"No pro-China" seeks to address the political aspect of cross-strait relations. As the PRC remains an authoritarian regime, pandering to it is short-sighted, as well as blind to the structural differences between the governments on either side.
"No fear of China" addresses the military and economic aspects of cross-strait ties. Although the PLA keeps browbeating Taiwan even as Taiwanese businesses are lured by image of China's vast market, fearing China simply makes Taiwan appear panic-stricken and adrift on the issues of national security and economic development.
The "no anti-China" policy looks at culture, history and regional political ties. Taiwan's future certainly won't benefit from further opposing China, which not only damages Taiwan, but is at odds with the mainstream policies of the international community.
Whether we adopt "one China," "one China with each side making its own interpretation" or "constitutional one China" as our definition for cross-strait politics, the new "three nos" policy points out that we must go beyond emotional vulnerabilities caused by being pro-China, fearful of China and anti-China. Once that happens, we will be able to maintain a firm grip over the ever-changing political and economic environment across the Strait. Then we will be able to devise proper cross-strait policies, demonstrate Taiwan's dignity and continue to promote Taiwan's democratization and prosperity.
Philip Yang is an associate professor of political science at National Taiwan University.
Translated by Gatian Wang
RSS