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Editorial: Wu best spokesperson for Taiwan

Unlike her predecessors, Taiwan's first lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍) is much more than just an alter ego or accessory of her husband, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁). Not only has she made her own contributions to Taiwan's democratization, but she has in fact been a very important part of Chen's political success. She is therefore a most suitable candidate to promote Taiwan's accomplishments in democracy and human rights and to help strengthen cultural and social ties between the US and Taiwan.

Wu is immensely popular in Taiwan. Reportedly, Chen once admitted in private that he could thank his wife for about 50 percent of the votes he garnered in all the elections he had entered. Moreover, according to a survey published by the China Times on Sept. 14, more than 60 percent of the interviewees approved of Wu's performance.

This popularity has much do with Wu's down-to-earth and witty personality, which ordinary people in Taiwan can identify with. For example, like any other wife poking fun at her husband, Wu has not only joked about Chen's weight problem in public, but also threatened to run for the presidency herself if Chen ever dared take a mistress.

On the other hand, she is also respected for her courage and endurance in times of hardship. Despite physical handicap, the wheelchair-bound Wu was elected a legislator while her husband was in jail. After Chen's release, he worked as her aid. Wu is probably the only first lady who has had her husband working for her. Wu's experience in overcoming trials and tribulations further enhances her standing as a spokesperson for Taiwan's battle to win international recognition and join the international community.

Wu's visit to the US affirms the emergence of a new model of diplomacy for Taiwan, which began to take shape when she traveled to France to accept the Prize for Freedom on behalf of Chen and visited the Czech Republic at the invitation of Czech first lady Dagmar Weskrnova. Facing a diplomatic blockade by China, Taiwan is unable to conduct foreign relations through regular diplomatic channels. As a result, neither Chen nor Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) are able to obtain visas to travel to most countries. They have become prisoners confined to Taiwan. Under the circumstances, the first lady is an ideal substitute spokesperson for Taiwan.

Unrestrained by any official government post, she enjoys much more freedom and latitude in terms of places she can travel to and topics she can address. In particular, she can promote the rights of disadvantaged groups, such as women and children in developing countries and the physically handicapped. These activities will not only help enhance Taiwan's visibility, but also strengthen unofficial ties with other countries.

Wu's US visit also highlights the George W. Bush administration's friendliness toward Taiwan even after Chen's recent "one country on each side" comments. At least two things reinforce this observation. First, Chinese President Jiang Zemin (江澤民) is scheduled to visit the US next month. So, the the timing of Wu's visit can be fairly described as sensitive. Second, Wu's visit is the most recent of several visits to the US by top Taiwanese officials, including Premier Yu Shyi-kun and Minister of National Defense Tang Yao-ming (湯曜明).

Under the circumstances, all the people of Taiwan should view Wu's visit with excitement and pride. Stop all the malicious and groundless attacks.
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