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Letter: Why not be friends?

As a recent visitor to Taiwan, may I be so bold as to make a few observations. To begin, I was greatly impressed with what I saw as a thriving and robust country you have for a homeland. The pride you have in your country is obvious and evident by the sparkling cleanliness of your towns and cities. Our hosts and everyone we encountered were warm, welcoming and gracious. We enjoyed our stay tremendously and feel a family-like kinship toward the Taiwanese people.

Having said that, I am at a loss to understand China's attitude toward Taiwan. China stands to gain far more from an independent, sovereign and friendly Taiwan than a subservient, repressed province. The potential for gain by both countries is only limited by the imagination which both have in abundant supply.

As a friendly ally, Taiwan could free China from a concern to defend her southern coastline and at no cost to China. It would also be in China's interest if it intends to become a power broker in Asian affairs to have Taiwan occupying a friendly seat in the UN. Taiwan, with a powerhouse economy, would be a plus as not only a local market, but a conduit for international business interests considering Taiwan's less intrusive government involvement. Besides all of this, China has no legitimate claim on Taiwan since Taiwan has never been a part of the People's Republic of China.

Another issue that I am sure is sensitive and may have become divisive, is that perhaps it is time to retire the identity of the Republic of China and accept the present reality of the "Democratic Republic of Taiwan." This certainly doesn't mean discarding your heritage as Chinese. Taiwan will always have a cultural and historical kinship with China as we in the US have with the UK.

Your bond is perhaps the stronger since the US is a great melting pot, having received its citizens from most of the countries in the world.

The US stood with China in its great struggle against Japan and shares many things with the Chinese people. We have a long history that was made rich by the Chinese contribution in many aspects of the US' development. The previous governor of Washington state is Chinese-American. Chinese blood courses through the veins of millions of American citizens, adding immensely to the US' greatness.

The ideal would be for China and the world to recognize Taiwan's sovereignty and for China to quit its efforts at intimidation. Taiwan and China should be peaceful neighbors and enjoy each other as allies. Each has so much to offer the other in a sovereign relationship, and nothing can be gained by pursuing the present tension.

What I think would be an appropriate effort would be a growing grassroots movement to herald the benefits of sovereignty for both countries. Instead of the negative, you could trumpet the positive, and I do believe a vigorous international public relations effort by your celebrities would catch the world's attention.

Freedom is on the move around the world and you all deserve your seat at the table.

Ray Womack
Olalla, Washington

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