Recognize Taiwan's interests

I was surprised to read on the front page about the spat over exlusive economic zones between Taiwan and Japan ("Fishermen hold protest near Japan," June 10, page 1). While it is unsurprising that self-interested commercial groups are waving flags and organizing protests, it is myopic for the Council of Agriculture (COA) to blindly wade in and threaten "action."

The council, presumably a government department [Editor's note: The COA is an agency of the Executive Yuan, and its head holds ministerial rank.] stated: "We will take concrete action to show Japan that the sovereignty of our exclusive economic zones cannot be violated."

Putting aside for a moment the argument about Taiwan's soveriegnty, isn't Japan the only Asian power who actually sympathizes with Taiwan's plight? Especially in light of the recent joint Japan-US statement concerning the Taiwan Strait, both the Council of Agriculture and the Suao Fishermens's Association appear to be shooting Taiwan -- and eventually themselves, in the case of the fishermen -- in the foot. Spouting vitriol and making rash unsupportable claims may invoke some sympathy at home, but it does nothing for Taiwan's strategic interests.

It is time for such small-minded groups to consider the larger issues at stake. The Diaoyu islands cannot be held by Taiwan in the face of Chinese agression or Japanese encroachment. Instead, this is an opportunity to strengthen Taiwan's position in preparation for the inevitable showdown with China. In short, negotiations with Japan over the Diaoyu islands would strengthen ties, improve access to the fisheries in the area, and may lead to greater security ties in the future.

Benjamin Adams
Taipei