Editorial: Will the world take off its blinkers?

As Beijing continues to condemn President Chen Shui-bian for (陳水扁) his "one country on each side" characterization of the cross-strait reality, and at a time when Taiwan has quietly begun its 10th annual drive for entry into the UN, ROC passports have quietly become hot and pricey items in the black market. It's funny how seemingly insignificant things such this can provide such a clear demonstrate of the reality of Taiwan's sovereign status.

Reportedly, ROC passports can fetch US$30,000 on the black market -- or as much as US$50,000 if the passport contains a US visa. The cost of applying for a passport is approximately NT$10,000 while getting a visa from the American Institute in Taipei is NT$1,500. No wonder many college students are reportedly selling their passports to earn some quick cash -- it's less painful then selling blood and much faster to boot.

Why are ROC passports in such hot demand? Given Taiwan's high level of economic development and lack of travel restrictions imposed on its citizens, people from Taiwan find it much easier to obtain visas from the US, Japan and European countries than do PRC citizens. In fact, Chinese are the biggest buyers of ROC passports on the black market.

But a passport provides identity documentation not only of the passport holder but also his or her country and government. How can members of the international community continue to slam shut the doors of international organizations in Taiwan's face, when they have long acknowledged Taiwan's sovereign status by accepting ROC passports? How can China continue to turn a blind eye to the existence of Taiwan's sovereign status, when its own people are willing to pay big bucks to pose as citizens of Taiwan with ROC passports purchased in the black market?

If Chinese sovereignty truly extends to Taiwan and that PRC genuinely represents the people of Taiwan, as China's ambassador to the UN, Wang Ingfan (王英凡), proclaimed in a recent letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, then why must foreigners get their entry visas for Taiwan from the ROC government, rather than the Beijing government? These seemingly small things tell the truth, rather than all those empty declarations and illusory words of politicians and governments.

Sadly, gagged by China's harsh condemnation and pressured by the international community, Taiwan can't even launch another high-profile bid for UN entry this year, further reducing its already thin chance for admission.

Taiwan's difficult predicament is highlighted by the fact that as Switzerland prepares to become a UN member, Taiwan and the Vatican are the only remaining sovereignties who remain outside the world body. Even East Timor was guaranteed admission once it became independent.

The UN General Assembly's Resolution 2758 simply confirmed that the PRC is the representative government of China. It did not address the issue of Taiwan's representation. The truth of the matter is that the 23 million people of Taiwan have no voice in the world body. How much longer will the UN and the international community continue to turn a blind eye to reality?