1. Name the presidents and the capitals of China and Taiwan.

2. a) Who is Jason Yuan?
b) In an interview with the Washington Times this week, what did Mr. Yuan tell reporters about Taiwan's relationship with China and the U.S. under newly elected President Ma?

3. Why did the Bush administration have a difficult relationship with Mr. Ma's predecessor Chen Shui-ban?

4. How did Mr. Yuan describe President Ma and the type of relationship he would like to have with China?

5. NOTE: In 1971, the U.N. withdrew recognition of Taiwan as the legitimate government of China, and recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China. The Chinese government received support from two-thirds of all United Nations' members including approval by the Security Council members excluding Taiwan.
Since 1993, Taiwan has made attempts to rejoin the UN, but because of the opposition of China, which holds veto power in the Security Council, and the lack of support from member nations who upheld the one-China principle recognizing Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, Taiwan has consistently been denied. In fact all 5 permanent members of the Security Council are opposed to Taiwan's membership. Every year since 1991 the question of Taiwan's representation has been raised on the UN agenda committee by its diplomatic allies, but has always failed to get sufficient votes to get on the formal agenda.
In relation to the U.N., what sign is President Ma giving that his government desires to be non-provocative?

6. What requirement does the Chinese government have as a precondition to establishing discussions with Taiwan?

7. What do you think of the attitude of Taiwan's new leader toward the U.S., China and the U.N.? Be specific.