It came as no surprise when Taipei decided on Friday to reject the mainland's goodwill gift of two giant pandas. The ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration has been signalling its refusal since the panda offer was made last May.

But what seems absurd is the reasons cited by the island's "council of agriculture" to justify the decision in accordance with what it called "wild animal conservation laws."

The council announced that Taiwan was unable to accept the animals "because they would not receive proper care on the island as requested by animal protection laws and international agreements."

But such a reason, based on technicality, does not hold water.

First, dozens of giant pandas live well in zoos around the world, including Washington, Tokyo and Hong Kong. They are proof that the bears can be well looked after in an artificial environment.

Second, it was imprudent for the council to jump to the conclusion that the pandas will not receive proper care on the island, especially when the two zoos in Taiwan that have applied to house them are still making preparations with the help of mainland experts.

The short-sighted move came a week after Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian urged the mainland to keep the pandas in their natural habitat. It was apparently a typical case of playing politics under the disguise of technicalities.

Despite Taipei's earlier claim that the decision had nothing to do with its political stance, it takes little effort to see the political motivation behind the refusal. A review of related developments exposes the DPP administration's attempt to politicize the issue.

When the mainland first offered two pandas, the gift was dismissed by Taipei as Beijing's "propaganda ploy" and its "united front tactics" against the island.

Former Taiwan "premier" Frank Hsieh said in January that the island was unlikely to accept the panda pair because doing so could undermine Taiwan's "sovereignty."

In the same month Chen went further, describing the panda offer as part of Beijing's measures to achieve its purpose of "annexing Taiwan."

No wonder the white-and-black panda cubs were painted in political colours. Preoccupied with its push for "Taiwan independence," the DPP administration fears anything that may help strengthen exchanges between people across the Straits.

That may well have explained why some "independence"-minded politicians let their self-interests override the common aspirations of the majority of Taiwan people. Media surveys on the island suggest that more than 70 per cent of the Taiwan public welcome the panda cubs.

It was neither the first time nor the last that the DPP administration has gone against the public will. Over the past six years in office, the DPP administration has repeatedly taken steps to hinder mainland moves to serve Taiwan compatriots, including its tariff-free imports of Taiwan-grown fruits and lifting the ban on mainland tourists visiting the island.

As shown by the DPP's election setback in last December's local government elections, public support for the ruling party has eroded. If it continues to ignore the immediate interests of local people, it will only end up further alienating itself from the people.

By rejecting the pandas, a token of peace, Chen and his administration have not only spoiled the mainland's goodwill but also demonstrated their reluctance to improve cross-Straits relations.

The refusal also points to the danger of secessionist forces who would rather create hostility to fuel cross-Straits tensions than show goodwill to maintain cross-Straits peace and stability.

Source: China Daily