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Improved Taiwan-US relations are a must

After retiring from the post of Taiwan’s representative to Washington, Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), told reporters that the US is Taiwan’s most important ally and that Taiwan-US relations should be the top priority.

Ironically, Taiwan-US relations declined during former president Chen Shui-bian’s (陳水扁) eight-year rule. But that was not really Wu’s fault and he could not reverse the situation. Actually, the mutual trust between Taipei and Washington all but disappeared because of Chen’s UN referendum, when even the communication channels between government leaders were disconnected.

In his inaugural speech on May 20, President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) expressed clearly that the new government’s policy is to attach equal value to the US and China. However, when promoting cross-strait relations, Ma has ignored Washington’s feelings and thus caused further misunderstandings. Originally, complaints were only heard from some Asia experts. But the situation gradually deteriorated and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reminded Taiwan not to forget the US when promoting cross-strait relations. Moreover, rumor has it Washington has frozen arms sales to Taipei.

After Taiwanese national security officials and legislators visited Washington to clarify our arms procurement and China policies, there have been reports that the US Department of State will inform Congress after the Beijing Olympics that Washington is proceeding with the proposed eight arms deals to Taipei. During an interview with four Asian media outlets late last month, US President George W. Bush said the relationship between Taiwan, China and the US is in a “better place” now.

The impression that Ma is cold shouldering the Bush administration is probably an unintentional mistake and Ma and his national security team understand that Taiwan relies on the US for strategic planning, arms procurements, participation in international organizations and ending the diplomatic battle.

Ma’s recent pledge to build cross-strait stability and rebuild mutual trust attaches equal importance to cross-strait and Taiwan-US relations. His intention is that, from now on, Taiwan will not push for symbolic sovereignty or provoke China. Instead, he will adopt an open, pragmatic and flexible China policy to improve cross-strait relations, while ending the battle over diplomatic space. Meanwhile, he will rebuild mutual trust between Taiwan, the US and Japan for closer cooperation, while strengthening economic competitiveness and defense capabilities to increase the nation’s bargaining chips in future talks.

Ma believes it is urgent to repair cross-strait relations after years of confrontation and misunderstanding. In addition, he also believes Taiwan’s economy needs Chinese capital. The US is pleased to see the resumption of dialogue. Therefore, Ma has actively promoted cross-strait relations. Luckily, Bush’s remarks clarified all the speculation.

Former foreign minister Fredrick Chien (錢復) said the status of cross-strait relations was more important than any other diplomatic relations. Without Beijing’s nod, Taipei’s effort to expand its international space and end the diplomatic battle would be futile. Sun Yat-sen (孫逸仙) said one should not throw his carrying pole away after winning a lottery if the pole was still carrying the winning lottery ticket.

Today, Taiwan-US relations could be seen as the pole supporting the nation’s diplomacy, while cross-strait relations could be seen as the winning lottery ticket. In other words, Taiwan should not ignore its US ally as cross-strait relations improve.



Edward Chen is a professor in the Graduate Institute of American Studies at Tamkang University.

Translated by Eddy Chang
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