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Vatican offers opportunity

The severing of diplomatic ties with Macedonia was Taiwan's first diplomatic loss since the DPP came to power. The behind-the-scenes story was, not for the first time, a matter of money.

The conditions put down by Beijing for the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Macedonia involved the usual package: the cutting of diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognition that Taiwan is a part of the PRC. The Macedonian scenario has been an oft-repeated feature of Taiwan's diplomatic history.

The situation with the Vatican, however, is an exception that merits our attention. The relationship between Beijing and the Vatican has resumed following US President George W. Bush's visit to Shanghai. Not surprisingly, Beijing's traditional package has been put forward as the condition for establishing formal relations with the Vatican. We should be aware that the part of the package concerning Taiwan is already known to everyone, including Bush. Yet Bush assisted with the resumption of talks.

The Vatican is not like those little countries asking for money. It is a state with global religious authority. The Vatican-Beijing relationship broke down because of a dispute regarding religious freedom and the authority to appoint Catholic bishops, both matters of principle. Whether the issue of Taiwan is being considered as a matter of principle by the Vatican remains to be seen.

In any event, the Vatican's case should serve as a good indicator of whether a dual recognition of both Taiwan and the PRC can be established. The Vatican may be the most appropriate state to initiate this breakthrough.

The current ROC embassy in the Vatican has emphasized that there is still a long way to go for a normalized relationship between the Vatican and Beijing. So stay cool; there is no cause for alarm.

But what cards can Taipei play? This might be a good chance to test how smart Taipei is in foreign affairs. If the matter is handled intelligently, Taiwan could have a good opportunity to gain a recognition parallel to that of the PRC. Once that happens the opening of the door to the entire world could follow.

What course of action can be taken by ordinary people to help Taiwan? I think a petition campaign involving religious groups and lay people, directed at the Vatican, would help.

Joshua Tin

Brooklyn, New York
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