Taiwanrocks! Tâi-ôan-chio♿h!

Here's my old blog: http://taiwanrox.blogspot.com/

This is my new blog.

Why'd I change?  Cause I felt like it.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

http://taiwanrox.blogspot.com/2009/05/republic-of-china-is-not-china-anymore.html

Ever since 1949, the Republic of China, an exiled government hiding out in the country of Taiwan which obtained administration after Taiwan's limbo cession, has been asserting its claims over several islands and the whole of China. This is not only dumb but I think also a total waste of time. The Republic's MOFA formally issued a statement stating that it recognized that China own China, however, it continues to fight for Paracell Islands, an island occupied by China and claimed by Vietnam, China, and

Taiwan, and Diao Yu Tai Islands (?????), claimed by Japan, China, and Taiwan. I say it is time we stop annoying Japan and Vietnam and stop caliming these islands.

First of all, China actually occupies the Paracell islands, so who cares?

Second of all, though the Diao Yu Tai islands has been reported to have oil, it has never been discovered, so it is basically a useless, uninhabited clump. I say we stop claiming the useless lump and meanwhile improve Taiwan - Japan relations and Taiwan - China Relations while we're at it.

Third, it is time to stop pretending that the Republic still owns China... the claims that we put on China not only make Taiwan look stupid but also disgraces our values of Taiwan independence. If we stop claiming these areas, we would assert that there is no more "One China," which would give Taiwan much more support and recognition.

Though we should still believe in the values that ??? taught to society, and democracy in China, we must consider the fact that ?'s government is now on Taiwan. His dream of One China may have died, but his democracy lives on... in the country of Taiwan!

2 COMMENTS:

Anonymous said...

It's kind of funny how you draw the line so clearly between China and Taiwan, and identify yourself as "not Chinese, but Taiwanese" yet your profile picture on Knol is a giant panda.

I'm not commenting on anything political. Just thought this was interesting.

MAY 13, 2009 4:08 PM

Taiwanrox said...

Well, thats because the panda is the famous April fools joke from Taipei Times...http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2222323/posts

MAY 13, 2009 4:37 PM

Thursday, May 14, 2009

http://taiwanrox.blogspot.com/2009/05/taiwan-and-india-unlikely-friends.html

There's Taiwan, in the far east, and then there's India, a subcontinent that crashed into Asia some time ago. You might not think that Taiwan has anything to do with India, but surprisingly, the Indians have been supportive of Taiwan, even going to support Taiwan UN membership bid. Even though Taiwan (At the time under Chiang Kai Shek) lost India's formal recognition in 1950, Taiwan and India have de facto relations (as it does with most of the world) through the de facto embassies of the Taipei Economic Centre and India-Taipei Asso. http://www.india.org.tw/, And Ma Ying Jeou went as far to visit India, unofficially of course. Even in Taipei are signs of India cooperation with Taiwan. People are no longer looking at Indians like they are strange or foreign, but rather friends and supporters, especially with the Indians' technological know how which matches the Taiwanese interest. Even in Kaosiung I was able to buy a Taiwanese-Indian fusion "Curry Beef Roll," which tasted pretty good. (Again, this leads me to Ma's unfavorable claim over India's territory, Arunachal Pradesh, which I think is even more ridiculous to his claims to Mainland China. Its enough bothering the Chinese, but the Indians?) Even though Taiwan and India started out with a rocky relation, it is safe to say that Taiwan is...friends with India

Why are the Indians being so nice to Taiwan? Partially because of Taiwan's technology and semiconductors, but also, I think, because of a common political enemy: China. China has not only constantly supported India's enemy Pakistan, but in the past also had border clashes in Aksai Chin, Nathula, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, and has remained hostile to India ever since the Dalai Lama fled into India. In the past, there was even a Sino-Indian War, and in 2009, India and China had a naval stand off in Somalia. However, currently the biggest problem is border dispute and the PRC's support for Pakistan, which has been India's enemy for years. Similarily, Taiwanese people got pretty mad when Pakistan was first in line to recognize the PRC as the ruler of Taiwan. China has been supplying missiles, planes, and military stuff to Pakistan ever since the 1950's, and helped Pakistan build a couple of nuclear plants. So, to stuff all that the Chinese have done back in the CCP's face, India allowed Taiwan to establish an embassy in India, and started to build political ties with Taiwan through the "Look East" policy.

