Over the past half century, Taiwan's sovereignty has been violated by the Republic of China (ROC), the People's Republic of China and neglected by most of the world.
As a result, establishing an independent "Republic of Taiwan" is a dream long held by the majority of the people of Taiwan. The concept entails a free, democratic and de jure independent Taiwan, a new constitution and rectifying the national title from "Republic of China" to "Republic of Taiwan" or "Taiwan."
The US, as the sole remaining superpower, should play a more proactive role in making this dream come true. Here is why:
At the end of World War II, in 1945, the US and its allies carelessly turned Taiwan (a Japanese colony since 1895) over to the control of Chiang Kai-Shek's (
Immediately, Chiang's KMT declared what became the longest period of martial law in modern history. The terror of martial law lasted from 1947 to 1987.
In 1949, China's nationalists, having lost the Chinese Civil War to Mao Zedong's (
Most countries in the world kept silent about the 228 Massacre -- the Taiwanese "holocaust." Chiang's bloody deeds were never condemned.
During these dark times, under the rule of the KMT, the Taiwanese lived with very limited political freedom and human rights despite their continuous attempts to participate in the political process.
Just before the lifting of martial law in May 1987, the first Taiwanese political party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was established with the help of various pressure groups, including the overseas Taiwanese organizations and international supporters.
Thirteen years later, in March 2000, the DPP defeated the KMT in the presidential election. President Chen Shui-bian (
Last March, Chen was re-elected. Not only did his re-election seal the fate of the pro-Chinese parties such as the KMT and the People First Party, it was also a major victory for constitutional reform in Taiwan.
Taiwan still functions under the old ROC constitution, but the majority of the electorate voted for Chen -- a staunch advocate of a new constitution for Taiwan.
It is just a matter of time before a new Taiwan under a new name, with a new constitution will emerge. The time is ripe for the people of Taiwan to reclaim their own country and give it the name "Republic of Taiwan."
The US should now recognize this new Taiwan.
China continues to state that it will attack Taiwan if it proclaims independence. China has about 500 missiles aimed at Taiwan, keeping peace-hungry Taiwanese in a state of daily terror. The number of missiles is increasing every year.
Proclaiming independence is nothing more than a logical extension of Taiwan's democratic development. A referendum would be an appropriate vehicle and a peaceful way to let the people of Taiwan determine their own future.
Beijing will not be amused, of course. And that is where the US should remain firm. China will be less likely to engage Taiwan in armed military conflict if the US clearly states that it welcomes an independent "Republic of Taiwan" and expresses its explicit support for a democratic referendum to determine Taiwan's future.
The US needs to make it crystal clear to China that it will rally to Taiwan's side in case of an attack by China -- even if Taiwan declares independence. An ambiguous US policy toward China and Taiwan will lead to a much greater possibility of a disastrous war.
In the meantime, the free world needs to cease falling for the lies and propaganda of communist China as it claims a territory that it does not have the right to annex.
Why should the US support the "Republic of Taiwan"? The US and Taiwan share a strong ideology with regard to democracy, free enterprise, religious freedom and human rights -- all freedoms that are habitually trampled on by China.
If the US wishes to remain the champion of democracy and freedom, what better demonstration of American values is there than for the US to support a "Republic of Taiwan?" What better exercise in democracy?
Imagine the outcome of not standing up to fight for this "Republic of Taiwan" -- the US would lose credibility in the free world. And if we let a large "terrorist state" annex its small neighbor, we will lose a strategic pillar in Southeast Asia.
The creation of an independent "Republic of Taiwan" will be a boost to all freedom-loving people around the world. We need to make it happen -- here in the US and in the "Republic of Taiwan."
Michael Yeun
Paramus, New Jersey
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s (李顯龍) decision to step down after 19 years and hand power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong (黃循財), on May 15 was expected — though, perhaps, not so soon. Most political analysts had been eyeing an end-of-year handover, to ensure more time for Wong to study and shadow the role, ahead of general elections that must be called by November next year. Wong — who is currently both deputy prime minister and minister of finance — would need a combination of fresh ideas, wisdom and experience as he writes the nation’s next chapter. The world that
Can US dialogue and cooperation with the communist dictatorship in Beijing help avert a Taiwan Strait crisis? Or is US President Joe Biden playing into Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) hands? With America preoccupied with the wars in Europe and the Middle East, Biden is seeking better relations with Xi’s regime. The goal is to responsibly manage US-China competition and prevent unintended conflict, thereby hoping to create greater space for the two countries to work together in areas where their interests align. The existing wars have already stretched US military resources thin, and the last thing Biden wants is yet another war.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, people have been asking if Taiwan is the next Ukraine. At a G7 meeting of national leaders in January, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned that Taiwan “could be the next Ukraine” if Chinese aggression is not checked. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that if Russia is not defeated, then “today, it’s Ukraine, tomorrow it can be Taiwan.” China does not like this rhetoric. Its diplomats ask people to stop saying “Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow.” However, the rhetoric and stated ambition of Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) on Taiwan shows strong parallels with