The Arrogance of the One China Principle

Lung-chu Chen

As Taiwan's presidential race entered a new phase of bitter contention, China issued a belligerent white paper on "the One China Principle and the Taiwan Question." It announced a new excuse for attacking Taiwan-- that is, if Taiwan refuses to engage in the reunification negotiation, China will attack Taiwan. What an arrogance! The intent was to intimidate Taiwanese voters and the presidential candidates, and to interfere with the election.

Such a blatant threat constitutes an act of international terrorism in violation of the U.N. Charter, the United Nations should condemn it.

The One China arrogance has vividly revealed the true color of Chinese terrorism and expansionism. The international community cannot afford to sit idle by when such acts of lawless extortion are perpetuated.

The firm and prompt response on the part of the United States is a strong indicator of such international concern. President Clinton emphatically rejected China's claim to use force against Taiwan, and urged a peaceful settlement that has the assent of the Taiwanese people.

God helps those who help themselves. The government and people of Taiwan want peace; they seek peace with justice, not surrender in the guise of peace. China keeps saying that if only Taiwan accepts the one China principle, then, everything is open for negotiation. In other words, when Taiwan accepts being part of the People's Republic of China, the game is over. What is there to negotiate? The terms of surrender?

For Taiwan's survival as a State, it is imperative that the cross-strait negotiations be based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit. While China insists on the one China principle, Taiwan must insist on a special yet "equal" state-to-state relationship. Any presidential candidate who fails this test is not qualified to be Taiwan's president. On March 18, it is up to the Taiwanese voters to make a wise and courageous choice.