|
Andres' Blog: Hermawan is Wrong
Tuesday, March 29, 2005:
(Andres' response was also published in March 30's China Post.)
In response to David Hermawan's recent letter to the editor in the March 29th issue of the CHINA POST: he is wrong about the 3-26 demonstration.
First, he's right that, "it has not scared China to annul its anti-secession law." But, the point of the demonstration wasn't to scare anyone, nor was it to change China's law. The point was to show China and the world that the people of Taiwan are opposed to China attacking. It is China trying to scare Taiwan into forceful submission.
Second, the international community has spoken out against China's new law; it has not been "largely silent" as Hermawan says. The United States, Australia and Japan have all expressed disapproval of China's new law. Yes, Southeast Asian countries are dealing with secessionist issues. However, the issue of Taiwan has never been one of secession. It has been one of independence. Historically and politically, the Chinese Communist Party has never controlled Taiwan. Taiwan was part of Imperial China, then part of Japan, and finally a part of the Republic of China. Chinese Communists have no claim to Taiwan.
Third, it was not "ridiculous" of President Chen to attend the rally and not address the demonstrators. By not addressing the demonstrators, it showed that this was an action of the people, not the government.
Fourth, "there were so many different slogans in the rally," but this did not "cause public confusion as to what the demonstration was all about." And if he believes it did, what is his evidence? All of the English and Chinese media, both print and non-print, understood what the demonstration was about, as did the demonstrators themselves. I know because I was actually there, was Hermawan?
Finally, it's only achievement was not: "millions of dollars have been wasted." Anytime people gather to make their voices heard in a peaceful way, without troops and tanks shooting at them a la Tiananmen Square, it is a victory for peace and democracy everywhere.
-Andres Chang, Taichung
Reprinted Hermawan's letter from chinapost.com
3-26 Peace March Turned Out to Be a Big ‘Farce’
2005/03/29,
David Hermawan,
Taipei
Last Saturday's peace march in Taipei ended peacefully, but has it really achieved its stated objectives? The answer is negative. In fact, it has merely turned out to be a big farce.
First, it has not scared China to annul its anti-secession law passed a week ago. In fact, the rally sponsored by pro-independent groups only strengthened China's justification in adopting the law designed to curb Taiwan secessionism.
Second, the international community has largely remained silent and has no intention of getting involved in the war of nerve between China and Taiwan. As a matter of fact, Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and others that are facing the threat of secessionism at home have lauded China's anti-secession law which has provided an example for them to emulate. Even Singapore has openly supported the law and criticized Taiwan secessionist movement. So don't be surprised if Southeast Asian countries will soon follow China's step by enacting similar law.
Third, it was ridiculous that President Chen Shui-bian kept his mouth shut during the entire occasion. His decision to play dumb only reflects his fear of provoking Beijing as well as his lack of leadership in crisis management.
Fourth, there were so many different slogans in the rally which caused public confusion as to what the demonstration was all about. As for the country folks coming down from southern Taiwan to take part in the demonstration, they did so as long as they got a free bus ride to Taipei and also a free lunch box.
Finally, the only achievement is that millions of dollars have been wasted just to stage a “political comedy."
|
|
