Balancing development with national security

Lung-chu Chen

DPP Chairman Lin Yi-hsiung (林義雄) and presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) recently gave talks advocating "coexistence and prosperity as the ultimate goal of the China-Taiwan relationship, and a definition of that relationship based on the special state-to-state model." Both expressed a hope for the gradual normalization of the relationship between the two sides and proposed measures such as "negotiations on an equal footing for direct links" and "one-way direct links" as part of an "economic and security development strategy."

These talks triggered opposition within the DPP. Commentators outside the party also criticized their views as "lacking substance" and "wishful thinking."

We must realize Taiwan's China policy impacts on far more than the interests of one party or one faction. It is critical to the survival and welfare of all Taiwanese people. Although it is virtually impossible for people from different political parties to publicly and whole-heartedly accept or praise each other's position, they should not discredit another's opinion simply because that person is from another party. Criticizing another's position as "damaging to national integrity" without any basis is irresponsible.

No deep hatred nor conflict of interests exists between the Taiwanese and Chinese. The main reason for the military tension between the two is the Chinese leadership's adherence to the "one China" policy and an illusory nationalism. Since it is impossible to eliminate this mentality in the short term, and in view of the possibility that the Chinese regime may use its economic power to accomplish its political and military goals, "no haste, be patient" (戒急用忍) has became the mainstream policy for the maintenance of Taiwan's security. Unable to receive any good will from China, the policy helps Taiwan avoid economic over-dependency on China.

Supporters of this policy condemn those who advocate a "boldly go west" (大膽西進) policy as disregarding national security. Convinced that China would not accept the DPP's new proposal, these people attack the proposal as "wishful thinking." However, the Chinese leadership has never behaved rationally over the cross-strait relationship. As China finds President Lee Teng-hui's (李登輝) "special state-to-state" model unacceptable, should we therefore attack the model as "wishful thinking"?

The cross-strait relationship has always been complicated and subject to rapid changes. No one has been able to propose a substantive plan that could guarantee national security and change China's attitude. A long-term plan for the cross-strait relationship has to be normalization of that relationship. Eventually, China would have to abandon its irrational beliefs and embrace rationality and pragmatism.

The declaration of "a special state-to-state relationship" is actually part of the normalization process under Taiwan's China policy. Chen's proposed policy seeks to look after both development and security, reducing risk and enhancing security through development. The proposal is actually distinct from the "no haste, be patient" policy, which focuses strictly on security, and "the boldly go west" policy, which focuses strictly on development. This proposal is innovative and certainly worth serious consideration.

Taiwan is geographically close to China. The cross-strait issue is therefore a regional problem. If the cross-strait relationship normalizes, the establishment of a "regional economic union" is an inevitable consideration. Taiwan has excellent high technology industries and outstanding business talent. China has awesome manpower and resources and a vast market. It would be extremely beneficial to the people of both countries if the two could abandon their antagonism and cultivate mutual interests. Even more importantly, it would enhance Taiwan's security if Taiwan could upgrade its industries and maintain the importance of its status in the world economy.

Damage to the information industries in the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park in the 921 earthquake caused major tremors in related industries worldwide. The importance of Taiwan's economy is clearly demonstrated. Economic development is not only the backbone of national defense but also important to the internationalization of Taiwan's status.

Economic development is quite rightly linked with national security strategy. The China policy proposed by the DPP does not disregard national security. Rather, it is strategically innovative in regard to cross-strait economic and trade interaction. "Negotiations on an equal footing for direct links and the opening up of international sea ports," as well as "one-way shipment" should replace the current "passive restrictions" and "unregulated interactions" with "active management." This will achieve a new equilibrium between "security" and "development."

Chen Lung-chu is the Chairman of the Chen Lung-chu New Century Foundation.