Print

Mail

wiki links

Ol' Blue Eyes knew

I'll be the first to admit, unfortunately, that most of what Philip Wallbridge says is true. ["The US isn't so pure," Sept. 1, page 8.] Yet, among all nations, the US is still the only one which has a Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). This, by law, requires the US to aid Taiwan if attacked by China [Editor's note: The TRA states that "the president is directed to inform the Congress promptly of any threat to the security or the social or economic system of the people on Taiwan and any danger to the interests of the United States arising therefrom. The president and the Congress shall determine, in accordance with constitutional processes, appropriate action by the United States in response to any such danger." This deliberately vague wording should not be misinterpreted as explicity requiring the US to come to Taiwan's aid in the event of an attack.]

The US also advised Taiwan to remain in the UN as the representative of the people of Taiwan, but this was refused by Chiang Kai-Shiek (蔣介石). Taiwan was held hostage by Chiang's cronies and their guns.

Now that the Taiwanese have managed to free themselves, if Britain and other nations could follow the lead of the US in demanding peace in the Strait -- or even to help Taiwan's UN membership bid -- they would show respect for Taiwan's self-determination. China will not think they can practice their modern day imperialism with success or impunity. What a contribution to the peace of the region -- and the world -- and what a blessing to people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait that would be.

The first time I heard the US was not perfect was from Frank Sinatra: "America is a great, imperfect country." For Taiwanese, America is a great -- if not so pure -- friend.

Chen Ming-chung
Chicago, Illinois

This story has been viewed 1889 times.