The Far Eastern Economic Review has praised President Chen Shui-bian (
In its latest issue, the magazine said in an editorial that when the US chastises Chen for his plan to hold a referendum on the same day as the March 20 presidential election, it may also be giving the unfortunate impression that it sees Taiwan as a special case among democratic societies -- one that curiously has no right to hold referendums.
"Taiwan needed to be cautioned on the need for prudence, but this should not have sent a message to Communist China that threats towards a democratic society are acceptable," the editorial said.
It said that however one views Chen's referendum, there is no doubt that he understands the dynamics of representative government.
"He is a democrat, and it is impossible to disagree with him in a democratic context," it added.
"More troubling than Mr. Chen's gambit is why China's reaction has received far less than its fair share of condemnation," it said.
The editorial further said that while Chen is chided, China's threats are seen as expected and normal.
"This only encourages Beijing's belief of its right to act in a bellicose manner, and that it is the responsibility of everyone else to avoid angering China," it said.
"We'd do well to remind ourselves who the democrats are in the region, despite their shortcomings," the editorial said.
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