Boldly state ‘status quo’
I humbly suggest that the cross-strait “status quo” be clearly stated to the world, and to Taiwan, in president-elect William Lai’s (賴清德) inauguration address on Monday next week.
The “status quo” should be clarified so that Taiwan and China are not mutually affiliated. Taiwan’s future shall be determined by the 23.5 million Taiwanese, and by no one else. No external entity should interfere with choices made by the Taiwanese, arrived at through the nation’s democratic process, or seek to subvert
Taiwan’s democratic process in any way, not by military means or coercion, nor by economic and diplomatic coercion, nor by disinformation. Our forebears turned Taiwan into homes, farms, factories, towns, cities, schools, colleges and universities, and we will continue their work and make the nation better, as will future generations of Taiwanese.
The “status quo” is that Taiwan’s democracy is founded on the Constitution of the Republic of China. The People’s Republic of China has its own constitution, and has never had jurisdiction over Taiwan. Taiwan has no interest in changing this “status quo,” and should instead focus its efforts on strengthening its democracy, to make it a better place for generations to come.
Taiwan has forged a democracy out of imperialistic authoritarian traditions. Taiwanese rightly take pride in this accomplishment. We are determined to defend it, preserve it, improve it.
The “status quo” also includes Taiwan’s spaces, including Taiwan proper and the outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and Taiping and their territorial waters. It includes our Air Defense Identification Zone, the controlled and restricted waters of Kinmen and Matsu, and the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
We will maintain and vigorously defend, by all means at our disposal, this “status quo.”
The “status quo” is that Taiwan is the world’s Taiwan. It is a force for good in the world, has contributed to disaster and humanitarian relief around the world, and helped during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan’s industry is indispensable to the world’s well-being, especially its advanced chip manufacturing and design. Taiwan is a vital and reliable link in the world’s supply chain. The world needs this “status quo” to remain.
Kiat Teo
Malaysia
Taipei mayor needs to come
President-elect William Lai’s (賴清德) and vice president-elect Hsiao Bi-khim’s (蕭美琴) inauguration is to be held on Monday next week.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) has said he does not plan to attend because of “scheduled activities.” Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕), also of the KMT, has taken a day off to attend the event.
Recently, Chiang was again asked about his decision and he changed his story, saying he would attend if his staff could rearrange his schedule.
Chiang is prevaricating, looking for excuses and playing politics.
Of course Chiang can find the time to attend. Taipei is the capital and he represents everyone in the city. What could possibly be more important or legitimate for him to do on that day than attend the presidential inauguration?
If Lu can arrange to take a day off to attend the event in Taipei, there is absolutely no reason for Chiang, the Taipei mayor, to be absent.
By insisting on refusing to attend, Chiang is forgetting his image as the calm and reasonable face of the KMT and is allowing himself to be sucked into its politically divisive nonsense.
Lai is to be the nation’s leader, representing all Taiwanese; Chiang is the head of Taipei, representing everyone in the capital.
Despite their different political stances, statespeople should focus on the interests of the nation itself, instead of being driven by personal or political motivations. Together, we can consolidate people’s faith in our own nation.
Tsai Mei-chu
Taipei
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