Over the past half century, Taiwan's sovereignty has been violated by the Republic of China (ROC) and the People's Republic of China and neglected by most of the world.
As a result, establishing an independent "Republic of Taiwan" is a dream long held by the majority of the nation's people. The concept entails a free, democratic and de jure independent Taiwan, a new constitution and rectifying the country's name from "Republic of China" to "Republic of Taiwan" or "Taiwan."
The US, as the sole remaining superpower, should play a more proactive role in making this dream come true. Here's why.
At the end of World War II in 1945, the US and its allies carelessly turned Taiwan over to control by Chiang Kai-Shek's (蔣介石) ROC. The people of the country were not consulted. The brutal abuse of the people by Chiang's occupying military force led to the infamous 228 Incident -- a Taiwanese uprising on Feb. 28, 1947 resulting in 20,000 or more Taiwanese being killed by Chiang's army.
Chiang's Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) then declared what became the longest period of martial law in modern history, from 1947 to 1987. In 1949, China's nationalists, having lost the civil war to Mao Tse-tung's (毛澤東) communists, fled to Taiwan and "officially" started their dictatorial occupation of the country. They brought with them the name "Republic of China" and imposed this misnomer on the nation.
Most countries in the world kept silent about the 228 Incident -- the Taiwanese Holocaust. Chiang's bloody deeds were never condemned. During these dark times, under KMT rule, the Taiwanese lived with very limited political freedom and human rights despite their continuous efforts to participate in the political process.
Just before the lifting of martial law in May 1987, the first Taiwanese political party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was established with the help of various pressure groups, including overseas Taiwanese organizations and international supporters.
Thirteen years later, in March 2000, the DPP finally defeated the KMT in the presidential election. Chen Shui-bian (
Just this past March, Chen won re-election. That victory virtually sealed the fate of pro-Chinese parties such as the KMT and the People First Party. It was also a major victory for constitutional reform in Taiwan. The nation still functions under the old Constitution of the ROC, but the majority of the electorate voted for Chen -- a staunch advocate of a new constitution for the country. It is just a matter of time before a new nation -- with a new name and constitution -- will emerge.
The time is ripe now for the people of Taiwan to reclaim their own country and give it the name "Republic of Taiwan."
The US should now recognize this new Taiwan.
China continues to state that it will attack Taiwan if the country declares independence. At the present time, China has more than 500 missiles aimed at Taiwan, keeping the peace-hungry Taiwanese in a state of daily terror. The number of missiles is increasing every year.
Yet proclaiming independence is nothing more than a logical extension of the nation's democratic development over the past two decades. A referendum would be an appropriate vehicle and a peaceful way to let the nation's people determine their own future.
Beijing will not be amused, of course. And that is where the US should remain firm. China will be less likely to launch armed military conflict against Taiwan if the US clearly states that it welcomes an independent "Republic of Taiwan" and expresses its explicit support for a democratic referendum to determine the nation's future. The US needs to make it crystal clear to China that it will rally to Taiwan's side in case of a Chinese attack -- even if Taiwan declares independence. An ambiguous US policy towards China and Taiwan will lead to a much greater possibility of a disastrous war.
In the meantime, the free world needs to cease falling for the lies and propaganda of communist China, which claims a territory that it does not have the right to annex.
The most important reason the US should support the establishment of a "Republic of Taiwan" is ideological. The US and Taiwan share a strong commitment to democracy, free enterprise, religious freedom and human rights -- all freedoms that China habitually tramples on.
If the US wishes to remain the champion of democracy and freedom for mankind, what better demonstration of US values is there than support for a "Republic of Taiwan?" What better strategy than showcasing a free, independent and democratic Taiwan as an exercise in democracy?
Can we imagine the outcome of not standing up to fight for this "Republic of Taiwan?" This will result in a loss of credibility for the US in the free world. If we let a large "terrorist state" annex its small neighbor nation we will lose a strategic pillar in southeast Asia. Such a loss would eventually threaten our vital interests in the Pacific region.
The US understands that there is nothing to fear from democracy, self-determination and freedom. It is therefore in a unique position to advance the global spread of democracy by implementing a strong commitment to an independent and democratic "Republic of Taiwan."
The creation of this republic would be a boost to freedom-loving people the world over. It would put an end to the threat of war in the Strait. Together, we need to make it happen -- here in the US, and in the "Republic of Taiwan."
Michael Yeun
New Jersey
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