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The country is facing a deadlock on the question of national identity.

This question has been around for years, and it will be difficult to solve the problem in a democratic way. This is because the country is far too polarized.

One group of people believes in a "greater China," while another believes in independence. There is almost no room for a third group.

Even if someone stands up proclaiming the country should find a new third way, he or she will soon be lumped into the pan-blue or pan-green camp and attacked by politicians on the other side.

Democracy is the consensus of its citizens. Democracy is also respect for minorities. However, there seems to be no minority on the topic of national identity. And with the political camps so polarized, any consensus is out of reach.

Hence the question of national identification remains deadlocked. When will politicians learn to discuss this matter rationally, without distorting the issue?

To break this impasse, the two camps must both take a step back to allow room for new opinions to be heard. At the same time, they must learn to respect their political opponents' opinions.

Only with such a balance will the country continue to develop a healthy democracy. And maybe someday, through the democratic process, the people of Taiwan will achieve a unified national identity.

Lee Fung Sai
Hong Kong
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