Has the U.S. Government Abandoned Taiwan?

According to the pro-green Liberty Times report, July 3rd:
http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2009/new/jul/3/today-p9.htm

A group of Taiwanese who have lived in the U.S. for several years have organized a certain "Formosa Nation Strategy Foundation." The group has brought a case to the highest court in the U.S., alleging that the U.S. has unlawfully occupied Taiwan and upheld the provision of the San Francisco Peace Treaty that outlines Taiwan's uncertain status. The result of this provision has been that the Taiwanese people have "no nationality, no recognized government and live in political hell."

The Democratic Progressive Party, the Taiwan Association, and Friends of Li Deng-Hui have held press conferences in Japan and in the United States to request that the U.S. government issue American passports and "support a Taiwan that is represented by a commoner's government."

Upon viewing this news, my first thought was of an abandoned wife, pleading with her former husband, the U.S., begging him to keep wanting her, to occupy her and never leave her. How could those who call themselves Taiwanese patriots and staunch supporters of independence have sunk to such a low? It's unbelievable.

Thirty years ago, the United States was the world's most dominant power and an economic powerhouse. Meanwhile, Taiwan was quite poor by comparison. People went to great lengths to obtain U.S. residency, including illegally boarding ships and registering false marriages.

Ten years ago, when Li Deng-Hui declared the "two nation policy" and Communist China fired test missiles into Taiwan's outlying waters, cross-strait relations were strained near the breaking point. At that time, a call for Taiwan to become a U.S. state, an overseas autonomous region similar to Puerto Rico or for Taiwanese to receive special U.S. passports might have been acceptable.

When Li Deng-Hui stepped down and Chen Shui-Bian stepped up, promotional slogans for Taiwanese independence and legally established self-rule put an end to the idea of becoming a U.S. state. Supporters of Taiwanese independence pursued their goal partly to be rid of the threat of China, and partly so that current politicians would benefit by maintaining their right to control Taiwan. However, these false supporters of Taiwan's independence have only talked the talk without walking the walk.

The U.S. itself has been severely affected by the recent financial crisis. The unemployment rate remains high and even the richest state, California, is approaching bankruptcy. This demonstrates that even the U.S. lacks the power to protect itself. Those overseas Taiwanese who continue to devote themselves to becoming a U.S. state and wanting the U.S. to protect Taiwan from assimilation into mainland China are not just an embarrassment, they're utterly ridiculous!

Cross-strait relations have warmed, and the U.S. should be overjoyed by this. A historical burden has been lifted and the possibility of direct military conflict with China has dissolved. Aside from selling defensive weapons to Taiwan, the U.S. is powerless to interfere in relations between China and Taiwan.

Furthermore, if Taiwan is to weather this economic crisis, the degree to which it must rely on Chinese markets and capital may surpass its reliance on the U.S.. After all, the financial crisis originated in the United States.

Even if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overstep its
authoritative boundaries to declare that Taiwan does not belong to China despite its undecided status, it only has "explanatory" powers. The U.S. lacks the political will and power to enforce its decision, and would not dare officially declare Taiwan a U.S. state.

The U.S. government already has its hands full with international affairs and the situation in the Middle East. How could it occupy and govern Taiwan, meddling in the domestic affairs of still more countries?

It is obvious that advocates of Taiwan's independence have reached the end of their means. Li Deng-Hui has already lost his political influence and begun to rectify his opinion of China, preparing to imitate Confucius by traveling throughout the country. Chen Shui-Bian, dogged by charges of corruption, has lost the moral position to pursue Taiwanese independence, and, by supporting him, the Democratic Progressive Party has also lost popular credibility.

Having lost their domestic support base, these overseas supporters of Taiwan's independence now wish to threaten China with borrowed strength from the U.S.. With their glory years behind them, they now wish for the protection of the U.S. in return for their devotion. Now, in the shadow of their former glories, their actions are only meant to comfort themselves and certainly do not have the approval of the majority of Taiwanese.

The official citizenship of the Taiwanese people is ROC (Republic of China), and their passports bear China's symbol. However, the Taiwanese must rely on themselves to ensure the protection of their dignity and political rights. They must rely on their own collective power to protect their property and livelihoods. If Taiwan is to continue to grow and prosper, it will depend on peaceful relations and economic cooperation with China. What sources are these overseas supporters of Taiwan's independence relying on to claim that the Taiwanese have no nationality, government, or political rights? Have they been living in an ivory tower for the last sixty years, unaware of the world around them?

Become a U.S. state? These audacious old supporters of Taiwan's independence would be well-advised to spend the rest of their years living as Americans in American nursing homes. Taiwan doesn't need them or what they have to say. The Taiwanese are doing well. They live with dignity and do not need these bold "patriots" cowering in America to say they love Taiwan!

“Los Angeles'” blog, written in Taipei on Independence
Day, July 4th, 2009.