Furthermore, the change in government from the Clinton administration to the Bush administration has ushered in changes. As his predecessor was accused of tilting toward Beijing and overlooking Taiwan's interest during his two terms in office, the Bush government, which most observers have described as more friendly toward Taipei, seized the opportunity to display its friendship and respect to Taiwan's leader in the treatment that was offered to Chen.
Nevertheless, the about-face in US policy toward Taiwan's leaders was based largely on Chen's efforts to pursue a pragmatic and conciliatory policy toward China.
Ever since he entered office, Chen has offered an olive branch to Beijing and continuously expressed sincerity and willingness to engage in bilateral talks.
Chen's prudent handling of the mid-air collision between a US surveillance plane and a Chinese fighter and the US decision to sell arms to Taiwan were believed to be key to Washington's relaxation of its control on Chen's transit in the US.
low-key approach
Chen's low-key approach to the transit arrangement made by the US State Department and his reiteration that "Taiwan will not take advantage of the recent ups and downs of Sino-US relations" also displayed Taipei's self-restraint, greatly lowering cross-strait tension.
After Taiwan's first transfer of power, the country now ranks as a full-fledged democracy. It follows, therefore, that Taiwan's democratically elected leaders deserve fair treatment from other nations, even in the face of China's pressure.
If the leaders of authoritarian China receive official treatment in the US while the leaders of democratic Taiwan are treated as potential troublemakers, how could the American people justly claim the values of a true democracy?
In addition, unlike officials from the executive branch of the US government, members of Congress have long had the freedom to meet with Taiwan's leaders.
Meetings with Taiwanese leaders often provide vital opportunities to discuss issues of mutual concern that directly affect US interests. There is no reason for the US government to prohibit its lawmakers from meeting with Chen.
While it is essential for leaders in both Taipei and Washington to improve communication and mutual trust, and refrain from contributing to an undesirable outcomes, it is also important for Taiwan to earn more respect and fair treatment from the US.
Hopefully this is just the beginning of more normal relations between Taipei and Washington.
Liu Kuan-teh is a Taipei-based political commentator.
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