Editorial: It's time for sense and sensibility

"Zhu Rongji [朱鎔基] is getting smart!" This was the conclusion of many reporters from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Western countries who watched the Chinese premier's televised press conference on Thursday. In stark contrast to the way he lashed out at Taiwan about a year ago, Zhu on Thursday was more cautious, reiterating that "if Taiwan authorities recognize" one China, "all questions are negotiable between the two sides."

The pro-unification media in Taiwan could barely hide their disappointment. Since Zhu failed to either highlight the Taiwan issue or make any innovative comments, they had no reason to make a fuss. They could not sing along to Beijing's music nor lecture the people of Taiwan with Beijing's backing. As a result, they gave the press conference minimal coverage.

Of course, we disagree with Zhu's statement. No self-respecting Taiwanese would fall into the "one China" trap, when the so-called "one China" is the PRC. When will Beijing wake up and smell the coffee? Two Chinas are fact, not fiction. Taiwan knows it, the world knows it and Beijing should stop its ostrich act and accept reality.

However, the fact that Zhu did not slip into his "Dr Hyde" frothing-at-the-mouth persona is an indication that the Beijing leadership is gradually improving. They are slowly realizing that they too must follow some basic rules of etiquette and sensibility when facing international society. This is good, despite the enormous price paid for such lessons -- such as the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

Frankly speaking, both sides of the Taiwan Strait need to focus on the multitude of their internal problems first. If these problems are not dealt with properly, not only will the respective governments be shaken, they might collapse. The resumption of cross-strait dialogue, the opening up of "three direct links" and even the remote question of unification or independence should not be on the top of either side's agenda. That last issue is probably even beyond this generation's ability to resolve.

What confuses us is the small number of pro-unification individuals who continue to cheer Beijing on. They blame Taiwan for "refusing to talk and unify." They have swung from an outright phobia of communism to flat-out pacifism. The amount of hot air and trouble they generate is inversely proportional to their numbers.

The two sides of the Strait have developed different nationalisms, based on different historical experiences. China has an "inferiority complex" nationalism caused by 100 years of foreign invasions and aggression. Taiwan has a nationalism based on "Taiwanese sorrow" from its years of foreign domination, which has contributed to a strong urge to be self-governed. As a result of these divergent experiences, it is impossible for these two national identities to find common ground.

Nationalism is merely a handy tool that rulers can use to either rally or fool their people. What matters to people is food on the table and the protection government offers to their life and property. No government that fails to take care of domestic problems and the welfare of the people can last.

China faces an avalanche of internal woes, such as bureaucratic corruption, failing state-owned enterprises, massive unemployment, an economy that needs a drastic overhaul and a lack of human rights. Its plate is full for the moment. We hope that the Beijing leadership can learn to be more pragmatic and give top priority to resolving their internal problems, -- which don't include the unification issue. This will help reduce tensions in the Strait. Tensions can also be reduced if Beijing stops inciting the pro-unification lobby in Taiwan to create havoc. In this way both sides will be able to co-exist peacefully and build a mutually-beneficial future.