Reflections on sovereignty
A recent report by Taipei Times reporter Vincent Y. Chao sheds light on the status of Taiwan’s sovereignty in attending the official functions of the WHO and other international organizations (“WHO Web site inflames uproar,” May 18, page 1).
The report says that diverse problems might arise because of Taiwan’s designations as being a part of China. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers argued that Taiwan’s sovereignty is being sold out and thus government representatives should not attend the World Health Assembly (WHA).
In striking contrast, Department of Health Minister Chiu Wen-ta (邱文達) attended this year’s WHA, lodging a written protest against the WHO for referring to Taiwan as “Taiwan, Province of China” in all internal communications.
Because Taiwan was invited to attend the WHA as an “observer,” the DPP has been insisting that Taiwan’s sovereignty be protected. The DPP has bitterly criticized the government’s handling of international affairs and the WHA issue as vague and impractical.
To be fair, using the designation “Chinese Taipei” to participate in international organizations such as APEC, the Olympic Games or other international organizations has led to a breakthrough for Taiwan since the 1990s. This title is not satisfactory, but acceptable in today’s political reality.
In the 21st century, the world has become a closely interrelated network. Over-emphasizing sovereignty or autonomy does not make much sense anymore. Substantial functions matter.
It goes without saying that Taiwan should exert all necessary efforts to participate in all the international organizations with which it is associated. Taiwan’s participation is justified when it can achieve “meaningful participation” not only in the WHA, but also in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and International Civil Aviation Organization within a year.
Indeed, by “participating in three assembly meetings and 14 technical activities, bilateral talks, a cocktail reception and an international press conference” at the WHA this year, Chiu and the delegation members “were able to make their voice heard on the international stage while maintaining dignity,” as Chiu said (“Delegation describes pressure at WHA,” May 23, page 3).
By all means, we should defend Taiwan’s sovereignty in any practical way we can. In the meantime, we should strike a balance in global politics. Kudos to Chiu for doing a great job at this year’s WHA despite challenges from home and abroad.
MARTIN SHIH
Taipei
Name rectification
In these past few weeks, the name of Taiwan has been heavily discussed. I would like to share with you my latest experience. My wife is Taiwanese and we now live in my country, Greece (a country without official relations with Taiwan), where she applied, two years ago, for a resident card.
The card was ready just six months later and with a bad surprise: her home country was designated as “Taiwan, Province of China.” We immediately rejected this card and asked for a name correction to “Taiwan” or “Taiwan, ROC.” The Greek authorities asked the Greek Ministry of the Interior for advice and later the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Seven months later, no news has yet arrived from anybody and I have been forced to search by myself for an answer as to which government department can resolve our situation. I also sent a second letter and fax to a sympathetic employee who tried to help at the foreign ministry.
In this letter, I also asked the Greek authorities to have a look at official Taiwanese government Web sites (following advice from the Taipei Representative Office in Athens).
About 14 months after our initial demand, I finally learned that the change was approved and that the card could be printed. I am proud to say that on her resident card, her country of origin is now designated as Taiwan. The few Taiwanese who apply in Greece for a resident card will now receive the same treatment.
I could not say whether this time China had an influence over the Greek administration, but Greeks in general do not know much about Taiwan. On the contrary, I heard from a valuable source that the Chinese official translator in Athens did everything she could to obstruct Taiwanese who bring official documents from home to Greece.
For us, to rectify the name was a question of dignity and truth, but now I see that it is also a way to say to the Chinese that their tricks will not work.
VASSILIS TSO
Thessaloniki, Greece
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