Taiwan post..of 'sino-cism' and 'de-sinicisation'
Taiwan government is pursuing a drive to remove references to 'China' or 'Chinese' from the names of state owned companies, in an attempt to assert a stronger Taiwanese identity. There have been a spate of name changes recently and some more may be in the offing. Chinese Petroleum Corp has become CPC Corp, Taiwan, while China Shipbuilding Corp has become CSBC Corp, Taiwan and Chunghwa Post Co will be known as Taiwan Post Co. Earlier Chiang Kai Shek International Airport was renamed as Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, as the current independence leaning ruling dispensation seeks to downplay the historic links with the mainland. This was also reflected in recent changes in history textbooks.
The Democratic Progressive Party of president Chen Shui-bian considers establishment of an independent Republic of Taiwan under a new constitution as its objective and its move to mobilise support for the same is leading to sharp political divides. Although Taiwan is a de facto sovereign state, it exists only under the official name of the Republic of China and has little diplomatic recognition. China considers Taiwan as a part of its territory and has even threatened use of force to prevent any attempt to declare independence. US, Taiwan's strongest ally, and most of the international community favour the status quo to be maintained.
Taiwan government is pursuing a drive to remove references to 'China' or 'Chinese' from the names of state owned companies, in an attempt to assert a stronger Taiwanese identity. There have been a spate of name changes recently and some more may be in the offing. Chinese Petroleum Corp has become CPC Corp, Taiwan, while China Shipbuilding Corp has become CSBC Corp, Taiwan and Chunghwa Post Co will be known as Taiwan Post Co. Earlier Chiang Kai Shek International Airport was renamed as Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, as the current independence leaning ruling dispensation seeks to downplay the historic links with the mainland. This was also reflected in recent changes in history textbooks.
The Democratic Progressive Party of president Chen Shui-bian considers establishment of an independent Republic of Taiwan under a new constitution as its objective and its move to mobilise support for the same is leading to sharp political divides. Although Taiwan is a de facto sovereign state, it exists only under the official name of the Republic of China and has little diplomatic recognition. China considers Taiwan as a part of its territory and has even threatened use of force to prevent any attempt to declare independence. US, Taiwan's strongest ally, and most of the international community favour the status quo to be maintained.
5 comments:
Hi Akton,
I remember at the burial of the Christian pope, there was a public Taiwanese delegation. Because of this, China did not send anyone.
You are so right, China is so strong nowadays - no position shall be taken towards the Taiwanese issue - you don't recognise Taiwan if you want to get an access to the Chinese markets. I really wonder how the States managed to give protection to Taiwan (maybe they act like contractors) and to manage to make business with the mainland..
I really wonder how much time this "comedy" between these 2 countries will last... sorry to be so direct, but Taiwanese are majorly investing in China (billions and billions USD); even a direct airline between China and Taiwan has been opened...
I mean they look like to be happy scaring each other, but in their deepest, I believe as you said, they do not want to go for a war (too much to lose).
Thanks John for sharing your views and providing further insight into the subject.
Yes, changing the status quo will be detrimental to regional stability and global trade. But, given the seriousness with which Taiwanese political establishment is pursuing the 'independence' agenda and the mainland stance (number of missiles reportedly targetting Taiwan, rising defence budgets, etc.) on one hand, and the compulsions of growing business links on the other, coupled with the potential costs of war make it difficult for the two sides to take a decisive call.
Given the fact that Taiwan has been virtually independent for more than half a century, the 'One-China' policy sounds impractical to me. US and international community would like to maintain the status quo as this serves their business interests (also, ensures a market for US missiles).
This is a good question actually,... why is it better for western countries to get a status quo ?
- weapon industry seems to be plausible, I don't see so many things the US could offset from a trade balance point of view with Taiwan.
Do you see any other ?
- a too powerful economical bloc ?
(it already exists somehow, and furthermore they take advantage from a grey legislation between the 2 countries)
For long, Taiwan was considered by western companies as a potential 'gateway' for entry into the vast market of mainland China. The hopes in this regard, however, were largely belied. Added to that, many of the barriers for entry into China have now been overcome with China's inudction in WTO.
So, Taiwan is no longer that important from this point of view.
You are right in saying that there are not 'many things the US could offset from a trade balance point of view with Taiwan.'
In my view, status quo serves two objectives for the western countries-
(1) By not recognising Taiwan as a sovereign country, you are keeping China in good humour and can reap the benefits of vast market and rising prosperity.
(2) Keeping open the posibility of a military intervention (and gaining a military foothold in the region) in case of a flare-up.
I see a possibility of a US-Japan-Taiwan military alliance emerging in future to counter the rising military power of China. There are discernible undercurrents of a more assertive foreign policy in Japan. Taiwan may just provide the ground for nurturing Japan's ambitions.
taiwan news becomec internaional news again. :D
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