Simplicity and a strong focus on the fundamental issues are keys to greater insights. Focusing on the simple truth in the current debate regarding an economic agreement between China and Taiwan will help us all to grasp the consequences of an accord.
By Michael Danielsen, Chairman of Taiwan Corner
Published in Taipei Times on march 19. 2009
Simplicity and a strong focus on the fundamental issues are keys to greater insights. Focusing on the simple truth in the current debate regarding an economic agreement between China and Taiwan will help us all to grasp the consequences of an accord.
The simple truth is that China has set the “one China” principle as a precondition for an agreement. China has been consistent about this simple truth. The truth is that China wants Taiwan to be a part of the People’s Republic of China.
This simple truth is valid no matter the name of the agreement. In addition, it is valid even if Premier Liu Chao-shiuan (劉兆玄) recently apparently tried to change the name of the “one China” principle to a “one China political framework,” which no one has heard of.
It does not help the heated debate in Taiwan to change titles and talk about a “one China political framework” that does not exist. It will only add confusion.
The simple truth is that Taiwanese have to answer one simple question about an economic agreement with China: Does Taiwan want to be a part of the People’s Republic of China? If yes, then accept China’s “one China” condition. But if the answer is negative, Taiwan has to avoid the “one China” condition. If the debate is focused on this fundamental question first, it is much easier to understand the consequences and discuss the remaining economic topics.
