To salvage voters and the international community's confidence in his government, President Chen needs to do everything in his power to send signals in practical terms ("MOFA, UN in talks on WHA access," May 9, page 1.) Rejecting China's pandas to protest Beijing's oppression in the World Health Assembly would be a good start.
Until Taiwanese have the guts to stand up to China's oppression, they can not expect the international community to do it for them, not the UN, not Austria, not Germany.
Chen has the power to determine what's good for the country now. If the pan-blue opposition accepts China's gifts, the country will be divided further. Don't wait until the DPP loses power, there is no time for excuses now.
Link the two issues, gifts and oppression, so that the voters and international community can have a clear understanding of the government's thinking and reasoning. Taiwan will not be bought.
Ultimately, Taiwan will have to give up the name "Republic of China" to show its will to self-determination, and to command international respect for its rights. The time is now, with the momentum behind Taiwan after the international community's condemnation of China's "Anti-Secession" Law.
The US, Japan and the EU are all behind Taiwan. Yet it is Taiwanese who have to make the decision. Leaders, in particular, Chen, have to make the move.
Haste makes waste. The opportunity may not show itself again for Taiwan.
Chen Ming-chung
Chicago, Illinois
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