The election of the nationalist Chen Shui-bian as president in 2000 and his re-election in 2004 was a nadir in the relationship between Taiwan and the mainland.

Since the election of Shinzo Abe as the new Japanese prime minister, by reputation a fervent nationalist, relations between Japan and China have paradoxically improved a little.

I've noticed that in the U.S., when the president hits the three-year mark in office, he goes into re-election campaigning.

Am I supposed to vote for someone I think does not represent my interests, my principles, or the interests of this nation for fear that not to do so will allow another candidate who does not reflect my interests, principles or the interests of this nation to become president?

I'm up for re-election in 2014, and yes I do plan to run for re-election.

I have to earn re-election. That's the way I see it.