The Indians are good friends to Taiwan, and I hope that Taiwan -India relations improve in the future. We are not only united in Democracy, but also technology, and unfortunately, common enemies.

1 COMMENTS:

Anonymous said...

I dont know why Indian govt is being so ridiculous about notrecognising Taiwan as different country. I have friends from both PRC and Taiwan and to be frank they have same culture but they think differently from one another asa they have been separated from each other for more tah 60 years. Most chinese still consider taiwan to be their part. But Taiwanese people dont want to be with China.

I think Indian Govt should stop acting stupid and recongnize the dignity of taiwanese people.

an Indian in the USA

JUNE 19, 2009 9:39 AM

Saturday, April 25, 2009

http://taiwanrox.blogspot.com/2009/04/dpp-must-go-global-to-win-hearts-of.html

Ever since the KMT won over the DPP last election in Taiwan, people have been blaming Chen Shui Bian's (陳水扁) bad reputation, however, I beg to differ. I think it's because the KMT looks more appealing to businessmen in Taiwan. Why? Because they are more global. By saying "more global," I mean "only focusing on China." The KMT is too focused on China. In fact, not many of Taiwan's political parties are really thinking of globalizing. So in order to beat the KMT, the DPP should start making friends with major economic powers, such as the USA, Japan, India, Australia, and yes, China. And who says they don't want our Made in Taiwan stuff? Taiwan Semiconductor is the largest semiconductor company in the world! Acer is the 3rd largest computer manufacturer in the world, and its from Taiwan. Formosa Plastics manufactures much of the worlds PVC, and Evergreen is the 4th largest shipping company. Taiwan truly does have the potential to become a great economic power, we just need to globalize.

http://taiwanrox.blogspot.com/2009/04/we-arent-chinese-anymore.html

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Are we Chinese? True, our blood does not change, but does the condition of blood affect the mind of the human? It is something a mainlander would never understand; they have been living in China forever. I imagine that the first Han people on Taiwan would have called themselves Chinese, called China their home. They thought that Taiwan was merely a stopping point. They thought they would go back to China. Some did. Some did not. And those who did not go back soon found that Taiwan was their home. At that time, they joined the people of Taiwan. The Taiwanese. They may look nothing like the original inhabitants of Taiwan, the peaceful aboriginals, but they are connected with them the same way they are connected to every tree in Taiwan, every animal in Taiwan. And some say this takes many years to happen. I beg to differ. 蔣中正, first "president" of the Republic of China, denounced Taiwan as his home, and as his country. However, his son, 蔣經國, said "I am Taiwanese" before he died. In fact, 蔣友柏 of the Chiang (蔣) family critisized the KMT for honoring his own ancestor Chiang Kai Shek.It really only takes one generation. And it should only take one generation. Once you go to Taiwan, you will feel the pride, the honor that we Taiwanese feel. Taiwan is our island. And now, some people, our ancestors, come to us from across the strait, they point missiles at us. They deny us our right to live, our right to recognition, they stamp on our country, they say that we are Chinese, they demand that we come back to their land. When we say no, they whine, they fire their missiles close to our island, they threaten us. The communists will hit us, they will burn us, they will bully us, but we will prevail! We will not give our democratic Taiwan for peace. We will not give up our Taiwanese pride for Chinese pride. We will not give up. Never. And if China thinks they can solve this problem by killing us, then China is consisted of the biggest collection of fools ever. China can kill every single Taiwanese person in the world, but what would that be other than a waste of life and blood. If China does that, the world will remember Taiwan forever, and they will remember China for killing Taiwan forever. I am not saying "go ahead and bomb Taiwan," I am stating the consequences if China bombs Taiwan, if China coerces Taiwan to be part of China. I am not saying Taiwanese people should pick up their guns and shoot at China, I am saying that we should never give up. However, do expect us Taiwanese to fight for Taiwan and freedom if China should attack us. Reunification is not a solution unless the people of Taiwan want reunification. China's polls says that Taiwan wants a peaceful reunification, however, they fail to mention the missiles pointing at Taiwan that pressure the people of Taiwan to reunite with the "motherland." If 90% of Taiwan's people consider themselves "Taiwanese," then why would 50% want to reunite with the mainland? If 96% of the Taiwanese population supports democracy, then why would 50% want to reunify? These polls are useless junk. Only time will tell whether Taiwan wants to reunify or not. That time will be when the world sees Taiwan, and when China can no longer bully Taiwan. At that time, the people of Taiwan will decide their fate, and they will make a good choice. Then there will be peace. Until that time, we Taiwanese will hold together. We Taiwanese will not falter. We Taiwanese will wait.

