Relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have been cloudy since 1950, with both sides claiming sovereignty over the other, while in reality neither side controls the other's jurisdiction. Both sides have fought over representation at international organizations and events, but to do this they have used complicated, almost incomprehensible language, leaving outsiders totally bewildered about cross-strait relations. In 1999, then-president Lee Teng-hui (
The fuzziness of the cross-strait relationship is due in part to its complexity. Obsessed with its erstwhile rule over China, the KMT government stressed its claim to sovereignty over the mainland, thereby reinforcing Beijing's "one China" propaganda. The fuzziness is also due to the hypocrisy that defines so much of international relations. The ROC was established in 1912, the PRC was established in 1949. Both are independent states holding competing sovereignty claims. These are all undeniable historical facts. The PRC joined the UN in 1971, replacing the ROC, but the latter not only continued to exist, it developed Taiwan into an economic powerhouse. Taiwan held its first direct presidential elections in 1996 and saw its first peaceful transition of political power in 2000.
Chen's speech on Saturday has nothing to do with Taiwan moving toward independence. He simply put an end to an era of ambiguity in cross-strait relations in order to establish a foundation for negotiations on direct links.
The timing of Chen's clarification can be attributed to three things. First, it was aimed at countering China's continuing efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically as demonstrated by its seduction of Nauru. Second, it reflects Washington's discarding of its strategic ambiguity on the military front as a result of China's military expansion. US military objectives have become increasingly clear -- from sending aircraft carriers to the seas near Taiwan during the 1996 missile crisis, to the inclusion of "peripheral areas" in the US-Japan security treaty, to President George W. Bush's statement that the US would do whatever it takes to help Taiwan defend itself. Third, with China preparing for leadership transition, the various factions in Beijing must be very careful in their handling of the Taiwan issue.
Chen has also laid down his Taiwan card. The international community is keeping a close eye on Chen's intentions about "one country on each side." China is planning diplomatic, economic and military sanctions against Taiwan. An escalation of tensions on diplomatic, military, trade and media fronts will be inevitable. Taiwan needs to be prepared for a crisis similar to that of 1996.
Premier Yu Shyi-kun will stop over in the US today as he heads for Central America. His trip will provide a good opportunity to attract international media attention and explain Taiwan's position. Mainland Affairs Council Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen (
Speaking the truth is a virtue, but sometimes the truth hurts. Lee said his administration prepared 18 scripts to handle different scenarios during the 1996 crisis. The government's national security institutions should be equally prepared to handle any provocations from a China that has never been able to handle the truth.
The first Donald Trump term was a boon for Taiwan. The administration regularized the arms sales process and enhanced bilateral ties. Taipei will not be so fortunate the second time around. Given recent events, Taiwan must proceed with the assumption that it cannot count on the United States to defend it — diplomatically or militarily — during the next four years. Early indications suggested otherwise. The nomination of Marco Rubio as US Secretary of State and the appointment of Mike Waltz as the national security advisor, both of whom have expressed full-throated support for Taiwan in the past, raised hopes that
There is nothing the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) could do to stop the tsunami-like mass recall campaign. KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) reportedly said the party does not exclude the option of conditionally proposing a no-confidence vote against the premier, which the party later denied. Did an “actuary” like Chu finally come around to thinking it should get tough with the ruling party? The KMT says the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is leading a minority government with only a 40 percent share of the vote. It has said that the DPP is out of touch with the electorate, has proposed a bloated
In an eloquently written piece published on Sunday, French-Taiwanese education and policy consultant Ninon Godefroy presents an interesting take on the Taiwanese character, as viewed from the eyes of an — at least partial — outsider. She muses that the non-assuming and quiet efficiency of a particularly Taiwanese approach to life and work is behind the global success stories of two very different Taiwanese institutions: Din Tai Fung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC). Godefroy said that it is this “humble” approach that endears the nation to visitors, over and above any big ticket attractions that other countries may have
Authorities last week revoked the residency permit of a Chinese social media influencer surnamed Liu (劉), better known by her online channel name Yaya in Taiwan (亞亞在台灣), who has more than 440,000 followers online and is living in Taiwan with a marriage-based residency permit, for her “reunification by force” comments. She was asked to leave the country in 10 days. The National Immigration Agency (NIA) on Tuesday last week announced the decision, citing the influencer’s several controversial public comments, including saying that “China does not need any other reason to reunify Taiwan with force” and “why is it [China] hesitant
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