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Misinterpreting Chen

After reading your article about The Washington Post's interview with President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) ("Presidential Office Blasts Washington Post for Distortion," March 31, page 3), a question comes to my mind: Why are Chen's views constantly being misinterpreted not only by the foreign press but also locally?

A possible explanation could be that many people are against change in this country and abroad.

They fear that any change to the status quo whether in the form of improving Taiwan's democracy or economic development through enhancing our laws would imply taking the road of independence.

It is not the case that making Taiwan a better place means Chen is seeking officially to declare an independent Taiwan in the future through changing the Constitution.

I have analyzed Chen's interview with The Washington Post. There is nothing in the article that suggests Chen wants to declare independence for Taiwan.

Instead, Chen has clearly stated that he wants to make Taiwan more democratic and to reform the political system.

The people of Taiwan should not be afraid of reform but should rather embrace it because reform would only make Taiwan more competitive economically and more stable politically in the future.

We should also remember that Taiwan is not the only country seeking reform.

France has just undergone regional elections and reform has been an important issue.

In addition, international organizations have been promoting regulatory reform among their members. The existence of good laws and regulations strengthens a country's economic development.

Therefore, we must not be suspicious of Chen's actions to improve our democratic system and Constitution, but should rather give our fullest support so that the reform could be accomplished leading to the advancement of Taiwan's economy and political system.

As a suggestion, perhaps our government should put more effort into explaining Chen's views of Taiwan's future to the people.

Ho Chen-sheng
Taipei
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