Accurately Mold the Triangular Relationship between America, China and Taiwan

The Obama-Hu meeting attracted the attention of the world and because America reaffirmed the Taiwan Relations Act and promoted the ECFA agreement, our government let out a sigh of relief. After the Obama-Hu summit, the development of triangular relations between America, Taiwan and China is now a question that must be seriously approached.

The Taiwan Relations Act is a domestic American law and America is nation governed by laws. Therefore, America must act in accordance with its law in regard to Cross-Strait relations. Even when the Democratic Progressive Party held power, the United States government responded to some of the DPP’s unexpected acts by stressing the importance of the Taiwan Relations Act to handle the Cross-Strait problem. However, the Taiwan Relations Act and Three Communiqués between China and the U.S. basically represent a dual relationship — perhaps one that can be called a relationship between twin brothers. At the same time, America reiterated that the Taiwan Relations Act certainly is able to reaffirm the Communiqués. The Taiwan Relations Act and the Three Communiqués mutually form America’s framework for handling the Cross-Strait problem. In regards to America and this framework, it conforms best to America’s national interest.

Because the Taiwan Relations Act is America’s domestic law, to some extent the Taiwan problem certainly has been internalized as a part of American domestic affairs. Consequently, it does not matter which party controls the position of president because they will both handle the Taiwan issue under the framework of the Taiwan Relations Act. However, the Three Communiqués magnify the American Congress’ so-called “One China” framework to handle the Taiwan issue. With regard to American core national interests — besides protecting their territory — it is precisely to avoid a regional conflict from breaking out. They are interested in preserving American hegemony, stability and peace. America very clearly realizes that the Taiwan issue is able to completely make or break Sino-U.S. relations. Furthermore, America pledges that the Taiwan issue cannot spark a conflict. America must preserve the “One China” framework. From this perspective, we are able to comprehend why America, on the one hand, continues to reiterate the Taiwan Relations Act while selling military equipment to Taiwan. On the other hand, every time we attempt to demand a breakthrough on the “One China” framework, America impolitely responds and admonishes us. Overall, America, by means of the “One China” framework, is trying to preserve the Taiwan Strait status quo. This status quo binds together peace in Northeast Asia.

In regards to Sino-U.S. relations, carrying out peace in the Taiwan Strait is in accordance with China’s and America’s national interests. China, for the sake of continuing to seek economic development, has an urgent need for a peaceful periphery. The key is peace in the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, America, in order to safeguard many interests in Northeast Asia, also must try hard to preserve peace in the Taiwan Strait. It also must prevent an armed clash from breaking out there. So, trying hard to preserve the stable situation in the Taiwan Strait is the core of America and China’s policy. Furthermore, President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commended the ECFA agreement, having the perspective that ECFA helps to safeguard the stability in the Taiwan situation.

ECFA’s initial document represented that a Cross-Strait trade and economic partnership had been established. In regards to the development of stability in the Taiwan Strait, to some extent it certainly was beneficial. However, signing ECFA can also possibly trigger America’s and other countries’ misgivings. They may be scared that China can have a greater effect on our economy, thereby making it seem like we have a tendency to lean towards China — thus allowing China’s political and economic power to spread and influence other countries in Asia. From ECFA’s signing, Taiwan-American relations, instead of improving, are susceptible of entering a delicate phase. We already want to firmly grasp ECFA and give free reign to its benefits, but we must not allow America to have any misgivings. Therefore, we were happy when the American government commended ECFA. We must go a step further and reflect on how to reconcile America’s outward appearance of commending ECFA while they still have internal misgivings.

Safeguarding stability in the Taiwan Strait, preserving the status quo and preventing a clash between China and Taiwan is America’s wish. But they do not wish that the two sides of the Strait become too close. After ECFA was signed, we thought this would be a great test for America’s moderation. However, perhaps we can utilize America’s psychological change to move in the opposite direction and manipulate them to speed up their resumption of the TIFA talks — so much that we sign an FTA as well as balance the triangular relations between America, Taiwan and China.