With all of the activities relating to Aboriginal autonomy in the news lately, there might be good cause to think that Taiwan's indigenous peoples are gradually leaving the shadow of dependence and indignity that has saddled them since the Japanese era.
Saisiat Aborigines, for example, are taking the initiative to elect tribal representatives rather than allow the state's electoral districts to do the talking for them. Similar sentiment is growing elsewhere, much of it free of the crude green-blue political coloring of Taiwanese politics.
This week also saw the release of a comprehensive review of documents relating to the Aboriginal movement, which began its latest phase in the 1980s.
But every now and then comes a reminder of Taiwan's long history of Aboriginal subservience.
A few weeks ago Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou (
These days, Aborigines, like other Taiwanese, are more likely to expect top dollar for their vote in an election.
How fitting for the times, then, that Chang Hui-mei, (A-mei,
For A-mei, having her song chosen as the official tune for the Games would be a sensational boost for her career, and it would be a delicious irony given earlier treatment Beijing meted out to her, which included sabotaging her contracts with sponsors, canceling concerts in China and insulting her, her Aboriginal heritage, her president and her country.
The trigger was her rendition of the Republic of China's anthem for the first inauguration of President Chen Shui-bian (
A-mei's problem was likely not that she sang the anthem, but that she did so for a DPP administration. Even so, A-mei has insisted that she tries to keep politics out of her career, concentrating on the good vibes and good times that come from bringing people together with music. And she deserves sympathy: Whatever she does, someone is going to be dissatisfied. In China, that dissatisfaction extends to officially tolerated protests outside her concerts.
The real question is whether Taiwanese have a legitimate cause for dissatisfaction. Unfortunately for A-mei, this now appears to be the case.
Beijing is perfectly aware that the Olympics gig is of huge significance for A-mei; any positive response it makes to the singer is inextricably connected to the symbolic bounty this offers Beijing.
If A-mei captures the song crown or is given the chance to perform, there might be some among her many fans who would be crestfallen to realize that, although her interest in singing at the Olympics has nothing to do with politics, the function it will serve is purely political. And her Aboriginality would be fundamental to this.
The symbolism of the Taiwanese Aborigine bowing down before his or her Han master would be rejuvenated; this time, however, the master is on the other side of the Strait, and Taiwan as a whole will be doing the bowing along with her.
All that would be left, then, are two choices. Either A-mei would be ridiculously ignorant of what is going on in her own backyard, or she would be perfectly conscious of it and, with fame as her muse, not give a damn.
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s
The past few months have seen tremendous strides in India’s journey to develop a vibrant semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The nation’s established prowess in information technology (IT) has earned it much-needed revenue and prestige across the globe. Now, through the convergence of engineering talent, supportive government policies, an expanding market and technologically adaptive entrepreneurship, India is striving to become part of global electronics and semiconductor supply chains. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of “Make in India” and “Design in India” has been the guiding force behind the government’s incentive schemes that span skilling, design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, and
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s (李顯龍) decision to step down after 19 years and hand power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong (黃循財), on May 15 was expected — though, perhaps, not so soon. Most political analysts had been eyeing an end-of-year handover, to ensure more time for Wong to study and shadow the role, ahead of general elections that must be called by November next year. Wong — who is currently both deputy prime minister and minister of finance — would need a combination of fresh ideas, wisdom and experience as he writes the nation’s next chapter. The world that
As former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) wrapped up his visit to the People’s Republic of China, he received his share of attention. Certainly, the trip must be seen within the full context of Ma’s life, that is, his eight-year presidency, the Sunflower movement and his failed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, as well as his eight years as Taipei mayor with its posturing, accusations of money laundering, and ups and downs. Through all that, basic questions stand out: “What drives Ma? What is his end game?” Having observed and commented on Ma for decades, it is all ironically reminiscent of former US president Harry