What is the raison d'etre of the government? Is it to appease the PRC or to serve its own citizens? If the answer is clear, then we can simply ignore what Beijing thinks about the government's plan to add the word "Taiwan" to the cover of ROC passports. It is -- to use one of Beijing's favorite phrases -- an internal affair.
As long as the people think the addition of the word "Taiwan" to their passports will help them when traveling then no party or lawmaker who loves this country should oppose the proposal.
There have been many reports over the years from the government's representative offices overseas as well as first-hand accounts about Taiwanese unhappy that customs and immigration officials in other countries have mistakenly thought that they were from the PRC -- and consequently eyed them with suspicion that is usually accorded citizens of that country. The most recent example took place in Germany, where several Taiwanese were humiliated by local officials who thought they were PRC nationals. The government cannot allow such incidents to continue -- especially as the problem is so easily remedied.
Beijing is sure to launch another media offensive against the plan, condemning the government for pushing "Taiwan independence." But there is no reason to pay any attention to whatever vitriol that may come from the Chinese Communist Party.
There is equally no reason to heed complaints from those political parties and lawmakers who voice China's viewpoint by accusing the foreign ministry of trying to stir up domestic turmoil and increase cross-strait tensions. For example, KMT legislative caucus leader Liu Cheng-hung (
It's hard to understand why the opposition parties and pro-unification people dislike such a well-crafted proposal. The fact that the government does not plan to eliminate "Republic of China" from the passport shows it is listening to public opinion. If adding "Taiwan" will make travel more convenient for Taiwanese -- and at the same time satisfy the pro-independence camp -- why oppose it.
This appears to be an arrangement that should keep everyone happy. Nevertheless, whether the proposal will gain approval from the opposition-dominated legislature is still a question open to debate.
Putting "Taiwan" on passports simply reflects the fact that the ROC is based in Taiwan -- a fact long trumpeted by the former KMT government. It will also allow this country to be more clearly differentiated from China. Such a measure will help people in this global village clearly see the impressive political, economic and cultural achievements of an independent Taiwan. This will give the public more dignity and self-confidence in the international community, while at the same time preventing damage to the nation's dignity.
If the opposition ignores public opinion and blocks legislative approval, then the electorate should respond accordingly when they go to the polls for next year's presidential election.
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
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
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
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