Robert Tsao proposes peace act with China
Mr. Robert Tsao, former United Microelectronics Corp chairman Robert Tsao, proposes Taiwan to sign a cross-strait peace coexistence act with China. His proposal has stirred up heated debate in Taiwan. Tsao opposed the government's proposed referendum on joining the UN under the name "Taiwan." He argues that there is no need to hold an independence referendum because Taiwan is already an independent state.
In an article, "A look at Tsao's modest proposal, Lin Cho-shui commented on Robert Tsao's proposal of the Taiwan issue released in Taipei Times. Below is a part of Lin's comments:
Many people think that if we hold a referendum on a new constitution on changing the national title, Taiwan will achieve de jure independence. But Tsao clearly states that Taiwan will not become a de jure independent country unless the US, Japan and the EU recognize that Taiwan and China are two independent states without jurisdiction over each other or until Taiwan joins the UN. However, if de jure independence is interpreted this way, Tsao's worries about a possible cross-strait war will not stand as long as the US, Japan and the EU do not support UN membership for Taiwan.
For example, Taiwan can never become an independent country under international law. China thus cannot use a Taiwanese declaration of independence as an excuse for the use of force.
On the contrary, if the US, Japan and the EU support Taiwan's UN bid, Taiwan will legitimately become an independent country. But it also means that those countries will be willing to accept the consequences of opposing China.
The main reason China opposes de jure independence is that if Taiwan is part of China, a cross-strait war will be a domestic issue and therefore other countries cannot interfere in accordance with international law.
But if the international community recognizes Taiwan's statehood, Chinese military action against Taiwan will be considered an invasion.
China thus does not oppose Taiwanese independence to maintain cross-strait peace but to prevent Taiwan from gaining international protection following a declaration of independence, since that would give China a more beneficial position in the cross-strait war zone. From this point of view, Tsao has misjudged the issue.
Finally, although I don't support Tsao's proposal, I also disagree with Chen's criticism of him. In my opinion, Tsao's efforts have shown serious concern about Taiwan. We can disagree with his opinions, but we shouldn't doubt his motivations. Instead, we should take his deeply felt opinions into consideration and create room for rational discussion about Taiwan.
Lin is a former Democratic Progressive Party legislator. His comment was translated by Ted Yang. (Source: Taipei Times, Dec 5, 2007).