“Never say never” are words to live by, not only for ordinary people, but especially for politicians.
When President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) declared in a recent interview with CNN that “We will never ask the Americans to fight for Taiwan,” he committed a big blunder, especially as the president of a country.
In this instance, he did not speak for the overwhelming majority of Taiwanese.
In fact, what he said is contrary to the popular will of the Taiwanese and contradicts the enlightened national interest of Taiwan.
The overwhelming majority of Taiwanese understand and appreciate that the US’s defense commitment, as expressed in the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, has contributed enormously to the peace, security and stability of Taiwan for over 30 years, enabling Taiwan to achieve economic growth and to experience political transformation from the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) oppression under “the perpetual martial law” to a free, democratic country committed to protecting and honoring human rights.
As Benjamin Franklin wrote, “God helps those who help themselves.” We the Taiwanese people realize that we must do our utmost to defend and protect our island nation.
But in a globalized world of ever-increasing interdependence and danger, which country can really stand alone? Collective security for mutual defense and assistance is the answer.
The Taiwanese are a democratic, peace-loving people. For decades, though, we have been constantly threatened by a rising, powerful neighbor — the People’s Republic of China — that has more than 1,400 missiles aimed at Taiwan.
Internally, we now have a president who has shown every sign of leaning on China and of submitting to China’s will in his pursuit of the so-called “ultimate unification with China” — betraying his campaign promises and acting against the popular will of the Taiwanese people.
Taiwan must remain strong and courageous, but we do need friends in this dangerous world.
The US has been a real friend of Taiwan. We cherish its friendship and appreciate its defense assistance and commitment, and will continue to do so.
Together, we can continue to keep Taiwan a free, democratic country, contributing to peace, security and democracy in the Asia-Pacific community.
Chen Lung-chu is the chairman of the Taiwan New Century Foundation.
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