It's time to stand together
If there is one thing that Taiwan can learn from the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the US, it is how Americans respond to a crisis. They are truly united behind the US. There is no squabbling among politicians, no babbling from the media, and no complaints from citizens. Everyone is united and has only one goal in mind, ie, to seek justice and rebuild the country. This is the real strength behind the mighty power of the US economy and its military. The country is stable and moving forward like an unsinkable aircraft carrier. By contrast, let's reflect on what happened in the first year of Taiwan's first transfer of power.
First the opposition leaders refused to show their support for Taiwan's achievement by boycotting President Chen's inauguration. This in effect set the tone for them to play the role of spoilers thereafter. The opposition parties and major media tried their best to create havoc against the government at every possible turn, hoping that instigating a disastrous term for Chen would ensure their return to power. Now, the cyclical world economy has reached its lowest point. There are rarely complaints from the US media or public against the Bush administration.
In Taiwan, however, the media and opposition parties continue their campaign, blaming Chen's government for every possible problem. They have undermined the people's confidence in the government and linked Taiwan's economic downturn to the stalemate in cross-strait relations. In effect, they have more respect for China, Taiwan's hostile neighbor, than for Taiwan itself. With opposition parties and a media like this, who needs an enemy in China? Taiwan's biggest problem lies not in the economy or in China, but in the lack of national identity and solidarity among its citizens. In the US, these days, it has become rather difficult to purchase a national flag from a store. In Taiwan, I am sure there are plenty, since the country is as divided as before.
John Yang
Columbus, Ohio
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s
The past few months have seen tremendous strides in India’s journey to develop a vibrant semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The nation’s established prowess in information technology (IT) has earned it much-needed revenue and prestige across the globe. Now, through the convergence of engineering talent, supportive government policies, an expanding market and technologically adaptive entrepreneurship, India is striving to become part of global electronics and semiconductor supply chains. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of “Make in India” and “Design in India” has been the guiding force behind the government’s incentive schemes that span skilling, design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, and
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s (李顯龍) decision to step down after 19 years and hand power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong (黃循財), on May 15 was expected — though, perhaps, not so soon. Most political analysts had been eyeing an end-of-year handover, to ensure more time for Wong to study and shadow the role, ahead of general elections that must be called by November next year. Wong — who is currently both deputy prime minister and minister of finance — would need a combination of fresh ideas, wisdom and experience as he writes the nation’s next chapter. The world that
As former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) wrapped up his visit to the People’s Republic of China, he received his share of attention. Certainly, the trip must be seen within the full context of Ma’s life, that is, his eight-year presidency, the Sunflower movement and his failed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, as well as his eight years as Taipei mayor with its posturing, accusations of money laundering, and ups and downs. Through all that, basic questions stand out: “What drives Ma? What is his end game?” Having observed and commented on Ma for decades, it is all ironically reminiscent of former US president Harry