No crisis about identity
The national flag issue ("Politicians trade barbs in flag row," Nov. 12, page 1) is only one of many political issues caused by the misidentification of Taiwan as a nation.
The national flag of Taiwan is debatable. It consists of the party logo of the KMT and the red background of the PRC's flag. Taiwan is ruled neither by the KMT nor by the PRC. Tai-wan should design and adopt a new flag, irrespective of political parties and other nations.
It does not make sense to use the KMT's song as Taiwan's national anthem because not all citizens are KMT members. A new anthem should be composed or at least the "our party" reference should be changed to "our nation."
The Constitution should be revised to reflect that Taiwan's territory includes Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. If the PRC belongs to people, to whom does the ROC belong? Taiwan is Taiwan -- not the ROC, Chinese Taipei, Taipei or anything else.
The status quo of Taiwan is that of a sovereign country. It has territory, people and a central government. China's deployment of 400 missiles aimed at Taiwan also implies that Taiwan is not a part of China. Does any other country ever threaten a part of its own territory with missiles or military buildups?
There is no need for Taiwan to declare independence since it has been independent for more than 50 years. This period is much longer than the four years (1945 to 1949) in which Taiwan had some connections with China before the PRC was formed.
Citizens of Taiwan include people of all ethnic backgrounds. Those who do not accept Taiwan as a sovereign country and as a homeland may migrate to China or elsewhere, in the same manner as millions of people fled to Taiwan because they did not accept communism in the late 1940s.
With a unique and well-defined national identity, Taiwan can achieve harmony and prosperity as a free, democratic country and recognition from the international community.
Charles Hong
Columbus, Ohio
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