It is puzzling to ponder how well the US understands the Taiwan issue. What does Taiwanese independence mean to the US? The "Republic of Taiwan" or the Republic of China (ROC)? Even the ROC and the People's Republic of China (PRC) are different in that they govern different territories and enjoy different sovereignties.
Historical records show that Taiwanese independence, as represented by the ROC, was manifested in the mutual defense treaty signed by the US and Taiwan in 1954. At that time, the US restricted Taiwan's territory to Taiwan proper and Penghu, even excluding the outlying islands of Kinmen and Matsu. If the US could accept a ROC composed of Taiwan proper and Penghu then, why can't it do so now?
Looking at the current international situation, it is puzzling to see the US accept China's repeated threats to wage war against Taiwan. Has the US stopped being critical of Beijing because it has established a strategic partnership with this warmonger?
The US should come up with a strategy to end or cool down Beijing's belligerence, but instead it is joining it. Zoellick's attitude is a good example of this.
What is at issue is whether the US really believes China will use force if Taiwan formally declares independence, or whether it will pretend that it sees eye to eye with China in exchange for other strategic benefits.
The US went to war to breakaway from Great Britain. Its concerns were both reasonable and understandable. But with regard to Taiwan, it would not be easy to wage an overseas war in the Taiwan Strait. The US decision to attack Iraq and Afghanistan was understandable, for the security of US territory was threatened by terrorists.
Taiwan hasn't had any relations with China for more than half a century, or been under its jurisdiction for more than half a century. This is a fact that the international community should face up to.
China has vowed to take Taiwan by force if Taiwan moves toward de jure independence. Surprisingly, the US has accepted China's threat.
Will the US really accept this unreasonable proposition? Hasn't the US State Department consulted experts in international law?
If the US' Taiwan policy continues along this trend, Taiwan will sooner or later shake off US interference, for in the eyes of Taiwanese intellectuals, the US is allying itself with China to strangle Taiwan.
Zoellick's remarks reflect the US' heavy bias toward China and how it is being threatened by Beijing. The "Zoellick incident" also shows that the State Department does not have talent capable of presenting creative ideas. Under China's shadow, the US is moving forward with hesitation and without firm moral stance.
Chen Hurng-yu is a professor in the Department of History at National Taiwan University.
Translated by Daniel Cheng
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