links:

May 21, 2000: The three-links policy should be comprehensively reviewed.

June 29, 2001: The establishment of the three direct links is a road we must take.

September 28, 2002: The three links can be opened up only when the future transport links are defined as special international routes.

October 23, 2002: The three direct links are not a panacea for economic ills.

January 1, 2003: Direct transport links can be negotiated under the peace and stability framework.

July 4, 2003: Taipei will not allow direct transport links under the framework of one China.

August 13, 2003: Direct transport links will be realized by the end of next year.

(China Daily February 26, 2004)