Keep Taiwan, Uncle Sam
Charles Glaser is a pinhead for suggesting the US consider making concessions to China, including the possibility of backing away from its commitment to Taiwan to avoid military competition with China (“Abandon Taiwan: US academic,” March 2, page 3).
If Taiwan were abandoned, Taiwanese would suffer from the US’ betrayal, they would lose their freedom and democracy and go back to an era of totalitarianism like under the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) during the Martial Law era. Taiwan, known as a “beacon of democracy,” would become the first democratic country to convert to communism in the 21st century.
Internally, Taiwanese are also very much concerned that the KMT government is too “inclined toward China,” like a conspirator. If Taiwan were lost to China’s hands, the US would become a country without credibility, a paper tiger and a passe superpower in the eyes of its allies around the world.
The US strategic defense line along the Western Pacific rim would lose a vital link — Taiwan — and even the security of the US itself would be jeopardized.
Since the US owes China billions or trillions of US dollars and has been importing most commercial products from China, Glaser might as well suggest importing military supplies from China to avoid military competition. He should understand that a balance of military power is one of the means of maintaining world peace.
Japan and South Korea would be seriously victimized if Taiwan were given up by the US. Oil and liquefied natural gas supply routes to Japan and South Korea might be hindered or even blocked by China.
The resentment of Chinese against Japanese due to the Nanking Massacre during World War II still persists. Mass demonstrations in China against Japan are sometimes utilized to stabilize the Chinese government.
Be strong and uphold the Taiwan Relations Act, Uncle Sam.
CHARLES HONG
Columbus, Ohio
The tragedy of tragedy
It seems a tragedy in itself when it takes major injury and loss of life such as the Greater -Taichung pub fire to move government officials to enforce existing laws and create new ones.
Where have these paid public servants been hiding? Isn’t it a bit obvious that there is a difference between a beverage store and a pub?
My sincere condolences to the families of those killed and injured. We must not let this happen again.
TOM KULECK
Taichung
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