Finally the chaos of Taiwan's presidential election has settled down. The question of the shooting of President Chen Shui-bian (
Taiwan was ruled by Japan for 50 years before being occupied by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) regime for the next 50 years. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek (
Due to these outside rulers, the Taiwanese, who comprised 85 percent of the population, were deprived of their own cultural heritage, which created an identity crisis. The people of Taiwan have only had 12 years in which they could elect their president. Their identity became important when the people had to choose between a Chinese Nationalist presidential candidate and Chen, a native-born Taiwanese.
Chen was portrayed as a warmonger by his opponents. He wishes to avoid a confrontation with China but insists on independence for Taiwan.
More than 80 percent of Taiwanese voters cast ballots, with Chen winning by a margin of only 0.2 percent. The election was so hotly contested that almost every person in Taiwan was motivated to participate in the decision of who would lead the country.
I give a lot of credit to the people of Taiwan. With only 12 years of democracy, they were able to overcome all the difficulties and make the right decision. Chen represents the Democratic Progressive Party. In his four years as president he has cleared up bad bank loans, put an end to many white-collar crimes, and has brought discipline to the government. He has improved mass transportation, but most importantly he has brought Silicon Valley ideas to Taiwan and has made it the world's leading high-tech country.
Taiwan is not recognized by the UN, and has been isolated because the world goes along with China's request not to accept Taiwan as a legitimate country. China has always proclaimed that Taiwan is a renegade province, even though they have never set foot in Taiwan.
Chen has offered to sit down with the Chinese government many times. However, China wants the Taiwan government to accept one condition: China's legal right to govern Taiwan. The people of Taiwan have voiced very clearly their strong opposition to that demand.
Taiwan has been a strong ally of the US. When the US recognized China during the presidency of Jimmy Carter, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act to ensure that Taiwan would not be taken over by force by China.
Taiwan has done wonders in helping many underdeveloped countries in Africa and Central America. This help has come in the form of economic aid to build hospitals and bridges and to develop rural resources via technical assistance for farmers.
Taiwan has supported US policies and has maintained friendly relations. The people of Taiwan share the values of democracy, human rights and peace.
A strong and democratic Taiwan will bring peace, stability and economic progress to the Pacific basin. Taiwan's democracy needs the US. It is certain that the US will support any free country, as it has during the war in Iraq, for the sake of permanent safety of the free world.
Tien C. Cheng is a member of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission.
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