The relationship between Washington and Beijing appears to have entered a new phase, one in which they are getting to know each other better.
This new phase follows several clashes, exemplified by the mid-air collision between the US EP3 reconnaissance plane and a Chinese fighter, US President George W. Bush's pledge to "do whatever it takes to help Taiwan defend itself" and the first successful test of the US National Missile Defense system.
But China reacted in a low-key manner to the US arms sale to Taipei, as did the US to Beijing's successful bid for the 2008 Olympic Games. In addition, the Bush administration recently initiated a rush move to improve its relationship with Beijing, starting with a hot-line phone call from Bush to President Jiang Zemin (
All these events combine to show that the relationship between the US and China has gradually got onto the right track despite a rocky start. Although it is too soon to predict the result of the Jiang-Bush summit in October, discussion of the possibility of adjustments to US policy on cross-strait relations has drawn attention in Taiwan. Most of this attention centers upon the role the US can play, in terms of support for Taiwan and facilitating the resumption of cross-strait dialogue. Some also worry about the possibility of another episode like that of Clinton's "three noes" in 1998.
Since some high-ranking officials in Taiwan have suggested that the US should play a more active role in cross-strait relations, the issue of whether the US should actively promote cross-strait negotiations in the pursuit of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is a topic of some concern in Washington, Taipei and Beijing. However, any concrete changes to be made must be minor and the direction of US policy toward the cross-strait situation must remain consistent.
First, peace and stability in the Strait is not only conducive to security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region but also helps China with the continuation of its reforms. Both of these coincide with US interests. For its part, the US should continue to uphold its commitment to the security of Taiwan -- in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act -- by strengthening the nation's security as a whole and by providing firm political support.
With regard to cross-strait relations, the US should continue its balancing and stabilizing role. The US stated quite clearly in its "six assurances" of 1982 that it would not be a mediator between Taiwan and China, and this policy has not changed. But, the US government should be more proactive and more constructive about guaranteeing security in the Strait and initiating the resumption of cross-strait dialogue. Taiwan should also cooperate more with the US to enhance democracy, human rights, peace in the Strait, and the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition to the promotion of democracy and economic interests between Washington and Taipei, the maintenance of security and stability are a second major pillar of US-Taiwan relations.
After Beijing issued its White Paper on One China on Feb. 21, 2000, then-president Bill Clinton repeatedly mentioned that the two sides should resolve their problems peacefully. Clinton also mentioned last year, for the first time, the fourth pillar of US policy toward China -- that such issues should be resolved with the consent of the people of Taiwan. Bush should officially endorse this principle.
In addition to emphasizing the importance of respecting the free will of the people of Taiwan, the US can play an even more active role, if it is willing to do so. Ensuring lasting peace in the Strait is in the interests of Taiwan as well as the US. Moreover, the US should adopt the role of honest broker to promote dialogue between the two sides of the Strait. Ever since President Chen Shui-bian (
Taiwan and the US share the same beliefs in freedom, democracy and human rights. In addition, holding up Taiwan's political and economic experiences as examples for China is consistent with the US policy of comprehensive engagement with China. Taiwan's prosperity and development and cross-strait peace and stability are consistent with US interests. I sincerely hope that Taiwan and the US will together make greater efforts to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
The US should help to establish a constructive environment for dialogue, which will help to ease tensions. It should play the role of decisive facilitator.
Liu Kuan-teh is a Taipei-based political commentator.
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