Peaceful independence may sound like a utopian dream, but it is the only way for the nation to achieve de jure independence. But it is a plan that will require much wisdom and a solid strategy.
Recent history offers us many examples of independence achieved in a peaceful way and they are worth considering by supporters of Taiwanese independence.
In 1905, Norway won its independence from Sweden. Initially, the king of Sweden intended to suppress the popular movement for an independent Norway by military force. But when Swedish civil society came forward in large numbers in support of the movement, the king changed his plan and accepted the wishes of the Norwegians. The example of Sweden demonstrates that in and of itself, promoting Taiwan's cause domestically and internationally is insufficient.
We need to increasingly recognize the power that exists within Chinese society and open channels of communication with Chinese intellectuals and non-governmental organizations. Only when Chinese become aware that there exist two separate governments on either side of the Taiwan Strait and after they have learned more about the achievements of Taiwanese democracy will a peaceful resolution to the impasse be possible.
Another example is the struggle of three small Baltic countries -- Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia -- to gain independence from the Soviet Union. Facing Soviet tanks, unarmed women formed a human shield and prevented the Russians from advancing.
This example shows that non-violent and collective resistance can be powerful enough to resist bullets and tanks. We should therefore actively develop non-violent national defense and peace movements so that Chinese recourse to force would lose all its legitimacy.
During the Lithuanian referendum on independence, more than 76 percent of Russians who had been relocated to Lithuania as part of the Soviet government's immigration policy and their descendants voted in favor of independence. This shows that when democracy has become a way of life, it can create an identity of such strength as to supersede ethnic boundaries. If Taiwanese could have as much confidence in their own system, democracy could reinforce immigrants' identification with Taiwan.
Taiwanese independence should not be a monolithic entity, nor should it be harnessed by an exclusive, chauvinist society. We need more people like former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman Lin I-hsiung (
Supporters of Taiwanese independence should never forget that our initial intention was to establish a "Switzerland in Asia." This beautiful land we care for is more than just a piece of property -- it is a place where people can coexist peacefully while they seek to achieve their dreams.
A movement for independence that has lost sight of its original ideals can only become captive to the colonialist logic of power. Let us therefore make national and international peace our goal and may that be our guide in our quest for independence. Let us come up with an even more pluralist, more inclusive democratic culture and abandon dollar diplomacy and the arms race with China.
When these values are realized, the Taiwanese independence movement will find its vitality and the true meaning of its mission.
Chien Hsi-chieh is the executive director of the Peacetime Foundation of Taiwan.
Translated by Anna Stiggelbout
The Chinese government on March 29 sent shock waves through the Tibetan Buddhist community by announcing the untimely death of one of its most revered spiritual figures, Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche. His sudden passing in Vietnam raised widespread suspicion and concern among his followers, who demanded an investigation. International human rights organization Human Rights Watch joined their call and urged a thorough investigation into his death, highlighting the potential involvement of the Chinese government. At just 56 years old, Rinpoche was influential not only as a spiritual leader, but also for his steadfast efforts to preserve and promote Tibetan identity and cultural
Former minister of culture Lung Ying-tai (龍應台) has long wielded influence through the power of words. Her articles once served as a moral compass for a society in transition. However, as her April 1 guest article in the New York Times, “The Clock Is Ticking for Taiwan,” makes all too clear, even celebrated prose can mislead when romanticism clouds political judgement. Lung crafts a narrative that is less an analysis of Taiwan’s geopolitical reality than an exercise in wistful nostalgia. As political scientists and international relations academics, we believe it is crucial to correct the misconceptions embedded in her article,
Sung Chien-liang (宋建樑), the leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) efforts to recall Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lee Kun-cheng (李坤城), caused a national outrage and drew diplomatic condemnation on Tuesday after he arrived at the New Taipei City District Prosecutors’ Office dressed in a Nazi uniform. Sung performed a Nazi salute and carried a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf as he arrived to be questioned over allegations of signature forgery in the recall petition. The KMT’s response to the incident has shown a striking lack of contrition and decency. Rather than apologizing and distancing itself from Sung’s actions,
Strategic thinker Carl von Clausewitz has said that “war is politics by other means,” while investment guru Warren Buffett has said that “tariffs are an act of war.” Both aphorisms apply to China, which has long been engaged in a multifront political, economic and informational war against the US and the rest of the West. Kinetically also, China has launched the early stages of actual global conflict with its threats and aggressive moves against Taiwan, the Philippines and Japan, and its support for North Korea’s reckless actions against South Korea that could reignite the Korean War. Former US presidents Barack Obama