2 COMMENTS:

Kid with addiction to Linkin Park said...

No offense or anything, but it's going to take a long time because even when Taiwan grows to be great, I have a bad feeling that China will be stronger. I see that you are talking about future generations. But for maybe the next couple of decades, I don't see that happening.

APRIL 25, 2009 11:42 AM

Taiwanrox said...

We don't have to be "greater" than China, we just have to be not a part of China

APRIL 25, 2009 4:12 PM

The world is coming to an end. Taiwan's stock market dropped from a 9000 to a 4200 in one year. According to Taipei Times, in 2008 Taiwan's stock market stripped off 3900 points, and Taiwan fell from 23 largest economy to 24th. The DOW Industrials has fallen to a 6800 - a more than 50% drop. Wherever we look, we see negative GDPs and signs that global economies are falling. However, China, who recently adopted capitalist markets after years of communist reign, is quickly gaining on America's economy, which is currently still #1. The world seems upside down. Everyone is saying America sucks and investing in China, and that is possibly the worst that could happen to Taiwan. When China attacks, no one will dare to impede, as everyone is salivating over the benefits of investing in China. Even Taiwan itself is bursting to grab a bit of China's wealth. In these dark times, where life becomes so harsh that you must ask the enemy for help, we must still keep our dignity, and not forget our goal. We must continue to guard our democracy and our freedom over this increasingly powerful enemy of ours – the People’s Republic. Every struggling peoples eventually reaches this wall of opposition, of discouragement, and of hopelessness. In the middle of the Revolutionary War, when America seemed to be losing and Britain defeating the rag tag American’s in almost every battle, Britain sent out a document which would pardon any American citizen who signed it and promised not to rebel. Over 13,000 Americans signed that document. I’m sure they felt guilty after the revolution was over. So don’t be the guilty one, and keep your head high. We are Taiwanese, overseas or not, and that is a position that requires respect for Taiwan, not slavish admittance to China. If you are such a coward to give up the freedom and democracy your government gives you for the promised riches of wealth, then you deserve not to live or associate with your country. Don't give up now, remember, when the economy gets to the lowest point, it will probably start to recover, as it did in several other recessions. It is only a bit longer....

