In a speech before the US Congress, US Secretary of State Colin Powell said the Bush administration "doesn't really see a need" for Taiwan to hold a referendum, "but Taiwan is a democratic place, if they choose to have a referendum, they can have a referendum. We've made clear to them, however, that we do not want to see these actions lead in any way to change in the situation."
What Powell meant was, first, there is no need for Taiwan to hold a referendum; second, the US does not oppose a referendum in Taiwan.
However, Chinese-language media all over the world lead their stories with headlines emphasizing the US' opposition to the referendum rather than its respect for Taiwan's democracy. Such discourse obviously coincides with China's position in opposing the referendum and fomenting dissension between the US and Taiwan. It also reflects Beijing's success in permeating and brainwashing the Chinese-language media.
After his meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (溫家寶), US President George W. Bush made some comments on Taiwan's political situation. Beijing on the one hand "encouraged" Bush by praising him. On the other, it said that Washington had not done enough in taking concrete steps to prevent Taiwan from holding a referendum. Some Chinese "academics" made this known to the US by making comments. Chen Yunlin (陳雲林), the head of the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council, also put pressure on the Bush administration during his US visit earlier this month.
Next, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong (
These insatiable demands and truculent threats that disregarded the sovereignty of the US finally repulsed the US Congress and government. They thus took the following actions recently to refrain China:
First, the US pointed out that China's military threat is also very dangerous to the cross-strait relationship and represents an attempt to change the status quo.
Second, Washington pressured European nations several times not to lift their arms embargo against China.
Third, the US transferred a group of B52 bombers and a couple of nuclear submarines to Guam. This move seemed to target North Korea but in fact they are closer to the Taiwan Strait.
Fourth, Washington is thinking about proposing a motion at the UN Human Rights Commission, due to open soon, to criticize China's human rights record.
Fifth, US Under Secretary for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky said that dissemination of democracy is an important component of the war against terrorism. From her statement, we can understand why Powell respects Taiwan's decision to hold the referendum.
Sadly, Taiwan cannot have referendum questions on more important, sensitive issues under the pressure exerted internationally by China.
Sadly again, a democratic superpower like the US has to compromise under China's intimidation on the issue of Taiwan.
However, as a world leader, the US can be reasonably expected by Taiwan to do more in disseminating the universal value of democracy.
Paul Lin is a political commentator based in New York.
Translated by Jennie Shih
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