2012.1.21

Neither Independence nor Unification

/Page 14-15, TIME December 16, 2012/

Introduction

A recent tragic event reminded us the close relationship between Taiwan and Japan. When Japan experienced unprecedented disaster on March 11th, Taiwan collected some thousands of millions yens formally, and donated to Japanese victims. But we do not know much about its policy and international stance because of its neighbor giant country concerning us especially in recent years. Actually, however, that is the very reason why we need to learn the island’s politics toward China. 

Briefing

• How has the small island country managed the relationship with the hostile giant country? 

    This is a only question we need to ask and find an answer for. Until the election in 2008 in which Ma Ying-jeou won as a KMT candidate, Taiwan had been in cold war relationship with the people’s republic, supported by the U.S. in the political and military way. In his presidential period, the situation changed unexpectedly. Taiwanese government built a peaceful relation with china in terms of diplomacy, trade, and tourism. This is what all interested subjects have hoped for a long time. 

    But this equilibrium is going to be destructed from the inside of Taiwan. The country has a purely democratic election system because of years of conflict against the communist party in the mainland and supports from the western countries. Such a electoral structure may choose an opposite candidate with a contrary policy to Ma’s. The U.S. and chinese government, and some Taiwanese worry about that. 

Opinion

The first thing Japan has to learn from Taiwan is its highly democratic and content-based campaign. Some people may consider the risk of having only two opposite sides with extreme policies as Taiwan used to do. But now they have realized that they need to be realistic and go along with China. If Ma’s political rival win the election, she will not get the situation worse. The second thing is its tough attitude in diplomacy. China has grew into so powerful country that we cannot ignore its influence. That fact tell us that we need to treat its power properly with strategy and courage, not with fear.