Wed, Feb 19, 2003 page8

• Editorial: Much ado about just one word

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  What is the raison d'etre of the government? Is it to appease the PRC or to serve its own citizens? If the answer is clear, then we can simply ignore what Beijing thinks about the government's plan to add the word "Taiwan" to the cover of ROC passports. It is -- to use one of Beijing's favorite phrases -- an internal affair.

  As long as the people think the addition of the word "Taiwan" to their passports will help them when traveling then no party or lawmaker who loves this country should oppose the proposal.

  There have been many reports over the years from the government's representative offices overseas as well as first-hand accounts about Taiwanese unhappy that customs and immigration officials in other countries have mistakenly thought that they were from the PRC -- and consequently eyed them with suspicion that is usually accorded citizens of that country. The most recent example took place in Germany, where several Taiwanese were humiliated by local officials who thought they were PRC nationals. The government cannot allow such incidents to continue -- especially as the problem is so easily remedied.

  Beijing is sure to launch another media offensive against the plan, condemning the government for pushing "Taiwan independence." But there is no reason to pay any attention to whatever vitriol that may come from the Chinese Communist Party.

  There is equally no reason to heed complaints from those political parties and lawmakers who voice China's viewpoint by accusing the foreign ministry of trying to stir up domestic turmoil and increase cross-strait tensions. For example, KMT legislative caucus leader Liu Cheng-hung (劉政鴻) said the proposed change will denigrate Taiwan's status and invite more conflict between the ruling and opposition parties. Such remarks are apparently made to oppose the government just for the sake of opposing it.

  It's hard to understand why the opposition parties and pro-unification people dislike such a well-crafted proposal. The fact that the government does not plan to eliminate "Republic of China" from the passport shows it is listening to public opinion. If adding "Taiwan" will make travel more convenient for Taiwanese -- and at the same time satisfy the pro-independence camp -- why oppose it.

  This appears to be an arrangement that should keep everyone happy. Nevertheless, whether the proposal will gain approval from the opposition-dominated legislature is still a question open to debate.

  Putting "Taiwan" on passports simply reflects the fact that the ROC is based in Taiwan -- a fact long trumpeted by the former KMT government. It will also allow this country to be more clearly differentiated from China. Such a measure will help people in this global village clearly see the impressive political, economic and cultural achievements of an independent Taiwan. This will give the public more dignity and self-confidence in the international community, while at the same time preventing damage to the nation's dignity.

  If the opposition ignores public opinion and blocks legislative approval, then the electorate should respond accordingly when they go to the polls for next year's presidential election.
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