In Taiwan’s relations with China, the hardest question to answer is why the people of Taiwan regard China as an enemy.
During the Qing Dynasty and even during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, when Taiwanese were Japanese citizens, they never viewed China as an enemy. At most, they felt the two differed in terms of cultural development. The reason Taiwanese see China as an enemy is the “transference,” or redirection of feelings, that followed dictator Chiang Kai-shek’s (蔣介石) occupation, rule and party-influenced system of education. It was not caused by historical experience, nor was it the result of rational thought; it was a view implanted in the minds of the Taiwanese by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT).
Although the rules were set by the KMT, the party that began demonizing China, it now doesn’t hesitate to establish a forum with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), sell out Taiwan and collaborate with China. Left with only their anger and not knowing what to do, the Taiwanese public loyally defend the foundation of KMT rule over Taiwan — animosity toward China. Even Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊), despite her icebreaking visit to China, has fallen into this trap.
China’s presence in East Asia cannot be ignored; it is necessary for Taiwan to interact with China. This being the case, Taiwan does not need to be represented by an “agent” in its interactions with China, and should instead carry out these interactions itself.
Last year marked the beginning of a huge change for the world. The US has not only remained silent about the ever-increasing pace at which “the governing authorities on Taiwan” are leaning toward China and the fact that these actions could alienate Taiwan from the US-Japan security system, it has also lavished praise on Taiwan for doing so. This is an example of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s “smart power” diplomacy and what she refers to as a paradigm shift.
If Taiwanese do not remain aware of the huge changes that are reshaping the state of world affairs and instead surrender intellectually, they will give up their chance. In terms of international politics — and especially the “game” of determining Taiwan’s status — Taiwan will degenerate into a passive object instead of an active subject. The actions of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il are unacceptable, but we could study his clever posturing.
In the case of Roger C.S. Lin et al vs United States of America, the US government dodged its duties outlined in the San Francisco Peace Treaty to win the case, in effect giving up the legal advantages granted by uti possidetis, a principle of international law that leaves belligerents mutually in possession of what they have acquired by their arms during a war.
Given this fact, together with the hard lessons the green camp learned under eight years of rule by the Democratic Progressive Party, we must start helping ourselves in flexible ways based on changes in the situation. Engaging China as “the people on Taiwan” outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) is in line with the hopes for peace of the TRA and the US.
Interacting with China does not mean merging with it. Insisting on the civil and modern nature of our society in our dealings with China is the only way to protect Taiwan’s interests. The possibility of “cutting out the middle man” and dealing directly with China is now the most important issue facing the Taiwanese public.
HoonTing is a Taiwan-based freelance writer.
TRANSLATED BY DREW CAMERON
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