It probably never occurred to pro-independence activist Koh Se-kai (
A political dissident blacklisted by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) between 1959 and 1992, Koh was one of the most senior pro-independence activists during the authoritarian period of the KMT regime.
FILE PHOTO: TAIPEI TIMES
He said it was the democratization of Taiwan's society in recent years that brought him home and ultimately led him to join the government's efforts to promote Taiwan's independence.
Koh, 70, went to Japan in 1959 to pursue his master's degree in political science at Japan's Waseda University and then earned his doctorate in law from Tokyo University. He then became a professor at Tsuda College and joined the forces of overseas independence activists. National Policy Advisor Alice King (
Koh, now a professor at Providence University in Taichung and president of Formosa University, has been advocating the establishment of a new constitution. He drafted a "Constitution for the Taiwan Republic" as early as 1975 in Japan, but only in 1988 was his constitutional draft published in Taiwan.
Speaking of his mission to act as an envoy on behalf of President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), Koh said his primary job is to promote Chen's ideas about formulating a new constitution and to allay the concerns of the international community.
"The most difficult part for Taiwan in constructing a new constitution will be international pressure from countries such as the US and Japan. My job is to promote the constitutional project to Japan and to explain the goal and Taiwan's need for a new constitution, and therefore, reduce the pressure at the lowest level," Koh said in a telephone interview with the Taipei Times yesterday.
In addition, Koh said another important task would be to bolster Japan's role in defending Taiwan's security on the basis of the US-Japan Defense Guidelines in 1999 under which the US and Japan are responsible for the security of "areas surrounding Japan."
"It is not only the US' responsibility to defend Taiwan's security. Japan also shares that responsibility. The US is mandated to come to Taiwan's defense under the Taiwan Relations Act, while Japan is related to this with its obligation for regional security under the US-Japan Defense Guidelines. Therefore, it is very important for Taiwan to ensure that Japan is obligated to defend Taiwan," Koh said.
Currently there is no official link between Taiwan and Japan regarding defense obligations. However, it is believed the security relationship based on the "Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States of America and Japan" has done that job over the past 50 years.
Although a staunch activist for Taiwan's independence, Koh said he would respect the limits of his capacity as an official of the Republic of China (ROC) and reduce his independence activism in the public domain.
"If people think the ROC is not a proper name for Taiwan, there is always possibility of change through democratic procedures. But before the name is changed, I have to minimize my [independence] activities. Privately, I'm determined to advocate Taiwan's independence, but as an ROC official, I'll respect the limitations," Koh said.
During his 33 years of political exile in Japan, Koh was active in Japan's academic and political arenas, and those experiences and connections have now turned into valuable assets he can utilize to expand relations with Japan.
"The 33 years I spent in Japan because of the blacklist -- which barred me from returning to Taiwan -- have enabled me to cultivate the resources I have right now," Koh said.
"The late Japanese prime minister Keizo Obuchi was a good friend of mine when we studied in Waseda University. He used to consult with me about the situation in Taiwan. I also had interaction with former prime minister Yoshiro Mori in Waseda University, and now we still keep in touch with each other," he said.
He said his good connections in the Japanese academic and cultural arenas are to his advantage, as he could promote bilateral relations with a soft approach instead of a hardline political style, which might provoke China.
Ng Chiau-tong, a close comrade of Koh during his days of promoting Taiwan independence in Japan, commended Koh as a gentleman who, although he is 70 years old, is still energetic in delivering his ideals.
"Koh is a very handsome man and very spirited. With his sound background in Japan's academic and cultural societies, I think President Chen's choice was a very brilliant one," Ng said.
Senior Presidential Advisor Koo Kuan-min (辜寬敏), who is believed to have recommended Koh for the job, yesterday said Koh is close to the core circle of Japan's political and academic arenas, and his seniority is something that Japanese society respects.
Chen had intended to invite middle-generation political figures to take up top diplomatic posts. But Koo said that Koh's seniority is something highly respected in Japanese society and therefore could enhance his diplomatic
performance.
Koo also commended Koh's wife, Koh Chien-hui (
Koh will take up his duties in Japan in the middle of next month.
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