Is the "1992 consensus" a panacea for Taiwan to "move toward benefits and avoid risks" in cross-strait relations? President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) stated in Monday's meeting with Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) that he would "absolutely respect" this principle if Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) openly accepts the idea of "`one China' with separate interpretation." However, if China were to accept it, it might lead to further problems.
First of all, with Taiwan and the PRC each having their own interpretation of "China," who will take Taiwan's interpretation seriously? Will the international community change its perception of "China" as the PRC? Of course not. Rather, if Taiwan accepts "`one China' with separate interpretations" and starts negotiations with China, it means it formally declares: "we are indeed a sacred and indivisible part of China."
Based on his pro-China ideology, Ma implies that resuming dialogue with China under the "1992 consensus" would facilitate revival of Taiwan's economy. In fact, this falsely assumes that "maintaining sovereignty" is incompatible with "promoting economic development." Are other countries trading with China at the expense of their sovereignty? If not, supporting the "1992 consensus" means nothing but the complete denial of Taiwan as a sovereign state.
Taiwan will never benefit from the notion of "`one China' with separate interpretation." Chen should bear in mind that China should have no say in determining Taiwan's future. Whether China accepts the "1992 consensus," is none of Taiwan's business.
Yen-Pin Su
Yungho City, Taipei County
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