The Executive Yuan decided yesterday to open up as many as eight outlying military-restricted areas, the most notable among them being the famous Tatan and Erhtan islets in Kinmen County. While these two islets may no longer hold their former military significance, the symbolic significance of the move cannot and should not be overlooked. The demilitarization of these islands -- which constitutes the largest-scale troop evacuation from outlying islands since the military withdrew from the Tungsha (Pratas) and Spratly Islands -- reflects the government's ongoing process of policy and psychological demilitarization, not only in cross-strait relationships, but also in general.
Tatan and Erhtan islets have been known as the "forefront" of the "anti-communist fortress" for decades, not only because of their close proximity to Xiamen but also because of the "Battle of Tatan" 53 years ago.
On July 26, 1950, only about a year after China's KMT regime withdrew to Taiwan, Chinese communist troops seized an opportunity created by a typhoon to launch several attack waves in an attempt to take over the islets.
However, the invaders were defeated after some 500 communist soldiers died on the beaches and along the coasts of the islets. The victory significantly boosted the deflated morale of the KMT troops and the regime and stabilized the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
These islets have gradually lost their military significance over the years, as advances in military technology have made it possible for battles to be fought by firing missiles from thousands of kilometers away. In fact, the islets have become popular scenic spots for Chinese tourists who now merrily wave to Taiwanese troops. It is the intention of the Kinmen County government, which is to take over the administration of these islets after the military withdrawal has been completed, to turn them into tourism centers.
However, the historical symbolism of the islets and their significance in cross-strait relationships remains. This is evident by the fact that it was during a trip to these islets that President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) issued an open invitation to then-Chinese President Jiang Zemin (江澤民) to visit and have tea there. It was on the same occasion that Chen openly stated that the opening up of the "small three links" between the countries on either side of the Taiwan Strait was "an inevitable path."
One cannot help but ask: What has Taiwan received so far in return for all its goodwill toward China? Are we being too easy and careless in letting down our guard or demilitarizing our policies and attitudes?
After all, the implementation of the "small three links" between Kinmen and China has provoked no positive response at all from Beijing. Nor has all the talk about reopening negotiations for proper direct links been reciprocated with the same-degree of goodwill.
In fact, Beijing has further intensified its assault on Taiwan in the international arena and beefed up the number of missiles targeting Taiwan. Only last week, the White House issued a warning that China's speedy buildup of missiles aimed at Taiwan is "destabilizing." In contrast, the steady decline of Taiwan's defense budget as a percentage of total government spending has reached the point where the Pentagon has questioned the ability and will of Taiwan's military to modernize.
The arrest earlier this week of three suspected Chinese spies, who may have sold extremely confidential and sensitive military secrets to Beijing, ought to serve as yet another important caution to Taiwan; dropping our guard too easily and too quickly is not only foolish but will inevitably end up hurting us.
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