Too many people in Taiwan are working hard to proclaim the country's demise. One reason for this is that the pessimism and sense of inferiority inherent in the genes of modern Chinese make them easily belittle themselves. The life attitude of cynics is to look at the negative and passive side of everything in search of some weird sense of psychological security. Another reason is their distrust of and dissatisfaction with DPP rule.
The latter derives from two sources. One consists of certain Chinese-born teachers, civil servants and military personnel under the spell of misgivings regarding their mainland origins, and their offspring, who are incapable of independent thought. They find it hard to accept their loss of political power and therefore condemn everything the native regime does. Most of the media happens to be in the hands of mainlanders or mainland ideology, which helps shape illusions.
The other source is a study that concludes that Taiwan is facing a dim future. The reasons include the inexperience and, in some respects, incompetence of the government, the difficult external environment, cross-strait constraints on national development, the international economic slowdown, US$140 billion in Taiwanese investments swallowed by the black hole of China and serious ethnic divides on Taiwan's soil.
Cynicism and pessimism, ethnic prejudice and a sense of loss of one's ethnic superiority, are crude, ignorant, unbalanced tribal sentiments that are not worthy of discussion. But the conclusion that people have drawn on the basis of the facts does deserve our attention. We should reflect on it if we are to bring about improvements.
The government's ability, cross-strait relations, domestic conflict and the international environment are severe problems. Much has been written on these problems, most of it correct, and there is no need to repeat any of it here. We should, however, observe Taiwan in an optimistic, positive and constructive light and look at her bright side.
When we have a deep understanding of the nation's flaws, we also come to see its shining side, advantages and hopes. This can be analyzed in terms of politics, the economy, society and culture.
Taiwan's political strengths are many -- ?no crises of legitimacy or succession, policy penetration or political integration. In other words, even if internal problems were to break out, political unrest would never occur.
The transfer of political power has eliminated the possibility of revolutions or coups d'etats and minimized the likelihood of a revival of the authoritarian system. Human rights are therefore ensured and the legal system established and consolidated.
Economically, although Taiwan is now facing a rocky road, the nation has five advantages, which will present opportunities for its resurgence.
First, businesspeople have vibrant ambition and vitality. Second, good education provides the essentials of economic development. Third, the political elite pursue economic knowledge and globalization. Fourth, the people have the ability to learn from the current slump. This includes the correct direction the government has taken to reform financial institutions. And fifth, the democratic and free mechanism offers a suitable environment for economic development.
Socially, the establishment of many grassroots mutual-help organizations, the maturity of the community and civil society as shown by the growing number of volunteer groups, as well as the appearance of public and civic awareness, will stitch up the wounds aggravated by ethnic confrontation and reduce the political identity crisis.
Culturally, the sluggish economy over the past two years has apparently led to cultural soul-searching among the public, a phenomenon conducive to Taiwan's transformation from a parvenu culture to a more gentle capitalist culture. In light of the increasingly vigorous cultural activities from local to central governments, we can find not only the penetration and internalization of culture, but also the contributions of cultural achievements to identity.
The only deep crisis in Taiwan is the political-identity crisis, but it is offset by all those non-political elements -- and cultural plural-ism, goodwill and the rising civic awareness. Although this is not welcomed by certain psycho-paths, who have tried to destroy Taiwan with all their might, it is a good thing for all the people.
We might never again enjoy 8 or 9 percent economic growth, but a more humane, civilized and outstanding living environment is taking shape. Let's hope we can speed up its arrival.
Pu Ta-chung is a journalist.
Translated by Jackie Lin
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