Taiwanese must say `yes' to their country

By The Reverend William Lo

The Chinese regime has recently imposed more pressure upon Taiwan in the international community by means of the "one China" principle, and even tries to rally political support at the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan. More blatant yet is that local politicians who have earlier acted as spokespersons for China go on to lash out at the Taiwanese government after they have been bossed around in Beiijing. Several media groups in Taiwan follow suit, dancing to the music of Beijing's magic flute. 

Given that the difficult winds Taiwan is sailing against remain unchanged, those who share a strong passion for Ihla Formosa, including senior national advisors and policy consultants to the Presidential Office, become very anxious about national identification. Therefore, they proclaimed the so-called "Say Yes to Taiwan Movement" (臺灣全國站起來!) on the morning of Sept. 30, just before China kicked off its National Day celebrations. 

The whole movement is closely tied to the spiritual, cultural, political and diplomatic aspects of all the citizens in Taiwan, thereby deserving enthusiastic attention and response from all of Taiwan. For the sake of our future, and of our descendants' dignity, welfare and freedom, Taiwan's current generation should stand up for itself in the international community. As the 21st century approaches, Taiwanese citizens should set up an independent country of their own, and take up the reins themselves.

On an international occasion during her visit to El Salvador recently, Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) made a public announcement, saying "Taiwan and China are two countries. We can accept the `one China' principle under the condition that, while the PRC represents China, Taiwan with a population of 23 million people is a country as well. Taiwan never belonged to China. Bejiing may keep the truth from the world for a period of time, but all residents in the global village are not likely to be taken in for good." This could be construed as a determined position, not only honest but down-to-earth.

In the wake of the 1997 "Say No to China" movement, which opposed China's encroachment, it is high time we make "Say Yes to Taiwan" a success.

The Reverend William Lo is secretary-general of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.

Taipei Times 

10.8.2000

Translated by Gatian Wang