The Sovereignty of Taiwan should be left to the Taiwanese
The deafening silence of Singaporeans on the recent controversy surrounding our PM’s visit and statement to Republic of China (Taiwan), our Foreign Minister, Mr George Yeo’s statement on supporting a “One China” policy is worrying.
It has not only shown Singaporean’s lack of political consciousness and widespread political apathy, but indolence on our part to scrutinise the behaviour of our governmental leaders when they comment on international issues.
While the government has constantly reiterated that they were concerned about the peace and stability of the region, their statements have shown a biasness towards the “One China” policy which the People’s Republic of China (PRC) advocates. The statements are not only inflammatory; but an attack and imposition on the internal affairs of Taiwan.
If anything, the sovereignty of Taiwan should be left to the decision of the Taiwanese themselves, who has been following an admirable and commendable path towards democracy. It is hence, important that when our ministers make statements of such nature, that they be clear that the China – Taiwan prickly issue requires delicate handling. The arguments pro
and against an independent Taiwan, debated even by the Taiwanese themselves, has been a contention point.
Certainly, Taiwan’s claim for independence needs to be looked in various perspectives. It is a
complicated subject involving historical, sociological, economical and political factors. It is simplistic to believe that Taiwan is part of China just because the latter claims so.
Originally populated by the aborigines, Taiwan was colonized by the Dutch, who started bringing in the Chinese settlers. Though the island was under the Qing Dynasty rule, they were seceded to Japan after the Sino – Japanese war in “perpetuity” under the treaty of Shimonoseki.
Early records of Taiwanese fighting for independence arose as early as 1895 when the “Declaration of the Independence of Taiwan Democratic Republic" was written in resistance against Japanese rule.
In April 1952, the San Francisco Peace Treaty, signed between the Allied Powers and Japan gave the Taiwanese, the right to decide their own future “in accord with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations”. It has hence been argued by the pro democracy camp that in this treaty, Taiwan is considered a state by the United Nations. Under the name of the Republic of China, Taiwan was a member of the United Nations until Beijing representation as People’ Republic of China in 1971.
PRC believes that the Taiwan government is not legitimate since its own founding on October 1, 1949 means that they are the successor government of China. They base their claims on the UN Charter that advocates states' rights to territorial integrity; Taiwan refutes on the basis that its own government has a general mandate over its own people.
Taiwan has a permanent population, a defined territory, a government; which are consistent with the definitions of the characteristics of a state; in compliance with the Montevideo Convention of 1933, the most cited source for the definition of statehood.
It however fails in being able to enter into relations with other states as stated in the convention because it is only formally recognized as a country by 26 countries. The counter-argument put
forth was that the ROC has exerted pressure to prevent Taiwan from being widely recognized. The pro-independence camp also argues that Article 3 of the same Montevideo Convention states, "The political existence of the state is independent of recognition by other states."
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, in achieving independence, started to re-apply for UN member status in by 2000.
The escalation of tension between the Straits has been blamed on the DPP government and
President Mr Chen Shui Bian; seen as the major perpetuators pushing for independence. After the President calls for a referendum, they were threatened with military aggression by the Chinese government.
China, which has often intimidated Taiwan with military force has to be partly blamed for the current state of straits tension. It has forced Taiwan into stocking up on its military arsenal to defend itself, in the event a war erupts.
It is within this complex entanglement of sensitive Taiwan- China issues that Singaporeans need to be aware that there are two sides to the coin; and that we need to be sensitive to the feelings of our Taiwanese friends.
In the recent October 10 National Day Speech, President Chen called for peace talks with the Chinese government though it has been derided by critics as an empty gesture for the former was vague on the “One China” policy.
One hopes that the Chinese government would relent on the definitions and kick start the beginning of the peaceful resolution of a long standing controversial issue.
I am deeply compelled and embarrassed by our ministers’ statements as they are clearly an infringement on the internal affairs of Taiwan. The aghast silence from the majority of Singaporeans have motivated me to write this commentary in support of Taiwan’s fight and
reform towards democracy.
The international community and the United Nations, in the tradition of promoting democracy, respecting human rights, ensuring global stability and world peace, must believe and endorse the rights of the Taiwanese. Whether Taiwan would become independent, return to PRC rule or manifest in any other forms of governance, ultimately, must include the opinions and wishes of the Taiwanese.
Sources and Further Online Reading:
Nationmaster.com, Encyclopedia: Political Status of Taiwan
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Political-status-of-Taiwan
Nationmaster.com, Encyclopedia: History of Taiwan
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/History-of-Taiwan
Nationmaster.com, Encyclopedia: Taiwan Independence
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Taiwan-independence
Nationmaster.com, Encyclopedia: Treaty of San Francisco
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Taiwan-independence
New Taiwan, Ilha Formosa, Taiwan’s 400 years of history
http://www.taiwandc.org/hst-1624.htm
Taiwan History
http://members.shaw.ca/leksu/
