Today, the country celebrates Double Ten National Day, the birthday of the Republic of China (ROC). One cannot help but sense the irony in holding such a celebration, since more and more people are beginning to see for themselves what the "ROC" really is to Taiwan. Former President Lee Teng-hui's (李登輝) speech on Friday evening during a videoconference with US officials and academics in Washington, D.C. reflects the views of those here who have come to realize that the "ROC" -- far from being a blessing to Taiwan -- has become an obstacle.
Taiwan was not even part of the ROC when it first came into being almost 93 years ago. At the time, Taiwan was under Japanese rule. Moreover, the ROC was then the representative government of China. The association between China and Taiwan is at most historical and cultural, since the two have not been under the rule of the same government since Taiwan was ceded to Japan. In fact, for all practical purposes China was and continues to be an enemy state after the ROC lost power and the People's Republic of China took control of China. So it is a stretch to say that "China" is what ties the ROC with Taiwan.
The truth of the matter is that pretending the ROC is still alive and kicking has done nothing but hurt Taiwan. As pointed out by former president Lee, the use of the ROC Constitution and "ROC" name is creating both serious internal and external problems for the nation.
That Constitution, which was adopted in 1912 when Taiwan was neither under ROC rule nor part of China, was not tailored to meet the needs of this country. Despite repeated attempts to amend it, the Constitution's flaws are beyond repair. It continues to create serious crises for Taiwan and keeps the Chen Shui-bian (
The absurdity of the situation is further highlighted by the fact that this ROC Constitution continues to declare that China and Mongolia -- two sovereign and independent countries -- are under its rule. Lee was right in pointing out that this encroaches on other countries' sovereignty, in violation of international law.
To make matters worse, Taiwan has been exiled from the international community as a result of the "ROC" name, Lee went on to say. With the exception of some 20 countries, the majority of the world's nations do not recognize the legitimacy of the "ROC" and therefore do not hold formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The country is banned from using the "ROC" name at most international events, even those that are non-political in nature such as the Olympics, for which Taiwan must use the name "Chinese Taipei."
It is high time for Taiwan to have a new constitution that fits its needs. Taiwan is also entitled to use a name that is truly representative of the country. Pretending that the ROC still exists and that Taiwan is part of it is holding the country back from continued growth as a democracy.
But in order to accomplish these goals, both people in Taiwan and members of the international community must first repudiate the "one China" ideology and policy. Lee's speech on Friday was merely the first step of a campaign to open the eyes of the international community to what the problems are. Sooner or latter, the world will have to accept that Lee's speech is representative of a new majority, and of the popular will in Taiwan.
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