Two vital words for Taiwan ties, according to Beijing

IN RESPONSE to the thoughtful inaugural address by Taiwan's new president, Tsai Ing-wen, China's Taiwan Affairs Office had a simple rejoinder: her speech was an "incomplete test answer". In China's view, she must do the test over and fully meet China's demands before she can get a passing grade.

The mainland doesn't get it. The question is not whether Ms Tsai passes the mainland's test; it's whether the mainland can stop playing the bully every time it wants something, whether from Taiwan, the Philippines or Japan.

What Beijing wants is for Ms Tsai to say two words: "1992 consensus". Without uttering those words, Beijing is saying, Taiwan is risking its mainland trade, its diplomatic relations with third countries and greater international isolation. What's so important about those two words? Answer: They are a fig leaf to cover up differences between the mainland and Taiwan and create the impression of an accord.