Then came 2000. The change of government to a very different political party that had few resources and no experience of governing, and was faced with a hostile legislature, made progress in all areas very difficult. But during the four years that followed -- in which the Chinese government seriously erred in refusing to deal with the new rulers -- the political profile of the people in Taiwan changed dramatically. A consensus on Taiwan's identity has become closer to unity than ever before, and it is a Taiwanese identity that has emerged. The results of this year's presidential election demonstrated this.
In my judgment, there are three imperatives that need to be addressed: first a meaningful change in the US' rules of engagement. In 2000, the US administration changed as well. In terms of the US' relationship with Taiwan, it was more forthcoming than any US administration since the switch in recognition to China in 1979. But with the changing political atmosphere in Taiwan, the US "rules of engagement," which have in any event been overtaken, now face an increasingly urgent challenge that must be addressed.
If the US wants to support Taiwan's democratic system while working to prevent catastrophe ensuing from its differences with China, it must find a new set of rules for its "unofficial relationship." It must deal with Taiwan without supporting either side's claim to sovereignty. It must treat the Taiwanese government as legitimate and responsible to its people, and conduct its relationship with the country's leaders accordingly.
Second, in developing a more realistic relationship with Taiwan, democratic countries should increase pressure on China to better understand a Taiwan that is indeed different, and to develop more realistic proposals for resolving China's differences with Taiwan.
Third, an important domestic challenge for Taiwan, with its popular democracy based on the will of the people, is to develop an understanding of the dangers as well as the opportunities posed by deciding what Taiwan's future should be. The US has clearly and often reiterated that under Taiwan's democratic system, it will accept the consent of the people of Taiwan. The people must understand the responsibility they have in making such decisions.
Nat Bellocchi is a former chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan and is now a special adviser to the Liberty Times Group. The views expressed in this article are his own.
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