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Arms bill is Taiwan's problem

In response to a recent editorial ("US must alter its approach," Sept. 30, page 8), there are two important reasons why the US should not play a proactive role in Taiwanese politics.

First, US intervention in Taiwanese politics would forever alter the way legislation is dealt with in Taiwan. For example, if the US happens to be unhappy with other future legislation or actions taken by the Taiwanese government, Washington would be given the option of controlling Taiwan through actions such as denying visas to Taiwanese politicians.

Second, the US government cannot interfere with the decision of Taiwan's legislature when that legislative body is a legitimate creation of democracy. What would be the point of democracy in Taiwan if the US can play a role in it?

I, too, find it annoying that the special arms procurement budget cannot be passed. But it would be irresponsible for us to delegate the US government to deal with this problem. Rather, the campaign for the budget needs to be reevaluated so that creative ways can be found to educate the public and win them over to the cause.

Eric Yeh
Evanston, Illinois
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