Tue, Mar 22, 2005 page8

• Letters: China's law no surprise

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  While the atmosphere in the Taiwan Strait is heated by the "Anti-Secession" Law and even sending hot air across the Pacific, it is interesting to take a look at what is really happening behind the curtain. One may ask, "What purposes does Beijing want to achieve by passing this law?" One may also ask , "Why does Uncle Sam treat Taiwan as a domestic affair?" by considering the Taiwan Relation Act (TRA) passed in 1979 as a US domestic law.

  If we look at the TRA closely, we should not be surprised that a counter-TRA law will eventually be passed by the People's Republic of China (PRC), especially when Uncle Sam has repeatedly acknowledged that Taiwan is part of China. The critical point to ask is, "Why was the TRA installed in the first place as a US domestic law, especially when Taiwan is considered a part of China?" Was it because of differences in ideological affiliation? Or was it because of some other hidden agenda?

  We should know that Uncle Sam calls Formosa Taiwan, not the Republic of China (ROC). However, based on strategic considerations regarding the US role in the Western Pacific region, it is not to Washington's advantage to see Taiwan officially ruled by Beijing. It would also be disadvantageous for the US to see China and Taiwan becoming two sovereign countries, either in the form of Taiwan/PRC, or ROC/PRC. The reason is obvious -- once Taiwan is no longer considered a part of China, the US will lose the chance of putting its hands into China's affairs.

  In other words, Uncle Sam wants to preserve a "divided China" as long as possible. The US wants to manipulate China through Taiwan. A "divided China" is therefore the optimum scenario for Washington to dominate both Beijing and Taipei.

  The US can keep making profits by selling weaponry to Taiwan in the name of "self-defense." The US can keep being friends with Beijing by endorsing its position that "Taiwan is part of China" so the US can keep its profitable businesses going in the PRC. The best position for Washington to take is to say that "Taiwan is part of China; resolving the status quo must be through a peaceful solution." The key word is "peaceful solution," a Nevernever Land goal.

  Where does Taiwan stand in this game? It has no role at all. Given that the game players are, without any doubt, the big guys in Beijing and Washington, officials in Taipei are merely cheerleaders. Taipei's politicians neither challenge Washington regarding the US role in Taiwan based on the San Francisco Peace Treaty, nor challenge Beijing, although they take the position that Taiwan is not part of the PRC. Statements released by Taipei officials can only keep reiterating the fictitious slogan that "Taiwan [ROC] is an independent sovereign country," which is considered a practical joke by every other country. The purpose of such a proclamation by Taiwan's administration is to calm its voters, and nothing else.

  Since March last year, Taiwan's officials have given the impression of being weak and incompetent. They portray themselves as a group of power-grabbers whose ultimate political objective is to win elections without caring if sovereignty is in the US' hands or in the PRC's hands. As long as there are political positions to occupy, it is OK for them. The government has done nothing to deal with the ridiculous political fiascos orchestrated by the pan-blue camp after the presidential poll. It has also failed to play with the two superpowers by utilizing Taiwan's strategic position.

  The truth of Taiwan sovereignty is that it is under a US military government, as bestowed by the San Francisco treaty, up to today and, based on which, the TRA was formed. Uncle Sam clearly has no intention of clarifying this point. Beijing, however, can not swallow such ambiguity any longer, especially when it is accelerating its goal of being the world stage. Therefore, the formation of Ant-Secession Law was inevitable.

  This August will be the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. What Taipei officials can do is to tell the truth to voters. In the long run, there is no backup that Taipei officials can lean on other than their own people. Hiding the truth of the TRA and the US military government's role in Taiwan will not grant any extension to an official's political life.

  Instead of only being able to inflame voters' passions during the election campaigns, they must tell the people the truth and the cruel international reality that Taiwan is facing. They must also play off the two superpowers, based on Taiwan's unique geographical position. The ultimate solution is for Taiwan to install its own sovereignty, soon.

  Joshua Tin
  

  Taipei

  After witnessing the Taiwanese waste the chance to strengthen their international identity by not going to the polls last December (only a measly 58 percent turnout) and not electing a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) majority, I was disheartened. When President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) felt it necessary to join forces with a communist sympathizer in order to prevent another lame-duck term, I was stunned. I was all but convinced that the days were numbered for an independent and democratic Taiwan.

  Last year began with such promise. A year later, it was "bizarro world" here. Who said Taiwanese politics were boring?

  Bizarro world continues today as, ironically and unwittingly, China is again the one that may guide a lost island toward a road of strengthened independent identity. By passing its Anti-Secession Law, one can only hope that this backlash will occur. The initial reaction is encouraging, though. It seems Chen once again has some wind under his wings with impassioned national unity on this issue. Is this move by China enough for him to rethink his promises to People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜)? It should be.