After the Republic of China was defeated in the Chinese Civil War by the communists, the government of the ROC was expelled to China. Many argue that the ROC government is illegitimate, however, in 1979, the Republic of China reformed under president Chiang Ching Kuo who began the long process of "Taiwanization" that replaced many mainland Chinese ROC politicians with natural born Taiwanese citizens, therefore, the governing state of ROC on Taiwan is not a foreign government but a Taiwanese government. Resolution 2758 decided who the legitimate government of China was; however, it did not decide the condition of Taiwan. ROC is not Taiwan. However, the Republic of China is commonly referred to as "Taiwan" or "Formosa." After the Treaty of San Francisco, Taiwan entered a limbo cession (Article 2B), or "any area surrendered by treaty, where the "receiving state or country" (supreme authority; administrative authority) of the transfer of legal sovereignty is not specifically stated or specified." This "limbo cession" had occurred in Cuba in 1899 when Spain did not exactly state where Cuba was ceded to. So who does Taiwan belong to? Complicated answer. Taiwan is under the administration of the Republic of China, however, Taiwan is a sovereign country. In June 25, 1950, Truman stated "The attack upon Korea makes it plain beyond all doubt that communism has passed beyond the use of subversion to conquer independent nations and will now use armed invasion and war? Accordingly I have ordered the 7th Fleet to prevent any attack on Formosa?The determination of the future status of Formosa must await the restoration of security in the Pacific, a peace settlement with Japan, or consideration by the United Nations." The US briefly lifted the blockade, but then reestablished it after the Formosa Resolution. The US Military Government occupied Taiwan until 1979, when official ties with the ROC were cut. However, the United States could still do whatever it wanted with Taiwan. "Japan recognizes the validity of dispositions of property of Japan and Japanese nationals made by or pursuant to directives of the United States Military Government in any of the areas referred to in Articles 2 and 3." (Article 4B) This was resolved when President Truman stated that Taiwan's position was "undefined." Not only that, but the US government stated, ?The United States believes that differences between Taipei and Beijing should be resolved by the people on both sides of the Strait themselves. The U.S. has consistently stated that its abiding interest is that the process be peaceful." This let the legal independence of Taiwan settle on its de facto independence. Obviously, Taiwan has become an independent nation, and was not touched once by the government of the People's Republic of China. The very premier of China cannot touch Taiwan, and Chinese need visas to enter Taiwan. So Taiwan has become de facto independent, and is therefore a country. There are some who argue against this. Below I will answer common questions.After the Republic of China was defeated in the Chinese Civil War by the communists, the government of the ROC was expelled to China. Many argue that the ROC government is illegitimate, however, in 1979, the Republic of China reformed under president Chiang Ching Kuo who began the long process of "Taiwanization" that replaced many mainland Chinese ROC politicians with natural born Taiwanese citizens, therefore, the governing state of ROC on Taiwan is not a foreign government but a Taiwanese government. Resolution 2758 decided who the legitimate government of China was; however, it did not decide the condition of Taiwan. ROC is not Taiwan. However, the Republic of China is commonly referred to as "Taiwan" or "Formosa." After the Treaty of San Francisco, Taiwan entered a limbo cession (Article 2B), or "any area surrendered by treaty, where the "receiving state or country" (supreme authority; administrative authority) of the transfer of legal sovereignty is not specifically stated or specified." This "limbo cession" had occurred in Cuba in 1899 when Spain did not exactly state where Cuba was ceded to. So who does Taiwan belong to? Complicated answer. Taiwan is under the administration of the Republic of China, however, Taiwan is a sovereign country. In June 25, 1950, Truman stated "The attack upon Korea makes it plain beyond all doubt that communism has passed beyond the use of subversion to conquer independent nations and will now use armed invasion and war? Accordingly I have ordered the 7th Fleet