The "soft diplomacy" of first lady Wu Shu-chen's (
Chen appears to gradually be putting into practice his statement that "Taiwan should follow its own road." Taiwan's experience of democratic development, because it encapsulates Taiwanese values, is to be projected in the international arena. This could be a new antidote for Taiwan to China's machinations.
In fact, the first lady's visit to the US may carry greater political weight than if Chen himself had visited the US, since she is herself an important symbol of the ordinary people's struggle for democracy. During the KMT era, the people of Taiwan bravely broke the shackles of political taboos and paved the way for democracy.
Wu had to endure the agony and trauma of being crippled as a result of political persecution and of her husband's imprisonment. She had to run in legislative elections in her husband's place, raise her children while supporting Chen in campaigns for the legislature, the Taipei mayorship and finally the presidency. Throughout she maintained her strength, self-confidence and frankness, all of which will grab the attention of the people of the US, a nation that cherishes democracy and human rights. This will have a far-reaching impact on Taiwan's ability to generate concern and support in the US and in other friendly countries.
Chen and Wu's difficult political experience is in fact a reflection of Taiwan's continued existence and development in the face of China's political suppression and military threats. Can't Taiwan, despite pressure from China, achieve international recognition and develop its own international living space? Don't the people of Taiwan have the right to determine their own future and the issue of their sovereignty?
If Chen and Wu had given in to the various anti-democratic activities of the KMT, they might have been able to make a lot of money as lawyers and they wouldn't have had to suffer political persecution. But then Taiwan wouldn't be democratic and free today.
The same applies to cross-strait relations. If Taiwan accepts the "one country, two systems" and "one China" principle advocated by China, it might not have to worry about China's threats of a military invasion. But will the hard-won democracy, freedom and rule of law that Taiwan has built over the last few decades survive? Surely the valuable experiences of democracy, human rights and free elections established by Taiwan over the past several decades would simply collapse or gradually disappear.
Would the people of Taiwan really be willing to accept Taiwan's downgrading from independent state to "special administrative region?" Haven't the people learned from Hong Kong's experience of birdcage politics under the "one country, two systems" policy?
Since Hong Kong's return to China's rule, press freedom in the territory has been suppressed, elections for the chief executive and representatives to the National People's Congress are now indirect elections involving members of a small clique, elections for members of the Legislative Council are semi-direct elections, decisions by the Court of Final Appeal have to go through a "review by superiors" in the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Falun Gong activities are forbidden by the SAR government. Can all these experiences from the implementation of "one country, two systems" compare with the experience of Taiwan's democratic politics?
I trust that the soft diplomacy approach typified by the first lady's visit to the US will allow the international media and friends of Taiwan to truly experience Tai-wanese political values. One result of their doing so may be that they will turn to supporting Taiwan's diplomatic efforts. After all, democracy, human rights and freedom are the most important issues in the international arena.
Chen and Wu's Taiwan experience makes for very good political teaching material. Their experience also reflects Taiwan's historical experience in the shadow of cross-strait relations. This is the best opportunity to let the world understand Taiwan's situation and difficulties and it is also a good opportunity for the people of Taiwan to get an international foothold from where they can shout loudly, "I am Taiwanese."
Chen Sung-shan is a member of the Civil Service Protection and Training Commission at the Examination Yuan.
Translated by Perry Svensson
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