With the DPP primaries about to start, all of the party's presidential hopefuls have recently proposed their strategies toward cross-strait relationship, trying to convince voters of their ability in handling the delicate issue. But according to political observers, it remains to be seen whether these strategies will prove to be superior to the one adopted by the Ma administration.

DPP Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen is seen as one of the party's most likely presidential candidates in 2012, and discussed her stance on cross-strait policy for the first time on Thursday.

Tsai says that she is in favor of a policy that keeps the two sides separate while maintaining peace.

Former Premier Su Tseng-chang, however, is advocating the party's 1999 "Taiwan Consensus," which maintains Taiwan's sovereignty. Former Vice President Annette Lu is promoting a "96 Consensus,"

which supports the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of China and People's Republic of China.

Finally, former Premier Frank Hsieh wants the 92 Consensus replaced with a "Constitutional Consensus" that manifests Taiwan's sovereignty.

Tsai's discourse fails to mention either sovereignty or name issues, which disappoints many pro-independence supporters.

On Tuesday evening, the Presidential Office issued a statement questioning the many holes in Tsai's discourse and omission of 92 Consensus-related or constitutional issues.

Scholars recently compared Tsai's discourse to that of President Ma Ying-jeou's, and pointed out that Ma's discourse puts Taiwan first and benefits the people.

In contrast, Tsai's discourse as well as those of other potential DPP presidential candidates fail to address many pertinent issues.

While Tsai claims that she will pursue cross-strait peace, Ma clearly states his commitment to pursuing neither independence nor reunification.

In discussing cross-strait politics, Paul Chu said that Taiwan's relationship with China is not only one of competition and cooperation, but opposition as well.

While both sides have their own positions and policies, China has shown a willingness to improve relations since Ma's inauguration.

Under these circumstances, the DPP will have to figure out which type of China policy will win the support of voters.