After China and Taiwan have determined their respective positioning, the second important step is deciding the direction.
China and Taiwan should be able to adopt the integrational method used by the EU. Under this kind of "individual entities sharing another entity," and "union in division, division in union" model, the needs of each side are taken into account, and a target for interaction is agreed upon. "Integration" can make up for flaws in "one China, two systems" in that it can gradually build a "common identity" across the Strait, while not forcing the Taiwanese people to alter their national identity.
This will be useful in fostering peaceful coexistence and development among future generations. "Integration" can also make up for shortcomings of the "cooperation and mutual benefit" provided for in the Guidelines for National Unification. It creates a mechanism that can be shared by both sides of the Strait. Through participation in the mechanism, Taiwan will have the right to share in the development of "China as a whole."
Moreover, Taiwan won't need to worry about whether or not it will gradually be "peacefully digested" in the process. A thing or two can be learned from the way Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg have used the European Economic Council's mechanisms to develop their influence outside of their respective individual borders.
"Positioning" and "direction" are steps forward which Taiwan and China cannot nor should not avoid. Both sides should take positions centered around the interests of all Chinese. Creating an environment that is mutually acceptable to people on either side of the Strait -- one that will allow Chinese and Taiwanese to develop alongside one another in peace -- is our shared responsibility.
Chang Ya-chung is the director of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at Nanhua University. Translated by Scudder Smith.
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