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Referendum law could be precious weapon

`A referendum law could be a part of our foreign policy strategy -- something to be kept on hand as a deterrent.'

In a speech to the World Federa-tion of Taiwanese Associations, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) proposed that there is "one country on either side" of the Taiwan Strait and called for Taiwan to seriously consider the importance and urgency of establishing a referendum law. I have mixed emotions about Chen's statement, but my confidence about pushing for a referendum has been bolstered.

I have advocated the passing of a public referendum law for over 12 years. I once believed that after the DPP came to power, passing such a law would be easily accomplished. In fact the environment we faced when we first came to power was more challenging than we had known as the opposition party. How could someone from a pro-independence background like myself tolerate the shooting down of a referendum law by the government, the stalling of amendments aimed at including the word "Taiwan" on the cover of ROC passports and interference by the government with efforts to redefine the China issue as a diplomatic one, rather than a domestic one?

Fortunately, since Chen assumed the post of DPP chairman, his statements about sovereignty have once again bolstered our confidence. Especially delightful to me was Chen's support for referendum legislation.

Some people in Taiwan have always feared raising the referendum issue. They are terrified that the results of a referendum could provoke China into using military force against Taiwan. In fact, just the opposite is the case. A referendum law could be a part of our foreign policy strategy -- something to be kept on hand as a deterrent. If China were to threaten Taiwan militarily, then Taiwan's 23 million people could choose their own future path. As a response to Chinese posturing, the unwillingness of Taiwan's people to become vassals of China would have the effect of countering intimidation.

If a referendum law were passed, it would be a precious sword that could be suspended above the head of China, so that Beijing won't dare lash out recklessly against Taiwan for fear of having to face pressure from international opinion.

There is nothing to fear about a referendum. They have already been used for years in other democracies. Not only can they make up for some of the deficiencies of representative government, but they also allow the public to enjoy the power of directly exercising its democratic rights. Referenduma to settle disputes over public policy or laws regarding the people's livelihood have long been common in democratic countries. Especially under conditions like those in Taiwan, in which lawmaking powers aren't clear, laws affecting the interests of the people frequently pile up in the legislature without being passed.

Once a referendum law is passed, votes could be held immediately on laws concerning the people's livelihood. It must be noted that the referendum law is not solely designed to settle the matter of unification or independence. But, if China tries to force us to give up our sovereignty, that will be the time to discuss a referendum on independence or unification.

Trong Chai is a DPP legislator.

Translated by Ethan Harkness
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