Sun, Aug 11, 2002 page8

• Taiwan should stand up to China

  • By the Liberty Times Editorial
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  President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) emphasized in a recent statement that Taiwan and China are "one country on each side [of the Taiwan Strait]." He also called on the public to seriously consider the urgency of, and the need for, enacting a public referendum law. Chen's speech clarified the Taiwanese government's position, principles and bottom line with respect to its China policy. His frank attitude was welcomed by the majority of people in Taiwan. But it caused outrage among the pro-China opposition camp and pro-unification media and businessmen in Taiwan. They have released a stream of unfounded or exaggerated rumors to frighten the general public, in a deliberate bid to foment social unrest. As a result, the stock market in Taiwan has fallen sharply. But they continue to make threats against the people of Taiwan in an "I-told-you-so" manner, joining in the chorus led by China's Taiwan Affairs Office. Their conduct is truly beyond comprehension.

  Near the end of last month, on the day of Chen's inauguration as DPP chairman, China persuaded Nauru to establish diplomatic relations with it by promising a large amount of money in aid to the tiny Pacific state. The joint communique issued by China and Nauru openly states that there is only one China in the world, that the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate and representative government of the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory.

  The incident again demonstrates China's willingness to resort to virtually any and all possible means to corner Taiwan in the international community. The statement that "mainland China and Taiwan both belong to one China" is nothing but unification propaganda. It gives neither room nor freedom for the two sides to make their own interpretations of what "one China" means.

  In addition, as the Pentagon's report on the Chinese military stated last month, not only is China actively engaging in an arms build-up, it has already deployed more than 300 short-range missiles aimed at Taiwan. According to that report, China's determination to take over Taiwan by force is growing stronger, while its intention of resolving cross-strait differences is weakening. In view of all this, Chen called on the people of Taiwan to reflect on the proposition that, "if our goodwill is incapable of being reciprocated by China ... we should seriously consider walking down our own path." Today, with China scheming against Taiwan, and Taiwanese beginning to forget just who the enemy is, Chen's reminders are badly needed. Everyone in Taiwan should unite to face the threats to our country's sovereignty.

  In all the important speeches that Chen has made since assuming the presidency, such as his inauguration speech and his cross-century talk, he has consistently demonstrated the sincerity of his wish for cross-strait peace. He has also consistently emphasized, however, that China must renounce its self-bestowed "right" to use force against Taiwan. Otherwise, we must plan for the worst-case scenario, he has warned. Everything he has said on the matter, from the "five no's" of his inauguration speech, to his concept of "cross-strait integration," is predicated on a public renunciation by China of that much-vaunted "right." But the pro-China opposition and pro-unification media and businessmen have united to condemn Chen and accuse him of violating the "five no's" and the concept of "cross-strait integration," while not protesting about China's increasing military threat to Taiwan. Does such conduct reflect a commitment to this country's sovereignty?

  The Republic of China on Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are two sovereign countries with exclusive and non-overlapping jurisdictions. Irrespective of whether they have "a special state-to-state relationship" or are "one country on each side" of the Strait, Taiwan is categorically not a part of China. Bent on engulfing Taiwan, however, China is constantly trying to define the cross-strait relationship, including economic and trade relations, as a domestic issue. While China may constantly reiterate that cross-strait relations are a domestic matter, and reject any involvement by the international community, it still raises the issue over and over again on its own initiative at international forums. This demonstrates that even China knows that the cross-strait issue is by nature an international issue. Taiwan of course has every right to proclaim its sovereign status clearly.

  The world can see for itself how China has a two-pronged strategy in which it alternates between calls for peace and threats of war. Any political party accountable to the people of Taiwan shoulders the responsibility of making the defense of Taiwan's sovereign status and national interests its top priority. Taiwan's sovereignty can under no circumstances be removed or restricted.

  The opposition's reactions to Chen's speeches, including "Taiwan going its own way," the "go south policy" and "one country on each side," all reflect a "Greater China" attitude and a mentality of self-degradation. Their conduct confirms the truth of the accusations that they are joining forces with the communist party to oppose the Taiwanese government. The future of Taiwan should be determined by the 23 million people in Taiwan. How can anyone say that to express their decision in a public referendum is against their interests? The pro-China opposition drifts further and further from the mainstream popular will of Taiwan. In fact, their tunes grow closer and closer to those of Beijing. Aren't they afraid of being rejected by the voters of Taiwan for good? Why don't the pro-unification media and businessmen consider whether they will continue to be useful as vehicles of Beijing's propaganda once China completes unification?

  Chen's pronouncements have been greeted with overwhelming support by mainstream popular opinion. Government policy must take account of this response. Economic and trade policies toward China should now be modified on the basis of the "one country on each side" principle. Let us end the disastrous attempt to separate business from politics.

  Unfortunately, although Chen has made some very important policy declarations, government policy continues to lag behind reality. Ignoring the looming financial crisis in Taiwan, Minister of Finance Lee Yung-san (李庸三) has declared that Taiwan's off-shore banking units may extend loans to Taiwanese businessmen investing in China. Mainland Affairs Council Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has said that, as long as China has no intention of using force against Taiwan, Taiwan will continue to push for direct links. These moves all trail behind the general policy outlined by Chen. They also stand in stark contrast to the constant verbal threats issued by officials of China's Taiwan Affairs Office.

  The pro-China opposition, media and businessmen at home, together with Chinese officials on the other side, have hurriedly set about building an apocalyptic atmosphere, which has had a serious, negative impact on the domestic stock market. We hereby solemnly call on the people of Taiwan not to panic. When it comes to efforts to protect our sovereignty, the opposition has no less of an obligation than the rest of our citizens.

  We call upon the government to establish consistency in its political and economic policies, and immediately stop liberalizing regulations to allow more money to pour into China. It should put all its effort into reviving the domestic economy and industry, and strengthening our citizen's determination to protect the country's sovereignty. It must guard not only against the threat of "hard kill" on the political and military fronts, but also against that of "soft kill" on the economic front. Otherwise, as China secures in its palms the bargaining chips represented by ever increasing numbers of Taiwanese businessmen and investment, Taiwan's integrity as an independent country on this side of the Strait will be undermined. Proponents of embracing China will then have even more force in their arguments and Taiwan will head step-by-step toward a disastrous surrender.
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