After two popular elections of president, Taiwan has yet to establish a concept on its statehood that is distinguishable from the long out-dated framework of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Not only is President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) as a result being bogged down by the traditional concept of "China," but Premier Tang Fe (唐飛) is also being constantly compelled to take a formal stance on the issue of Taiwan's status. The book written by Taiwan's former president Lee Teng-hui "The Road to Democracy -- Taiwan's Pursuit of Identity" (台灣的主張) during the last days of his presidency contain views that were essentially extensions of the vision entailed in Lee's "special state-to-state" model (特殊兩國論). As the new DPP administration begins a new political era in Taiwan, the administration faces challenges from other political powers and forces with their hearts set on dethroning the new administration. The bondage of "one China, with both sides free to interpret what it means" (一個中國,各自表述) has become a roadblock for the new administration.
In such difficult and troubling hours of the new administration, a new book "Asia Strategy" (亞洲的智略), co-authored by Lee and Japanese scholars has been published in Japan. The release of this new book is especially significant in the backdrop of the G8 summit taking place Okinawa, Japan.
We recently heard President Chen, at a ceremony marking the launch of new naval vessels criticize certain Taiwan legislators for thier comments during visits to China. Former DPP chairman Lin I-hsiung (林義雄) also voiced his support for Lee's views about a new republic during a party celebrating Lin's political career.
Taiwan truly entered its post-colonial era during former president Lee's term. The Republic of China as we know it quietly and inconspicuously transformed from the Republic of China in Taiwan into the Taiwan Republic of China. Colonial rule and the power of local inhabitants mixed to form a new republic through democratic reforms.
After 1949, the Republic of China in Taiwan faced a substantive reshuffling of both its politics and power. The regime in power at the time, lacking any common sense about the changing times and circumstances, refused to face reality and, as a result, overlooked Taiwan's greatest chance to become an independent state. The new republic is a state formed by the inhabitants of Taiwan, irrespective of when they immigrated to the island. Unfortunately, many politicians who remained trapped in an old power infrastructure mentality have failed to give any real consideration to the composition of the local community. Instead, they constantly pander to China, creating unrest in Taiwan.
Taiwan must maintain a firm stance about its identity. In the journey from the Republic of China in Taiwan to the Taiwan Republic China, the new republic must work toward recognizing its own identity and developing itself. Taiwan will truly be able to find a place in the world community only when the nation's name accurately describes its political reality, and when Taiwan and China achieve genuine friendship.
Lee Min-yung is a poet. Translated by Amy Wu
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