When the ambitions of business people are in conflict with national interests, the welfare of the people should not be sacrificed. How can Taiwan's economy be independent after most of the production bases move to China? Taiwan will inevitably become a fringe region of China. It is fine to promote economic and trade exchanges, but they should not be synonymous to investment. Similarly, internationalization and globalization are not equal to "mainlandization."
Ten years of lackluster economy will not threaten the foundations of Japan as a nation. But Taiwan is in a special position, isolated and receiving little support. The people of Taiwan would do well to face up to the reality that if or when the economy collapses, the ROC may never rise from the rubble again.
Huang Tien-lin is a national policy adviser to the president.
Translated by Francis Huang
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