to prevent any attack on Formosa?The determination of the future status of Formosa must await the restoration of security in the Pacific, a peace settlement with Japan, or consideration by the United Nations." The US briefly lifted the blockade, but then reestablished it after the Formosa Resolution. The US Military Government occupied Taiwan until 1979, when official ties with the ROC were cut. However, the United States could still do whatever it wanted with Taiwan. "Japan recognizes the validity of dispositions of property of Japan and Japanese nationals made by or pursuant to directives of the United States Military Government in any of the areas referred to in Articles 2 and 3." (Article 4B) This was resolved when President Truman stated that Taiwan's position was "undefined." Not only that, but the US government stated, ?The United States believes that differences between Taipei and Beijing should be resolved by the people on both sides of the Strait themselves. The U.S. has consistently stated that its abiding interest is that the process be peaceful." This let the legal independence of Taiwan settle on its de facto independence. Obviously, Taiwan has become an independent nation, and was not touched once by the government of the People's Republic of China. The very premier of China cannot touch Taiwan, and Chinese need visas to enter Taiwan. So Taiwan has become de facto independent, and is therefore a country. There are some who argue against this. Below I will answer common questions.After the Republic of China was defeated in the Chinese Civil War by the communists, the government of the ROC was expelled to China. Many argue that the ROC government is illegitimate, however, in 1979, the Republic of China reformed under president Chiang Ching Kuo who began the long process of "Taiwanization" that replaced many mainland Chinese ROC politicians with natural born Taiwanese citizens, therefore, the governing state of ROC on Taiwan is not a foreign government but a Taiwanese government. Resolution 2758 decided who the legitimate government of China was; however, it did not decide the condition of Taiwan. ROC is not Taiwan. However, the Republic of China is commonly referred to as "Taiwan" or "Formosa." After the Treaty of San Francisco, Taiwan entered a limbo cession (Article 2B), or "any area surrendered by treaty, where the "receiving state or country" (supreme authority; administrative authority) of the transfer of legal sovereignty is not specifically stated or specified." This "limbo cession" had occurred in Cuba in 1899 when Spain did not exactly state where Cuba was ceded to. So who does Taiwan belong to? Complicated answer. Taiwan is under the administration of the Republic of China, however, Taiwan is a sovereign country. In June 25, 1950, Truman stated "The attack upon Korea makes it plain beyond all doubt that communism has passed beyond the use of subversion to conquer independent nations and will now use armed invasion and war? Accordingly I have ordered the 7th Fleet to prevent any attack on Formosa?The determination of the future status of Formosa must await the restoration of security in the Pacific, a peace settlement with Japan, or consideration by the United Nations." The US briefly lifted the blockade, but then reestablished it after the Formosa Resolution. The US Military Government occupied Taiwan until 1979, when official ties with the ROC were cut. However, the United States could still do whatever it wanted with Taiwan. "Japan recognizes the validity of dispositions of property of Japan and Japanese nationals made by or pursuant to directives of the United States Military Government in any of the areas referred to in Articles 2 and 3." (Article 4B) This was resolved when President Truman stated that Taiwan's position was "undefined." Not only that, but the US government stated, ?The United States believes that differences between Taipei and Beijing should be resolved by the people on both sides of the Strait themselves. The U.S. has consistently stated that its abiding interest is that the process be peaceful." This let the legal independence of Taiwan settle on its de facto independence. Obviously, Taiwan has become an independent nation, and was not touched once by the government of the People's Republic of China. The very premier of China cannot touch Taiwan, and Chinese need visas to enter Taiwan. So Taiwan has become de facto independent, and is therefore a country. There are some who argue against this. Below I will answer common questions.

