Identity awareness is crucial
The passport proposal has had a long enough gestation period. An executive decree stating the fact that the Republic of China passport is issued in Taiwan should have been already executed a year ago. As a sovereign entity, the de facto and de jure (take it to court!) ROC must act on its own with dignity and self-confidence and treat itself with respect.
There is but a year left in which to truly establish the Taiwan identity, be it a republic or a province. Election cycles will be in full force on both sides of the ironically named Pacific. This could mean that the cross-strait affair escalates into a brief, but terminal military checkmate in the midst of the oscillation between diplomatic and psychological posturing in this era of the war on terrorism. Preconditions for "negotiations" will be unnecessary at that point.
China's proposed SAR/"two systems" demotion provides no panacea economically and is entirely unworkable both politically and legally. At that point, irony may grant a less-proud version of the "two systems" changes and a generation's efforts may be reduced to a footnote in world history.
May Taiwanese quickly find themselves in front of a mirror, and with as much posture as their self-respect will allow, ask themselves: "What is my nationality?" It may be the last dignified chance for the Taiwan people to decide for themselves.
Chris Frost
New York
Why not `Taiwan Airways'?
It's about time the Taiwanese government and people are addressing the problem of the word "Taiwan" not appearing on Taiwanese passports. As an importer of many Taiwan-made products and as a frequent visitor to your country for over 30 years, I've had to cope with the North American consumer perception that the ROC is the PRC. Whenever the word "China" appears anywhere it's assumed to refer to mainland China. For years I had to ask my suppliers to omit "ROC" from all packaging material, including shipping containers, and simply show "Made In Taiwan."
But I think this is not enough. Taiwan should consider extending this practice in other areas. For example your national airline, China Airlines (CAL). Again, most of the world perceives this to be from the mainland. Why not consider a new name that is easily recognizable? I may even suggest a name, "Taiwan Airways" (TAW or TAIW). It has a nice ring to it. Surely no one could have any reasonable objection to such a change. The list of such possible changes is long and not necessary to mention here. I'm sure you understand my point.
Phil Rossi
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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