It was moving to hear Minister of National Defense Tang Yao-ming (
After President Chen Shui-bian (
To them, the ROC is the nation that existed before the KMT's retreat to Taiwan in 1949. So, when they say ROC, the "motherland" on the other side of the Taiwan Strait immediately comes to mind. They think Taiwan is but a small part of this "great China." Their blood begins to boil when they think about the Great Wall and the Yangtze River and they are overwhelmed by a feeling of kinship when they think about the more than 1 billion "compatriots" divided by the Strait.
Tang's statement reflected this mindset. To illustrate the determination of servicemen to fight foreign invaders, he used the battle against Japan's invasion of China six decades ago as example -- one that hardly seems appropriate. The only possible foreign invader Taiwan faces now is China. Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would incite the same kind of grief, indignation and willingness to fight as was seen in China decades ago in the face of the Japanese invasion.
One can try to explain that the "ROC" for which so many people were willing to give their lives no longer exists. But patriotism and loyalty defy logic and reason. Emotions cannot be changed overnight. In a sense, the hardliners in the military and intelligence services are no different from a widow or widower who cannot accept the death of a spouse. It is not uncommon for people who are unable to accept the death of loved one to become schizophrenic.
The civilian sector faces a similar crisis, because the education system still focuses on "Chinese nationalism" though it's marginally less intense than the indoctrination traditionally received by military
recruits.
Key to resolving this identity and loyalty crisis is education, both in the military and in schools. People must be taught that "ROC" now stands for Taiwan -- and Taiwan is the rightful object of their loyalty and patriotism. It is probably too late to change the mindset of the older generations -- but it is not too late for today's children.
The three biggest concerns that the US reportedly has about Taiwan's military are the loyalty, quality and logistic capability of the rank and file. The educational background and logistic capabilities of those serving in the armed forces can be improved fairly quickly -- and easily. It will take a lot more time and energy to shape a new sense of national identity and loyalty.
With escalating US-China competition and mutual distrust, the trend of supply chain “friend shoring” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fragmentation of the world into rival geopolitical blocs, many analysts and policymakers worry the world is retreating into a new cold war — a world of trade bifurcation, protectionism and deglobalization. The world is in a new cold war, said Robin Niblett, former director of the London-based think tank Chatham House. Niblett said he sees the US and China slowly reaching a modus vivendi, but it might take time. The two great powers appear to be “reversing carefully
As China steps up a campaign to diplomatically isolate and squeeze Taiwan, it has become more imperative than ever that Taipei play a greater role internationally with the support of the democratic world. To help safeguard its autonomous status, Taiwan needs to go beyond bolstering its defenses with weapons like anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles. With the help of its international backers, it must also expand its diplomatic footprint globally. But are Taiwan’s foreign friends willing to translate their rhetoric into action by helping Taipei carve out more international space for itself? Beating back China’s effort to turn Taiwan into an international pariah
Typhoon Krathon made landfall in southwestern Taiwan last week, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and flooding, cutting power to more than 170,000 homes and water supply to more than 400,000 homes, and leading to more than 600 injuries and four deaths. Due to the typhoon, schools and offices across the nation were ordered to close for two to four days, stirring up familiar controversies over whether local governments’ decisions to call typhoon days were appropriate. The typhoon’s center made landfall in Kaohsiung’s Siaogang District (小港) at noon on Thursday, but it weakened into a tropical depression early on Friday, and its structure
Taiwan is facing multiple economic challenges due to internal and external pressures. Internal challenges include energy transition, upgrading industries, a declining birthrate and an aging population. External challenges are technology competition between the US and China, international supply chain restructuring and global economic uncertainty. All of these issues complicate Taiwan’s economic situation. Taiwan’s reliance on fossil fuel imports not only threatens the stability of energy supply, but also goes against the global trend of carbon reduction. The government should continue to promote renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, as well as energy storage technology, to diversify energy supply. It
RSS