Many Taiwanese people might have been taken aback by local newspaper headlines on New Year's Day, which included: "President Chen Shui-bian (
After reading Chen's New Year address, I was really disappointed! In the 20th century, Taiwan endured hardships when it was colonized by Japan in the first half of the century, and again when it was ruled by the autocratic KMT in the second half of the century. Consequently, many Taiwanese have placed their hopes on the establishment and local political parties, hoping that local Taiwanese can have a chance to "become their own masters" (
On March 18, 2000, the DPP's victory in the presidential election was only the beginning for Taiwan. The DPP government also brought new hope to this island when it was formed on May 20, 2000. However, seven months after the "rotation of political parties" (
Unfortunately, Chen's New Year address clearly declared that Taiwan is heading back to the old path with the DPP government deciding to bow its neck to Beijing's "one China" (
China has always wanted to annex Taiwan using its hegemonic power. No matter how hard Chen tries, his attempts will never be recognized by Beijing. Despite Chen's goodwill, sincerity and humble attitude, Beijing officials still have the skeptical attitude of "listen to what he [Chen] says and observe his moves" (
What upsets me most is that Chen's address showed that the DPP government has made a compromise of capitulation under the pressure of Beijing's threats and the despotic power of the savage and absurd "opposition-alliance" (
In Chinese leaders' eyes, "integration" is a synonym for "splittism" (
As Taiwan moves into the 21st century, its national leader must endure difficulties with dogged will and be determined to hold the steering wheel tightly if Taiwan is to achieve national solidarity. By doing this, we can lead this island to a brighter future with dignity. If we go back to the miserable and dark old path, how are we going to explain this decision to our future generations? I therefore appeal to the government not to let the people of Taiwan down.
Lin Pi-yao is a professor of chemistry at Tunghai University.
Translated by Eddy Chang
A chip made by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) was found on a Huawei Technologies Co artificial intelligence (AI) processor, indicating a possible breach of US export restrictions that have been in place since 2019 on sensitive tech to the Chinese firm and others. The incident has triggered significant concern in the IT industry, as it appears that proxy buyers are acting on behalf of restricted Chinese companies to bypass the US rules, which are intended to protect its national security. Canada-based research firm TechInsights conducted a die analysis of the Huawei Ascend 910B AI Trainer, releasing its findings on Oct.
In honor of President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, my longtime friend and colleague John Tkacik wrote an excellent op-ed reassessing Carter’s derecognition of Taipei. But I would like to add my own thoughts on this often-misunderstood president. During Carter’s single term as president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, despite numerous foreign policy and domestic challenges, he is widely recognized for brokering the historic 1978 Camp David Accords that ended the state of war between Egypt and Israel after more than three decades of hostilities. It is considered one of the most significant diplomatic achievements of the 20th century.
As the war in Burma stretches into its 76th year, China continues to play both sides. Beijing backs the junta, which seized power in the 2021 coup, while also funding some of the resistance groups fighting the regime. Some suggest that Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) is hedging his bets, positioning China to side with the victors regardless of the outcome. However, a more accurate explanation is that China is acting pragmatically to safeguard its investments and ensure the steady flow of natural resources and energy for its economy. China’s primary interest is stability and supporting the junta initially seemed like the best
Numerous expert analyses characterize today’s US presidential election as a risk for Taiwan, given that the two major candidates, US Vice President Kamala Harris and former US president Donald Trump, are perceived to possess divergent foreign policy perspectives. If Harris is elected, many presume that the US would maintain its existing relationship with Taiwan, as established through the American Institute in Taiwan, and would continue to sell Taiwan weapons and equipment to help it defend itself against China. Under the administration of US President Joe Biden, whose political views Harris shares, the US on Oct. 25 authorized arms transfers to Taiwan, another