On Sunday President Chen Shui-bian (
Since the timing and occasion of Chen's announcement was unusual -- he made the remark to some China-based businesspeople in Taoyuan who had returned home for the Mid-Autumn Festival -- it has caused intense speculation. Hopefully Chen will use his National Day speech to clearly demonstrate his resolve and determination to lead Taiwan into a new phase and challenge the obstacles to national development.
Chen should use this opportunity to clarify some of the most urgent issues facing this nation.
First, he must clearly and definitely declare Taiwan an independent sovereign state. He must tell the Chinese people that Taiwan has been independent of China for more than a century, ever since it was ceded to Japan during the Qing dynasty in 1895.
Second, Chen needs to reiterate his determination to carry out constitutional reform. Though most people in this country want a new constitution, some people -- including US officials -- still have concerns. Writing a new constitution will provide Taiwan with a long-term and stable system that will enable its democracy to move forward. Who can deny that there is not a critical need to cut the branches of government from five to three, or to determine whether this country will have a presidential system or a Cabinet system? These changes, however, are not necessarily relevant to claiming independence.
Third, Chen should make it clear that cross-strait peace must be built upon a military balance of power. Since Taiwan doesn't want to annex Chinese territory but Beijing has repeatedly stressed its aim of annexing Taiwan, the people here cannot but ask the government to strengthen national defense and make necessary preparations. As the Cold War showed us, only when there is a military balance between two rival parties can an attempt by either side to launch an attack be prevented.
Finally, Chen should make clear to Beijing and the international community that according to official Chinese statistics, as of the end of last year Tai-wanese businesspeople had invested US$72.3 billion in China, making it that country's largest foreign investor. Because of this financial input, China has been able to transform its southeastern coast into an international manufacturing powerhouse. This is a clear example of the enormous benefit that this nation has given the Chinese economy.
This being the case, there is no reason why China should wish for Taiwan to downgrade itself into a provincial government. Conducting commerce under the "one China" principle would be political suicide. It is necessary for Beijing to deal rationally with the issue of cross-strait commerce.
Meanwhile, Beijing should refrain from arousing nationalist sentiments and confusing right and wrong, in order to avoid deepening misunderstandings and hatred between the people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. It should also stop constantly threatening the Taiwanese people.
Many Taiwanese believe Chen must take these steps if this country is to continue to develop and provide for its future generations. The Democratic Progressive Party must make a stand on Taiwan's future if it is to win the respect and support of the international community. To be weak-kneed will only lead to more bullying.
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