Wednesday, February 18, 2004
China's Weird Obsession
China is turning up the volume in its rhetorical attack on Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian's attempt to hold a plebiscite. It would ask Taiwan's citizens if they should demand that missiles aimed at Taiwan be removed. China sees it as engaging in creeping separatist activities, and as prelude to an eventual referendum to separate Taiwan from China. They fear that once the referendum pandora's box is opened, someone will manage to put separation from China on the ballot, and the Taiwanese will express democratically what has long been obvious they want: official separation from China.
It's sort of strange for China to declare Taiwan an irrevocable part of the Chinese motherland, particularly since China has played no part in development there since 1948. Then again, China is fairly prickly about border issues. They invaded Tibet based on some historical claim to the country, and have staked a claim to large parts of Kashmir (the region over which Pakistan and India have waged three wars, though India contests the claim). Why they should want a bunch of land in the middle of desolate mountains is anyone's guess.
Then again, China is a country whose empire lasted over 2000 years. I don't imagine that they managed that by being open to local demands for autonomy. That's a cultural habit that isn't going to be broken in one generation, even if they aren't sounding as militaristic as was the case when Mao urged Chinese onwards with visions of reconquering its rebel province.
Either way, one has to ask Taiwanese whether they are REALLY willing to risk an invasion on a principle. Taiwan is, for all intents and purposes, independent. They have their own elections, they manage their own foreign policy, and the Chinese can't do anything but glower menacingly from across the Taiwan straits. It's like fighting for that promotion that gives you a new title at work, without changing your job responsibilities, compensation, or even giving you a better parking place.
Granted, an independent Taiwan might get a seat at the UN, but so what? Taiwan isn't hurting by remaining a "theoretical" part of the Chinese motherland. It simply isn't worth the blood and tears to fight over something so unnecessary.
Chen, of course, is a politician, and politicians like to win elections. As John Edwards is showing, playing the demagogue is a good way to win them. Let's just hope that Chen's gambit doesn't backfire.
China is turning up the volume in its rhetorical attack on Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian's attempt to hold a plebiscite. It would ask Taiwan's citizens if they should demand that missiles aimed at Taiwan be removed. China sees it as engaging in creeping separatist activities, and as prelude to an eventual referendum to separate Taiwan from China. They fear that once the referendum pandora's box is opened, someone will manage to put separation from China on the ballot, and the Taiwanese will express democratically what has long been obvious they want: official separation from China.
It's sort of strange for China to declare Taiwan an irrevocable part of the Chinese motherland, particularly since China has played no part in development there since 1948. Then again, China is fairly prickly about border issues. They invaded Tibet based on some historical claim to the country, and have staked a claim to large parts of Kashmir (the region over which Pakistan and India have waged three wars, though India contests the claim). Why they should want a bunch of land in the middle of desolate mountains is anyone's guess.
Then again, China is a country whose empire lasted over 2000 years. I don't imagine that they managed that by being open to local demands for autonomy. That's a cultural habit that isn't going to be broken in one generation, even if they aren't sounding as militaristic as was the case when Mao urged Chinese onwards with visions of reconquering its rebel province.
Either way, one has to ask Taiwanese whether they are REALLY willing to risk an invasion on a principle. Taiwan is, for all intents and purposes, independent. They have their own elections, they manage their own foreign policy, and the Chinese can't do anything but glower menacingly from across the Taiwan straits. It's like fighting for that promotion that gives you a new title at work, without changing your job responsibilities, compensation, or even giving you a better parking place.
Granted, an independent Taiwan might get a seat at the UN, but so what? Taiwan isn't hurting by remaining a "theoretical" part of the Chinese motherland. It simply isn't worth the blood and tears to fight over something so unnecessary.
Chen, of course, is a politician, and politicians like to win elections. As John Edwards is showing, playing the demagogue is a good way to win them. Let's just hope that Chen's gambit doesn't backfire.
