US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly's congressional testimony well outlined the present policy of the US towards China and Taiwan. He pointed out that the Taiwan Relation Act is the foundation for the US to maintain peace and stability in the region and emphasized maintenance of the status quo as the best way to preserve stability.
He also made clear that it is irresponsible of leaders of both the US and Taiwan to treat China's military threats as meaningless. Taiwan should share the US's concern and should refrain from acts or rhetorical statements that may be misinterpreted. The US should also send a clear and unequivocal message to China that it views "any use of force against Taiwan with grave concern [and] will maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion against Taiwan." To alleviate tension, the US "continues to urge Beijing and Taipei to pursue dialogue as soon as possible through any available channels, without preconditions."
Meanwhile, the US commits itself to "explore with our friends in Taiwan" how to promote "Taiwan's successful story for democracy in Asia and around the world ... to a global audience, and how we [the United States] can help to make Taiwan's instructive example available to all countries that are attempting to institute democratic reform."
The plight of Taiwan is not the question of whether it is an independent country or whether it is generally recognized as a member of the international community. The US recognized Taiwan as a sovereign country until formal diplomatic relations was severed on Jan. 1, 1979. In so doing, instability was introduced into cross-strait relations.
Over the past 25 years, while democracy progressed in Taiwan and China's threats intensified, tension between the US, Taiwan and China has escalated. Circumstances have dramatically changed, particularly in Taiwan. Since the Shanghai Communique was entered into in 1978, Taiwan transformed itself from a dictatorship. Martial law was abolished; general elections were adapted for the election of members of parliament and the president.A constitution is to be made according to the free will of the people of Taiwan.
Twenty-five years ago, the US adapted its "one China " policy because the governments on both sides of the strait claimed their China was the real one. Now the "one China" policy obviously becomes the root of problem. It is time for the US to re-examine and update its policy toward Taiwan. The burden of using military force to deter China's "grave actions" against Taiwan rests almost entirely on the US. The US should shift part of this burden to the international community by allowing Taiwan to join international organizations as an international entity, if not a country.
Taiwan's success as a democracy and economic force certainly should not be overlooked by the international community.
The US should bring proof of Taiwan's governmental and economic success to the world's attention so that Taiwan's existence will be recognized, and the security of the western Pacific be supported by the international community and protected by the rule of law.
It is laudable that "the United States continues to be a strong supporter of Taiwan's participation in international organiza-tions." To implement this goal, the US must take the initiative. The effort of the US to attain these goals, based on past history, lacked initiative. The US efforts appeared to be at China's behest.
The US must be able to break through the barrier of appeasing China. Taiwan's participation in international organizations is as important as arms sales for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
International organizations are also a forum for Beijing and Taipei to pursue dialogue.
Y.T. Hung is a lawyer practicing in Virginia.
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