We cannot rule out the possibility of the US changing its hardline attitude toward China. Also, both China's and Taiwan's entry into the WTO will have a deep impact on cross-strait relations. But if the above analysis is correct, these challenges won't come for another half-year.
Taiwan, however, can't sit and wait for changes either at home or abroad. In particular, opportunities to improve Taiwan-US relations could be lost by slackness. Taiwan should grab the opportunities brought by these changes to strengthen its national security. The government must adopt more than a fire fighter's mentality when it comes to dealing with problems; it must un-shackle itself from political struggles; and review and plan its national security strategies carefully and comprehensively. At the same time, it must also make use of the opportunities presented by Bush's arrival in office and the EP-3 collision to promote security cooperation with the US. Only then will Taiwan not find itself in a passive position when facing the challenges brought by future changes in cross-strait relations and the international structure.
Lin Wen-cheng is a professor at the Institute of Mainland China Studies, National Sun Yat-sen University.
Translated by Chen Ya-hui
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