Sat, May 18, 2002 page8

• Editorial: Chen's tough talk is warranted

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  Within one short week, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) twice made comments about relations with South Korea and the issue of resuming direct air links between the two countries. He also harshly criticized South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. It is unusual for the president to openly voice any stance, much less an unfavorable one, with regard to another country.

  Chen told the Taipei Times during an exclusive talk that he was unhappy with Kim's pandering to China in order to implement his "Sunshine Policy" toward North Korea. Chen also remarked that "they [South Korea] wants everything, shows no goodwill [toward Taiwan]."

  On Wednesday Chen told a visiting delegation of South Korean lawmakers that resumption of air links between the two countries' national airlines would be based on 'respect for Taiwan's national integrity, substantive interests and mutuality and equality.

  Once, Chen was very friendly toward Seoul. He has visited South Korea twice to accept honorary degrees. He also met Kim, whom he described as "the most-respected political statesman of Asia." During his presidential election campaign, Chen also listed immediate resumption of direct air links with South Korea as one of his goals. Obviously, his favorable impression was based on ignorance.

  Chen's recent criticism of South Korea was probably prompted by rage. Was he upset by South Korea's refusal to allow first lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍) into the country for a holiday? Probably not. It is much more likely that he has been angered by South Korea's numerous broken promises to Taiwan and its pattern of either voting against Taiwan's entry into international organizations or abstaining from voting. Of course, Taiwan and South Korea do have different interests, and hence divergent views.

  In any event, equality and mutuality are the most fundamental bases of a bilateral relationship between two countries. In the 10 years since direct air links with South Korea were severed, Taiwan has heard South Korean visitors' demands for resumption of such links. However, no one has ever heard them talk about what is in it for Taiwan. Taiwan was the victim in the termination of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. What exactly does Seoul think Taiwan is when it makes such boorish demands? Does it consider Taiwan its colony or appendage?

  From Taiwan's perspective, South Korea has more to gain from the resumption of direct air links. All Taiwan will get is the threat of an even more serious trade deficit with South Korea. Last year's deficit was more than US$6 billion, second only to Taiwan's trade deficit with Japan. Seoul has never shown any serious concern about easing the deficit. Taiwan has ample grounds to demand that the deficit be dealt with.

  It is to be hoped that Chen's anger will lead South Korea to try to see things from Taiwan's perspective for a change. Some goodwill and respect would go a long way in improving relations -- as would putting an end to making demands without offering anything in return. Otherwise, South Korea's bad conduct will only increase the resentment of Taiwanese.

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