By comparison, Taiwan's position on unification is generally that: (1) both sides must acknowledge the existence of two independent and sovereign entities; (2) both sides must agree that the status of each entity is equal; (3) there will be no official negotiations unless China renounces the use of force; (4) China must be democratized; and (5) it must have a free market economic system.
A "one country, two systems" accommodation with China is clearly unacceptable to the people of Taiwan. The US has often publicly stated that any change to the status quo regarding Taiwan must have the "assent" of the people of Taiwan. Where does that stand in dealing with a China "law"? Will the commitments made in the six assurances be in jeopardy?
This takes us to the new atmosphere between the US and Taiwan. As was openly mentioned in the State Department's daily briefing, the US is communicating, apparently in narrow channels, with both China and Taiwan when it believes some action or statement by the government leaders on either side are provocative on a cross-Strait matter.
If that becomes the norm in dealing with both sides on a matter that might develop into dangerous tension, there will likely be criticism even in the US.
Given the nature of the presidents' decision-making process in both Taipei and Washington, the ad hoc use of narrow channels to communicate a matter is questionable. It too easily results in misunderstanding, and is more likely to generate a broader oversight by the legislative branch on both sides.
China's proposed new "law" should be a wake-up call for both Taiwan and the US. Given the potential harm this "law" could cause both, it is high time the two major parties establish an understanding on how to restrain themselves in dealing with sensitive sovereignty-connected issues while debating legitimate and much-needed reforms.
From the US perspective, it is now taking a step in advancing a better rapport with Taiwan's military. It has changed from having no communications at all to the posting of active uniformed military personnel stationed in Taipei. It was badly needed by both the US and Taiwan even in the days of relative quiet on security matters.
That same reasoning is sorely needed on both sides -- Washington and Taiwan -- on political matters.
Nat Bellocchi is 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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