Keep Taiwan, Uncle Sam
Charles Glaser is a pinhead for suggesting the US consider making concessions to China, including the possibility of backing away from its commitment to Taiwan to avoid military competition with China (“Abandon Taiwan: US academic,” March 2, page 3).
If Taiwan were abandoned, Taiwanese would suffer from the US’ betrayal, they would lose their freedom and democracy and go back to an era of totalitarianism like under the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) during the Martial Law era. Taiwan, known as a “beacon of democracy,” would become the first democratic country to convert to communism in the 21st century.
Internally, Taiwanese are also very much concerned that the KMT government is too “inclined toward China,” like a conspirator. If Taiwan were lost to China’s hands, the US would become a country without credibility, a paper tiger and a passe superpower in the eyes of its allies around the world.
The US strategic defense line along the Western Pacific rim would lose a vital link — Taiwan — and even the security of the US itself would be jeopardized.
Since the US owes China billions or trillions of US dollars and has been importing most commercial products from China, Glaser might as well suggest importing military supplies from China to avoid military competition. He should understand that a balance of military power is one of the means of maintaining world peace.
Japan and South Korea would be seriously victimized if Taiwan were given up by the US. Oil and liquefied natural gas supply routes to Japan and South Korea might be hindered or even blocked by China.
The resentment of Chinese against Japanese due to the Nanking Massacre during World War II still persists. Mass demonstrations in China against Japan are sometimes utilized to stabilize the Chinese government.
Be strong and uphold the Taiwan Relations Act, Uncle Sam.
CHARLES HONG
Columbus, Ohio
The tragedy of tragedy
It seems a tragedy in itself when it takes major injury and loss of life such as the Greater -Taichung pub fire to move government officials to enforce existing laws and create new ones.
Where have these paid public servants been hiding? Isn’t it a bit obvious that there is a difference between a beverage store and a pub?
My sincere condolences to the families of those killed and injured. We must not let this happen again.
TOM KULECK
Taichung
It is almost three years since Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) and Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a friendship with “no limits” — weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, they have retreated from such rhetorical enthusiasm. The “no limits” language was quickly dumped, probably at Beijing’s behest. When Putin visited China in May last year, he said that he and his counterpart were “as close as brothers.” Xi more coolly called the Russian president “a good friend and a good neighbor.” China has conspicuously not reciprocated Putin’s description of it as an ally. Yet the partnership
Former US president Jimmy Carter’s legacy regarding Taiwan is a complex tapestry woven with decisions that, while controversial, were instrumental in shaping the nation’s path and its enduring relationship with the US. As the world reflects on Carter’s life and his recent passing at the age of 100, his presidency marked a transformative era in Taiwan-US-China relations, particularly through the landmark decision in 1978 to formally recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legal government of China, effectively derecognizing the Republic of China (ROC) based in Taiwan. That decision continues to influence geopolitical dynamics and Taiwan’s unique
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) said that he expects this year to be a year of “peace.” However, this is ironic given the actions of some KMT legislators and politicians. To push forward several amendments, they went against the principles of legislation such as substantive deliberation, and even tried to remove obstacles with violence during the third readings of the bills. Chu says that the KMT represents the public interest, accusing President William Lai (賴清德) and the Democratic Progressive Party of fighting against the opposition. After pushing through the amendments, the KMT caucus demanded that Legislative Speaker
On New Year’s Day, it is customary to reflect on what the coming year might bring and how the past has brought about the current juncture. Just as Taiwan is preparing itself for what US president-elect Donald Trump’s second term would mean for its economy, national security and the cross-strait “status quo” this year, the passing of former US president Jimmy Carter on Monday at the age of 100 brought back painful memories of his 1978 decision to stop recognizing the Republic of China as the seat of China in favor of the People’s Republic of China. It is an
RSS