Activists don't all think alike
Julian Baggini's tirade for ethical consumerism sounds well reasoned, but in fact isn't (Ethical consumerism isn't fashionable, Aug. 22, page 9).
Baggini's arguments fall apart when he presumes that the anti-globalization movement speaks with one voice, one vision. In fact, the anti-globalization crowd represents a multiplicity of perspectives from every walk of life, from every corner of the world. Attempts like Baggini's to reduce the complexity into fast food soundbites does an injustice, not to the activists, but to the over-arching need to find solutions.
Michael Straus
San Francisco, California
Population control is myopic
The recent policy of the Bureau of Health Promotion (Marry early, have kids, begs bureau, Aug. 17, page 2) to boost the birth rate by encouraging early marriage and pregnancy is myopic. Supporting an aging population brings challenges, and the government does need to strategize in advance. However, to propose raising the birth rate as the solution is regressive and unimaginative.
The quality of life in Taiwan is adversely affected by its population density, which is second only to Bangladesh. Before adding more children to the nation, those who love children might like to see a more kid-friendly Taiwan, so that the majority of children here have more to look forward to than a concrete jungle of dim, yardless pre-schools and cram schools, or dark Internet cafes. Even its high per capita income cannot make a Taipei where children can open their front doors and have a place to safely ride a bicycle or play a game of catch; where traffic jams and exhaust fumes are the exception, and where one can easily find a spot to park a motorcycle, or even a car.
Quality of life, much of which can be directly related to overpopulation, is continually cited as one of the main reason for emigration by overseas Taiwanese. Even when economic dreams abroad do not materialize, many families choose to stay overseas while the father of a family returns to Taiwan for work. Education is another reason for this migration pattern, but having a safe, pleasant environment for a family with a tree or some grass in sight is another.
The positive energy of Taiwan shines through its blemishes, but the nation should continue its environmental improvements of the past decade. A dip in population should be seen as a "growing pain" that would cause a few years of difficulties, but render great benefits for coming centuries.
Donovan Ramage
Hsinchu, Taiwan
Down with Downer
Australia's national interest is to maintain relations with the Chinese people, not it's oppressors. (Mark Chen slams `unfit' Aussie minister Downer, Aug. 21, page 4).
Trade based on the needs of two nations are of enormous importance to the long-term interests of any nation. But the principles of developed nations, such as freedom and democracy, are also important.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer should take a lesson from their most reliable ally, the US: While maintaining trade relations with China, the US does not support its oppressive policies, be it domestic (such as the regime's trampling of human rights), or foreign (its threats against Taiwan). There is no need for the Australians to suck up to Chinese Communist Party dictators. The characters of a man, a people, a nation come to light by how they deal with a dilemma. If Downer can't say anything constructive about Taiwan's geopolitical situation, he should just shut up.
Chen Ming-chung
Chicago
Singapore tows China's line
I am writing to express my outrage at the statements made by the new prime minister of Singapore and his decision to state that he does not support Taiwan's independence. His cozying up to the Chinese government tells us more about Singapore's leadership than about Taiwan. Every country has the right to be free and no country has the right to be patronizing about another nation's desire for freedom and sovereignty.
Singapore has many things to learn from Taiwan, starting with democratic elections. Taiwan should not be afraid of being bullied by China, Australia or Singapore, and should be quick to remind the leaders of other countries that the future of Taiwan should only be decided by the people of Taiwan.
Clive Hazell
Nagoya, Japan
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
Can US dialogue and cooperation with the communist dictatorship in Beijing help avert a Taiwan Strait crisis? Or is US President Joe Biden playing into Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) hands? With America preoccupied with the wars in Europe and the Middle East, Biden is seeking better relations with Xi’s regime. The goal is to responsibly manage US-China competition and prevent unintended conflict, thereby hoping to create greater space for the two countries to work together in areas where their interests align. The existing wars have already stretched US military resources thin, and the last thing Biden wants is yet another war.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, people have been asking if Taiwan is the next Ukraine. At a G7 meeting of national leaders in January, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned that Taiwan “could be the next Ukraine” if Chinese aggression is not checked. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that if Russia is not defeated, then “today, it’s Ukraine, tomorrow it can be Taiwan.” China does not like this rhetoric. Its diplomats ask people to stop saying “Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow.” However, the rhetoric and stated ambition of Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) on Taiwan shows strong parallels with