  Why? The status quo has been altered by China -- make no mistake about it. An oppressive communist regime is now publicly testing the waters for future assimilation of Taiwan. It is clear that the PRC will not listen to or engage in soft diplomacy -- especially now that it thinks Taiwan is suppressing itself with fear. It is also clear that China is utterly deluded -- for example, it has now been reported that the Beijing Olympic committee wants to conduct the torch relay through Taiwan.

  The US and the rest of the world have noticed this change lately. And let us not forget, upholding democracy is now a buzz phrase for the global political establishment.

  And so, it is time. It is time that all of the people of Taiwan -- blue, green and orange -- forget their domestic differences and stand up to this bully across the Strait. Make an international statement. Forget the pragmatic fear that will, in the end, only continue to encourage China's posturing and weaken Taiwan even more. Embolden your already established identity with a proud international voice. Call China's bluff in a courageous manner. Officially change the country's name to "Taiwan." Change the Constitution so that it reflects the reality of today. Create an anti-annexation law. At the basic minimum, protest like you've never protested before on March 26th.

  Show the world who you really are. Show the world that you want them to support your established identity. This is a huge surprise opportunity, for the whole world is now taking notice. If Taiwan does nothing and keeps dancing to the "cross-strait shuffle," all eyes will quickly become complacent about Taiwan's future. How many opportunities will you pass up? China's bluff will eventually turn into action.

  Is this an opportunity which guarantees peace? No. Will submissiveness continue to keep the status quo? No. Is it time to do what's necessary for Taiwan's survival? Yes.

  John Napiorkowski
  

  Taipei

  Due to the flood of Chinese propaganda and misinformation, many aspects about Taiwan as reported by the media are incorrect. I would like to set the record straight.

  One, China's illegal claim to Taiwan is similar to Iraq's illegal claim on Kuwait in 1990.

  Two, China's terrorist goal is to attack and occupy Taiwan.

  Three, China's hegemonic and expansionist ambition to use Taiwan's strategic location to choke off Japan and South Korea economically, to expel the US from Asia, and to become the sole regional hegemon in Asia.

  Four, the Taiwanese people want to maintain the current independent sovereign status of Taiwan, free from any terrorist threats by China.

  Five, the Taiwanese people want to have a normal nation, and to live with dignity and respect.

  Six, the Taiwanese people want to form strong military and economic alliances with the US.

  Lee Meei-er
  

  Taipei

  China's Anti-Secession Law, which its rubber-stamp legislature "voted" for despite strong opposition from many countries, has revealed Beijing's true colors. The title itself is a complete misnomer. It is not a law in terms of how that word is used in the West and indeed in most countries of the world.

  True laws are first introduced in legislative bodies and then (after they are given a fair debate) are passed on to the president or head of state where they are either signed into law or vetoed. China's version of "lawmaking" is just the opposite. It would be far more accurate to label China's "laws" as dictatorial decrees or edicts.

  Similarly, the term anti-secession is also a misnomer. In the text of this edict, Taiwan is directly mentioned by name or indirectly referred to no less than 20 to 25 times, depending on the translation. If it really had to do with anti-secession, then why aren't secessionists in the Xinjiang Uighur region (which many dictionaries and atlases refer to as an "autonomous" region), or any other separatist group in China for that matter, mentioned in the text? Because Beijing retains ultimate control over those regions and peoples.

  By handing down this edict, Beijing is essentially admitting that it has no control over Taiwan and is using this as an attempt to usurp the control that it lacks vis-a-vis Taiwan. It is a desperate move triggered by fear and paranoia.

  The imposition of this edict has shown that Beijing is an unsuitable candidate to host the Olympic Games. By irresponsibly awarding China the 2008 Games, the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) image and that of the games themselves will only be further tarnished because this "law" is in complete contrast to the spirit and ideals of the Olympics.

  Regarding its mission and goals, the Olympic Charter is replete with phraseology such as "promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity" and "building a peaceful and better world."

  With more than three years to go, there is still plenty of time to find an alternative host, perhaps where the games have previously been held and where the facilities are already in place. The Olympic Charter itself even contains a provision for making such a change. According to Rule 37, bylaw 2, "In the event of noncompliance with the Olympic Charter ... the IOC is entitled to withdraw, at any time and with immediate effect, the organization of the Olympic Games from the host city."

  China's anti-Taiwan decree is clearly non-compliant with the ideals of "promoting peace" inscribed in the Olympic Charter. Strong pressure should be brought to bear upon the IOC to withdraw the 2008 Games from Beijing and instead hold them in a country where these ideals and goals are honored.

  Wayne Schams
  

  Pingtung
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