Where Taiwan Support Stops

The potential for conflict between China and Taiwan seems to have increased recently with Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian announcement that he wants to hold a referendum on Taiwan's independence next March. Although the island-state – a thriving democracy for over a decade – already enjoys de facto independence from mainland China, Beijing still views it as an integral part of Chinese sovereign territory and has refused to renounce the use of force against if faced with an independence proclamation. In this editorial in the Washington Post, two renowned China scholars argue that it is in the best interests of the United States to discourage Chen from holding a referendum on independence. Although the Bush administration has recently declared itself dedicated to the advancement of democracy around the world, they argue, "if Chen persists, Bush should directly and forcefully oppose a national referendum and be willing, if necessary, to apply economic, diplomatic and other forms of pressure to get Chen to stand down." While both Democratic and Republican administrations have supported Taiwan militarily in the past, George W. Bush should make it clear that "America's strong support for Taiwan's democracy does not extend to condoning reckless acts" that could put the US into conflict with China or de-stabilize the region. And although some may see such a position as hypocritical, the authors concede, to criticize Bush for such a firm stand "would be unfair, because the president's action – by maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and encouraging moderation in a vibrant, young democracy – would promote both American values and interests." – YaleGlobal