A New Century Perspective

CHEN LUNG-CHU

The 21st Century has brought new challenges and new opportunities for Taiwan.

The unprecedented party rotation in Taiwan's political history has been confronted with a severe challenge, testing the wisdom, courage, and perseverance of the Taiwanese people. Under one wave of pressure after another, Taiwan's transitional pains have increased rather than decreased. Under the controversial system of the so-called "two Chief Executives" where power and responsibility are not clearly delimited, the three opposition parties control an absolute majority in the Legislative Yuan, often acting to oppose a policy simply for the sake of opposition. It is both impracticable and unjust to demand and expect that the Chen Shui-bian government will, within a short span of time, offer satisfactory solutions to all the difficult problems accumulated from KMT's one-party rule for more than 50 years.

As the Opposition Alliance asserts itself aggressively, the ruling DPP and other political parties should communicate with one another, adjust to their respective roles, and put the interests of the people of Taiwan above partisan interests. Will Taiwan be able to become a sovereign, independent and normal state endowed with dignity and justice both in name and in fact? Will the island nation of Taiwan be able to assure it national security, participate actively in international arenas, preserve its democratic way of life, develop a high-tech economy, keep an open civil society, and undergo sustainable development with a distinct Taiwanese culture? These are serious challenges facing Taiwan today.

A crisis is also an opportunity. Taiwan's future depends on the cooperation of the government, including the Legislative Yuan, and the people. It is important that the Taiwanese people use their common sense and wisdom to recognize the true colors of pro-China politicians and media, and not to be manipulated and misled. It is time for all those who love and are truly identified with the island nation of Taiwan to stand up and say Yes to Taiwan.

For Viewpoint, I'm Dr. Chen Lung-chu.