Resolve needed
President Chen Shui-bian's (
There seems to be undue concern over how the US will feel about a declaration of independence by Taiwan when the US position is in fact clear and obvious: while the US does not favor such a declaration, it has been the moral imperative of the US throughout its history to staunchly defend any nation willing to fight for its own independence in the face of foreign aggression.
The people of Taiwan and their government need not get permission, they need only get resolve. A firm resolve is what Chen is seeking and without it any war would quickly be lost, or agonizingly drawn out into an unsettled dispute, a scenario which the US leadership would avoid at all costs.
The US has learned much from its past wars-by-proxy with China in Korea and Vietnam. Those wars taught US soldiers that they can't win a war that the people are unwilling to fight. If the Taiwan people truly want independence, they must be willing to pay the price in blood. If they are unwilling to die for their freedom, then, as history has taught us, the effort will fail, even if backed by the force of the US military.
With the words "pre-emptive strike" on the mouths and minds of the Chinese leadership, Taiwan would do well to rethink its long-term strategy.
The Chinese leadership would like nothing better than a clean slate, with the "Taiwan question" settled before the 2008 Olympics begin. Chen would therefore do well to perform exactly as he has in the past few days, by trying to garner worldwide support, boost morale and resolve within, and push Beijing to put action behind it's words, which it is completely unprepared to do at this time.
Wang Wei
Chengdu, China
Charismatic leader that he is, President Chen has indeed become the hero for pro-independence citizens and politicians by asserting that Taiwan and China are "one country on each side" of the Taiwan Strait. Although the Mainland Affairs Council later stressed that policy on China had not changed, the president's strong determination to strengthen Taiwan's sovereignty was clearly demonstrated in this controversial speech. It is a pity that many international media organizations misunderstood the president, interpreting his remark as a declaration of independence.
There were bound to be misinterpretations, however, because the president's remarks left too much to the imagination. Investors in Taiwan's stock market felt nervous and the TAIEX plummeted 5.77 percent. Many investors complained that the president's remarks had been unwise. Chen's support for a referendum on Taiwan's future will inevitably increase China's suspicion towards our country. More unrest and turbulence across the Taiwan Strait can be predicted if Chen continues to speak out publicly.
In my view, the president should choose his every word with great care. Now, moreover, with the nation in an economic downturn, is not the time to assert the urgency of passing referendum legislation. The president should pay more attention to the economic
situation at home, not Taiwan's political status in the international community. Without strong economic development in this island, any endeavor to secure Taiwan's independence is destined to go unsupported by the people.
Robert Yang
Tainan
Stand up, Taiwan
I read in your newspaper and in the US media about the recent comments of President Chin Shui-bian (
As we say in America, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. The Chinese and even their students stand up for their side. Most Taiwanese here, however, just worry about themselves and don't want to get involved.
Yes there are those like me, who, despite not being a citizen of Taiwan still stand up for it. But, how long will I wait for the guy I am fighting for to pick up a stick and help?
Stand up now, or kneel to your masters.
Keith J Fritzsch
Woodbridge, New Jersey
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