The issue of Taiwanese independence has become one of world interest. However, the manner in which the story has been developing gives the
impression that it will not be possible to resolve the issue in a way that is acceptable to Taiwan and China.
On the one hand, you have an island where people have developed their own culture, government and technology and the people would like to maintain this and be recognized for these successes and developments as an independent nation. On the other hand, this island -- with historical ties to Japan and the US -- has technologies Beijing would like to get its hands on to further its objectives. Taiwan's strategic alliance with Japan and the US is showing big on the radar screens in Beijing.
An acceptable compromise would perhaps involve recognition of Taiwan as an independent nation in return for a Taiwanese military and technological alliance with China. Just as the US operates with its allies, China and Taiwan would operate joint military bases and synchronize their efforts to ensure security at home.
The benefits to Taiwan would be the following:
* It turns a potentially aggressive neighbor into a protector who can respond quickly.
* It gains access to China's defense manufacturing facilities, allowing Taiwan to develop its own defense technology rather than sending contentiously large amounts of money to foreign powers for the purchase of old technology.
* Taiwan gains universal recognition as an independent nation.
The benefits to China would be:
* One of its neighbors becomes a strong ally.
* It gains access to new technology.
* It expands its world influence, raises its trustworthiness and gains recognition for the the mature way in which it resolved a contentious issue.
If this is successful, other countries might also form alliances with Taiwan and China, thus forming a snowball effect o in securing East Asia.
This is just a seed of an idea, but with proper refinement it could perhaps serve as a basis for improved Taipei-Beijing relations.
John Stewien
South Australia
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