I would like to express my total agreement with the article "Taiwan is not China" (Aug. 28, page 8). Indeed, the PRC has been recognized as China ever since it assumed the UN's "China seat." That Taiwan is not China is, therefore, a matter of common sense. Some Taiwanese, however, appear to wish to ignore the fact and insist that Taiwan still represents China. Citizens of Taiwan must understand the basic international position and the rules of the UN. I feel nothing but fury towards those Taiwanese diplomats in the Dominican Republic. How ignorant can they be? Those who claim that the ROC still represents China, are just like those who claim that a Republic of Taiwan (ROT) represents Taiwan. The only difference is that only 20 or so countries recognize the ROC, while none recognize the ROT. The number of countries who recognize the ROC is decreasing. Eventually, the only name that will be known will be "Taiwan," not "ROC."
By the same token, I would like to suggest that Chen Lung-chu (陳隆志) adopt the designation "Hua-jen" (華人) instead of "Chinese," for those people whose ancestors were from China. "Chinese," by definition denotes people who are from China. "Hua-jen" is more neutral and there is no nationality involved. By definition, Taiwanese are one type of Hua-jen, but not necessarily "Chinese." If, one day, China understands that Chinese are also Hua-jen, just like Hua-jen from Singapore, for example, they will respect Taiwan more. Yes, there is only "one China" in the world. But, there could be many countries with a majority of citizens who are Hua-jen.
Cheng Wen
Taipei, Taiwan
Foreign laborers' rights
In his article ("Foreign laborers' rights need work," Aug. 27, page 8), Jason Chin-hsin Liu (
If China does try to take control of Taiwan by force, the US may well come to the island's aid. But before committing itself, the US would consider the attitude of the Philippines -- which it would need as a forward base -- and of other countries in the region. Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta would, of course, consider many different factors before agreeing to or rejecting a US request for cooperation. But by failing to protect the rights of laborers from those countries, Taiwan risks incurring the antipathy of thier respective governments.
Southeast Asian neutrality would make US intervention less likely; if the US did go ahead on its own, the probability of success would be reduced. This is something Taiwan should not risk.
Steven Crook
Taipei, Taiwan
Lockheed Martin on Tuesday responded to concerns over delayed shipments of F-16V Block 70 jets, saying it had added extra shifts on its production lines to accelerate progress. The Ministry of National Defense on Monday said that delivery of all 66 F-16V Block 70 jets — originally expected by the end of next year — would be pushed back due to production line relocations and global supply chain disruptions. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said that Taiwan and the US are working to resolve the delays, adding that 50 of the aircraft are in production, with 10 scheduled for flight
On Sunday, 13 new urgent care centers (UCC) officially began operations across the six special municipalities. The purpose of the centers — which are open from 8am to midnight on Sundays and national holidays — is to reduce congestion in hospital emergency rooms, especially during the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday next year. It remains to be seen how effective these centers would be. For one, it is difficult for people to judge for themselves whether their condition warrants visiting a major hospital or a UCC — long-term public education and health promotions are necessary. Second, many emergency departments acknowledge
Victory in conflict requires mastery of two “balances”: First, the balance of power, and second, the balance of error, or making sure that you do not make the most mistakes, thus helping your enemy’s victory. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has made a decisive and potentially fatal error by making an enemy of the Jewish Nation, centered today in the State of Israel but historically one of the great civilizations extending back at least 3,000 years. Mind you, no Israeli leader has ever publicly declared that “China is our enemy,” but on October 28, 2025, self-described Chinese People’s Armed Police (PAP) propaganda
US President Donald Trump’s seemingly throwaway “Taiwan is Taiwan” statement has been appearing in headlines all over the media. Although it appears to have been made in passing, the comment nevertheless reveals something about Trump’s views and his understanding of Taiwan’s situation. In line with the Taiwan Relations Act, the US and Taiwan enjoy unofficial, but close economic, cultural and national defense ties. They lack official diplomatic relations, but maintain a partnership based on shared democratic values and strategic alignment. Excluding China, Taiwan maintains a level of diplomatic relations, official or otherwise, with many nations worldwide. It can be said that
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