Editorial: An opportunity not to be missed

The National Press Club (NPC) in Washington has invited President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to give a "Newsmaker Luncheon Speech" later this year. The Presidential Office accepted the invitation on July 25. Earlier, Liberal International, a London-based global federation of liberal parties around the world, decided to grant Chen the 2001 Prize for Freedom. The group wants Chen to go to Denmark in November to receive the award. The two events are hard-to-come-by public relations opportunities for Taiwan. Chen should seize them as opportunities to bring Taiwan's voice to the international community.

The NPC is an important organization in US media and political circles. The club often invites important figures and heads of state to give speeches. Chinese leaders Deng Xiaoping (鄧小平), Zhao Ziyang (趙紫陽) and Jiang Zemin (江澤民) all wanted to address the club, but were not invited. In 1965, the club invited Madame Chiang Kai-shek (蔣宋美齡) to give a speech -- the only person from the ROC to have spoken at the club. Ten years ago, the club invited then president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝), but diplomatic restrictions prevented him from going. In May of this year, the club again invited Lee to speak while he was in the US to visit his Cornell University. But restrictions on Lee's itinerary prevented him from addressing the club that time as well.

Chen should utilize the successful experience of his US stopovers in May and June. A speech at the NPC is not only a good opportunity for Taiwan to expand its diplomatic space, but it is also a good venue to publicize Chen's policies. Chen should appreciate the enthusiastic support from US journa-l-ists. Such an opportunity may not soon come again.

If he is able to go, Chen should carefully prepare his speech. Ideally, it should contain a major policy announcement, which would make his speech of more than just symbolic significance, as well as outlining the policy breakthroughs he has made. Hopefully, Chen will be able to reach a consensus with opposition leaders at the Economic Development Advisory Conference and the cross-party summits on how to revitalize the economy and how to conduct cross-strait relations.

Currently, the US government only grants Taiwan's leaders the "safety, comfort and convenience" of stopovers. Applying for a visa for the purpose of giving a speech will certainly encounter obstacles within the US as well as drawing protests from China. But if Chen could stop over in Washington to make the speech on his way to or from Denmark, then such a visit would not contravene US policy. Such an arrangement would also multiply the diplomatic effect of each trip.

Stopover or otherwise, China is bound to raise objections. But if the matter can be finalized before President George W. Bush's trip to Shanghai in October, Beijing would likely practice some restraint in its protests to maintain cordial relations with the US. China is also eager to polish its international image following Beijing's successful bid for the 2008 Olympics Games. A temper tantrum over a speech by Chen at the NPC would only highlight Beijing's inane sensitivity.

While speaking at the NPC, Chen could reiterate Taiwan's goodwill toward the US, China and the rest of the world. While in Denmark to receive the Prize of Freedom, he could also spread the message of Taiwan's freedom and democracy. Both are ideal opportunities for Taiwan to open new windows to the world. They should not be squandered.