Standing on two legs
As a proponent of Taiwan democracy and human rights, for decades I have helped mobilize members of the US Congress to support Taiwan against the seemingly impossible odds of an aggressive communist China bent on imposing sovereignty over a de facto independent Taiwan. Now more than ever, Taiwanese must stand up to make a difference.
Taiwanese Americans and other overseas Taiwanese have for years recognized the pitfalls of a so-called democratic Taiwan, with the basic foundation set up by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT).
After 38 years of martial law prohibiting advocacy of independence and promoting Chinese indoctrination, democracy in Taiwan has functioned within the “legal” restrictions defined by the Republic of China (ROC) Constitution enacted by the KMT. Clearly, under these restrictions, Taiwan cannot function as or become a true sovereign democracy.
Since President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) took office in 2008, observers from abroad began to recognize the obvious lack of transparency in the process of assimilation with China — orchestrated by his administration and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) — which is progressing at an alarming rate.
In this short time, Taiwanese have been led to believe that economic prosperity is dependent on trade with China. Experts disagree. The Ma administration is entertaining into a “political dialogue” with Beijing, while its China policy sacrifices Taiwan’s sovereignty and the inevitable annexation of Taiwan by China.
Taiwan depends on its ability to stand on two legs; the first of which is the will of Taiwanese to ensure Taiwan survives as an independent sovereign country, and the second, US support. If one leg falters, Taiwan would be absorbed by China and become its province, a hegemonic goal that Beijing has unilaterally declared.
Why is there close to zero transparency in the Ma government’s dealings with the PRC?
While most experts in Taiwan and overseas agree that a reduction of tensions in the Taiwan Strait is beneficial, it is crucial to do this in a manner befitting a democratic nation: with openness and full public debate. Only if there is sufficient transparency and true dialogue — both in the Legislative Yuan and in society as a whole — will the result be supported by a significant majority of the public.
Taiwanese must take part in determining their future as a free and democratic nation. Closed-door deals without public input bring Taipei increasingly into Beijing’s sphere of influence and therefore compromise Taiwan’s right to self-determination.
Why is the Ma administration sacrificing Taiwan’s sovereignty for the benefit of closer relations with the PRC?
Further polarization has occurred because of a lack of transparency and democratic checks and balances. Many observers believe that the rapprochement with China comes at the expense of Taiwan’s sovereignty, democracy and freedom.
To some, current judicial practices and police behavior toward those who openly criticize government policies are reminiscent of the dark days of martial law. Many overseas Taiwanese believe the core interests and values of the KMT are consistent with those of the PRC and accordingly compromise the democratic aspirations of Taiwan.
The Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) is one crucial step in the assimilation process and all deliberations with the PRC on this matter were conducted behind closed doors.
Both transparency and true dialogue have been lacking in the rapprochement process in general and in the ECFA process in particular. Decisions and agreements are arrived at in secrecy and then simply announced to the public. It therefore comes as no surprise that members of the US Congress have referred to the ECFA as a “Trojan Horse, a cage and a trap.”
The Legislative Yuan has been sidelined, having little input in the form or content of any agreements. There is virtually no possibility of discussion about such agreements. This undermines the system of checks and balances that is so essential to a mature democracy. Opinion polls showed overwhelming support for a referendum on the ECFA and for better legislative oversight of Taiwan’s China policy.
One way to counterbalance the current lopsided Taiwan-PRC economic stranglehold would be the conclusion of a US-Taiwan free-trade agreement (FTA). However, this brings up a logical question: Where are the FTAs with other countries?
The possibility of Taiwan moving forward with FTA negotiations with other countries was an issue that was discussed in great detail before and after the ECFA was signed in June last year. The Ma government made it appear as if FTAs would come easily after the ECFA was signed, but Chinese officials stated that FTAs could only go through with Beijing’s approval.
Since that time, hardly any agreements have appeared on the horizon — only Singapore has indicated an interest, but its economy is minuscule, and an agreement would hardly have an impact on Taiwan’s economic growth. Besides, China has demanded that Singapore recognize its sovereignty over Taiwan in case of any FTA.
I ask Taiwanese, no matter whether you are from China, or descendants of immigrants from China after World War II, or Hoklo, Hakka or Aborigine: “Are we not all Taiwanese?”
And as citizens of a nation distinct from China, we must recognize that what is happening to Taiwan under Ma’s leadership is tantamount to annexation through economic assimilation dictated by China. Democratic principles have been compromised and it must be stopped. Taiwan has developed into a vibrant democracy, but that has begun to erode since Ma took office.
Let us work toward strengthening both legs of Taiwan’s stability to realize the ultimate goal of unequivocal sovereignty, self-governance and full independence. As a sovereign country, Taiwan should be able to stop this insidious process of over--reliance on China and look to the rest of the international community for mutually beneficial economic goals. A sovereign Taiwan with a vibrant democracy could be a template for China to eventually emulate.
JONG CHEN
Sacramento, California
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