The re-election of President Chen Shui-bian (
This is irritating to Beijing not only because Chen will stay in power for the next four years, but also because Chinese diplomatic efforts toward on the US had little effect. In an attempt to hinder Chen's re-election, Beijing tried to pressure the US into criticizing Chen before the election. After the election, Beijing even hoped the US would declare Chen's re-election invalid and refrain from issuing congratulations. However, in Beijing's eyes, Washington does not abide by its promises and fails to dance to Beijing's tune. Currently, China is still pressuring the US not to send representatives to Chen's and Lu's inauguration ceremony.
A few days ago, the planned US sale of an advanced radar system to Taiwan also provoked protests from an embarrassed Beijing. Many Chinese military experts interpret this sale as a sign of military alliance between the US and Taiwan, and say that this sends the wrong signal to Taiwan independence elements.
Besides, Beijing also knows that it no longer has the option of resorting to force against Taiwan. Washington has warned Beijing several times that it will not sit idly by if China uses force to change the status quo. Furthermore, many high-ranking Chinese officials deem the use of force against Taiwan inappropriate, saying it would lead to an intense confrontation with the US, or even a military clash.
According to American experts, China's military is content with Chen's re-election because it gives them a pretext to ask for more military funding and to prepare for war, as the Chen administration will continue to inch toward Taiwanese independence. Cross-strait relations will remain in a standoff due to the Beijing leaders' rigidity and inability to abandon the "one China" principle.
On March 26, China's Taiwan Affairs Office strongly opposed the announcement of Chen and Lu's re-election and brashly meddled in our domestic affairs. China even threatened that it would take action if the post-election situation in Taiwan were to get out of control, a clear gesture of refusal to deal with the Chen administration. With Chen's re-election and his fresh mandate of more than half of the votes cast, it becomes ever less likely that Chen will agree to the "one China" principle, diminishing Taiwan into becoming a second Hong Kong.
Chen has said many times that he is willing to open talks with China about direct flights on the basis of a maintained status quo, as part of the effort to establish a peaceful and stable framework for negotiations. But Beijing keeps stressing the "one China" principle as a prerequisite, thus blocking meaningful dialogue.
The rigid and unrealistic mentality of China's leaders has sparked criticism from the US and raised doubts inside the country. Some Chinese consider the policy on Taiwan a complete failure that must be rectified. Shanghai think-tank analyst Zhang Nianchi (
US Vice President Dick Cheney is visiting Beijing and Shanghai this week. Initially scheduled for last spring, the visit was postponed due to the SARS outbreak. Cheney's visit is also to return the courtesy of President Hu Jintao (
Beijing's wishful thinking will be in vain, as Cheney is an expert on military and diplomatic problems. The outspoken Cheney is more likely to candidly suggest several Chinese policy changes. First, the US hopes that China will put more effort into fighting terrorism and dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue. Second, China should be a responsible leading power, rather than threatening Taiwan with its military might and undermining security and peace in East Asia. Third, China should initiate dialogue with Taiwan -- unconditionally.
On March 9, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars held a seminar titled "One Tail Wags Two Dogs" in Washington. Norman Fu (
The Americans' misunderstandings and distortions underline the need for the government to strengthen its diplomacy and publicity. Both the US and China are leading powers, and both attempt to manipulate Taiwan. Both strive to reduce the space for Taiwan's self-determination. In this light, it is not hard to understand why Washington and Beijing objected to former president Lee Teng-hui's (
During the presidential election, the international community witnessed a surge in Taiwanese self-awareness and Taiwanese nationalism. This is an opportunity for Taiwan to strengthen its diplomatic ties with the international community. In the face of two powerful nations, the US and China, Taiwan should learn how to outwit bigger countries if it does not want to wag its tail and beg like a dog.
In the triangular relationship between the US, China and Taiwan, sometimes an inch may prove to be a long distance. The challenge to Taiwan decision-makers is how to use popular support to win more independence and international space, and how to engage in diplomatic negotiations with big countries.
Parris Chang is a Democratic Progressive Party legislator.
Tranlated by Wang Hsiao-wen
There is a modern roadway stretching from central Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa, to the partially recognized state’s Egal International Airport. Emblazoned on a gold plaque marking the road’s inauguration in July last year, just below the flags of Somaliland and the Republic of China (ROC), is the road’s official name: “Taiwan Avenue.” The first phase of construction of the upgraded road, with new sidewalks and a modern drainage system to reduce flooding, was 70 percent funded by Taipei, which contributed US$1.85 million. That is a relatively modest sum for the effect on international perception, and
At the end of last year, a diplomatic development with consequences reaching well beyond the regional level emerged. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state, paving the way for political, economic and strategic cooperation with the African nation. The diplomatic breakthrough yields, above all, substantial and tangible benefits for the two countries, enhancing Somaliland’s international posture, with a state prepared to champion its bid for broader legitimacy. With Israel’s support, Somaliland might also benefit from the expertise of Israeli companies in fields such as mineral exploration and water management, as underscored by Israeli Minister of
When former president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) first took office in 2016, she set ambitious goals for remaking the energy mix in Taiwan. At the core of this effort was a significant expansion of the percentage of renewable energy generated to keep pace with growing domestic and global demands to reduce emissions. This effort met with broad bipartisan support as all three major parties placed expanding renewable energy at the center of their energy platforms. However, over the past several years partisanship has become a major headwind in realizing a set of energy goals that all three parties profess to want. Tsai
On Sunday, elite free solo climber Alex Honnold — famous worldwide for scaling sheer rock faces without ropes — climbed Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building and still the most recognizable symbol of Taiwan’s modern identity. Widespread media coverage not only promoted Taiwan, but also saw the Republic of China (ROC) flag fluttering beside the building, breaking through China’s political constraints on Taiwan. That visual impact did not happen by accident. Credit belongs to Taipei 101 chairwoman Janet Chia (賈永婕), who reportedly took the extra step of replacing surrounding flags with the ROC flag ahead of the climb. Just
RSS