Eighteen years ago, Wu'er Kaixi -- a prominent leader in the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident, in which hundreds or more Chinese died in their pursuit for democracy – went into self-imposed exile in Taiwan. An outspoken critic of the Chinese Communist Party and a frequent political commentator, the 46 year-old activist over the weekend announced he would run for a legislative position in the Taiwan's parliament, making him the first Chinese dissident to ever do so. In an interview with China Real Time, one of China's most-wanted dissidents explains his motivation, youth activism in Taiwan, and why he believes the island has the upper hand in its relationship with China.

Why do you want to represent the district of Taichung?

Before a person decides to take part in an election, he must ask himself three questions: can I offer can concrete contributions? Will I be accepted by the constituency? Do I have a winning chance? For me, I believe the answer is yes for all three questions.

What could you contribute as a lawmaker?

I have lived here for 18 years, but I have been a keen observer of Taiwan's politics for over two decades. I have followed closely each step of Taiwan's democratic evolution and even participated in some events that helped shape Taiwan today. In my observation, in the last 10 years, Taiwan has fallen into two traps common in developing democracies-- populism and polarization. The two major parties (the ruling Nationalist Party, the KMT, and the opposition Democratic Progressive Party) have become like two big gangs. In order to belong to one camp, you must never criticize it and must always criticize the other. Such behavior is debilitating and harmful. My goal is to rise above the present partisanship. People should base their choices on values, not on party loyalty.

As someone who had face the Chinese Communist Party up close, how do you think your experience can help Taiwan in its dealing s with Beijing?

I know the workings and the thinking of the party extremely well. At the moment, Taiwan's biggest challenge comes from Beijing, but such challenges also present opportunities to learn. What Taiwan needs is someone who doesn't fear the CCP, someone who has nothing to lose by challenging Beijing and someone who dares to speak the truth because there is no conflict of interests.

What is your assessment o f the current status the cross-strait relationship?

Many people say Taiwan is indebted to China because of its rising economic prowess, but it is Taiwan who has the leverage because of people refuse to lose its current democratic system. As demonstrated by the ongoing Occupy Central protests in Hong Kong and Taiwan's recent election results, China sees they can't just purchase business and political leaders anymore. People see that these so-called economic benefits are not trickling down. Keep in mind, China is in the game to win the hearts and minds of the Taiwan people, as Deng Xiaoping prescribed. If Taiwan can redirect the attention back to the masses, and not just a few selected business leaders, Taiwan has the power to force Beijing to start a dialogue. Taiwan's democracy gives it the upper hand.

Youth activism has been a strong driving force in Taiwan. How do you see it evolving?

Right now, there is a high threshold for young people to participate in politics. You need wealth, political connections or a strong family background. This means many young people in Taiwan who are passionate about changing policies are feeling helpless. As an exile, I can really empathize with that feeling.

Do you think you will be accepted by Taichung residents?

Taiwan is my adopted country. I have lived in Taichung ever since I came to Taiwan. I was living in Taichung when I was granted citizenship. I have been accepted as one of them. But I want to show, I can also represent them. Living in Taiwan for over 18 years, I have gradually become more confident about people's acceptance of me. Moreover, the recent election of an independent Dr. Ko Wen-je as the Taipei City major also demonstrates that the public are tired of the polarization that has plagued Taiwan for years.

-- Edited from an interview with Jenny W. Hsu. Follow her on Twitter @jen1113

_____________________________________

Also popular on China Real Time now:

China Soon to Have Almost as Many Drivers as U.S. Has People

Where Are China’s Adulterous Officials? Party Media Does and Does Not Want You to Know