?Taiwan is not in the UN. Therefore, it is not a country.? -- PRCforever

Does not being in the UN mean you are not a country? Let us take the example of Vatican City. It is not in the UN. However, it is a self governing country with a separate army. Vatican City currently recognizes Taiwan. Kosovo, another country left out by the UN, has received and given support for Taiwan. To name a few others Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, Nagorno Karabakh, Somaliland, and Transnistria. You have probably heard of only a few of these countries, most of which are de facto independent. Why are they not in the UN? Outside pressure and manipulation. Kosovo is recognized by 55 members of the UN. However, pressure from Serbia prevents it from entering. For Taiwan is it harder. The People?s Republic is a permanent member of the UN, with Veto power which it has misused to prevent Taiwan for UN bids. China?s economic growth also is attracting more and more followers that want to grab a share of China?s economic boom. 23 UN members recognize Taiwan. All are small countries, and the most well known is Vatican City.

?Taiwan?s Economy is Dependent on China?s Economy? ? Charles Min

I cannot deny the fact that China is one of Taiwan's biggest trading partners, and that 13 billion yuan go between the two countries. However, let us get back on track. Let?s review the definition of ?Country.? ?In common usage, the term country is used in the sense of both nations and states, with definitions varying.? Does it say the status of a country depends on its economic partners? No! China is one of the USA?s biggest trading partners, is the USA a part of China? Taiwan is only doing what the world is doing, to be frank: Sucking up to China to get their economy back! Besides, China?s economy is going down. It has a current GDP of 8%, the lowest in 19 years. China, with it's newfound capitalism, is slowing down so early. Why? Because the worldwide economic slump is crippling its economic boost. Soon, China will be much like Russia today, once a superpower, now with an ailing economy, just like Taiwan, the USA, and Europe. China cannot be invincible forever. In fact, Chinese premier Wen Jia Bao is issuing a STIMULOUS PACKAGE of 1 trillion yuan. A stimullous package already??? And you thought China was the best.

?Taiwan has been a part of China from thousands of years ago? ? Marta Song

First of all, let me state that Taiwan?s sovereignty does not depend on the years it has been part of China, which is?0 years. If sovereignty depended on past ownership USA would be part of Britain. A review of Taiwan?s history: 1400?s-1500, Europeans (Dutch and Spanish) use Taiwan as territory for trading. 1600-1800?s, Qing dynasty takes over Taiwan after Zheng Jing threatens to overthrow their weak government. Note that the Qing were from MANCHU and therefore Taiwan was not ruled by a government based on the Han people. So Taiwan was a part of MANCHURIA, not China. In fact, Han Chinese were prevented from participating in the Qing government. 1800?s ? 1949, Japanese rule. Taiwan was liberated by the San Francisco Peace treaty in 1949. 1949- 1970, Administration of the Republic of China while under the military government of the USA. 1970- Present, sovereign country under administration of the Republic of China. Ok fine, you want to count Qing Dynasty as a Chinese dynasty, then go ahead. But that?s only 200 years, less than America under British rule.

No One Recognizes Taiwan ? Chinesevietguy

Well, that?s not true. 23 Countries recognize Taiwan.

Burkina Faso, Gambia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Swaziland, Vatican City (The Holy See), Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu , Belize, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

USA unofficially has a de facto embassy in Taiwan: AIT. Taiwan and it?s administrator ROC are in the Olympics Organization and WTO, as Chinese Taipei, however, but alas, still a country.

One China Policy ? ?Taiwan, an Inalienable part of China? by the Chinese Government

What does the one China policy say? It says PRC owns China and ROC doesn?t. It also prevents the recognition of the ROC. China has falsely connected Taiwan and ROC together to make it harder for Taiwan?s recognition. Quote WashingtonBureaucrat ? ?So, we come back to the central issue, specifically: Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895. Since that time, there are no international legal documents which can prove that Taiwan has ever been ceded back to China. Hence, there is no validity in asserting that the One China Policy includes the premise that Taiwan belongs to China or is somehow part of China.?

The US Millitary government on Taiwan was never legally supplanted.

In the USA governments OFFICIAL website, USA.gov, Taiwan is not stated in any way as part of America. http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/State_and_Territories.shtml

Plus, USMG left Taiwan in 1970. So, Taiwan is not a part of the USA

"The Cairo Declaration states Taiwan was returned to the Republic of China"

The Cairo declaration was nthing more than a press release. The Treaty of San Francisco ENDED WW2.

Lets be honest, Taiwan isn?t a part of China. We need not the political proofs; Taiwan is separately governed from China in every way. I await the time the country TAIWAN is recognized by the people, as it should. I await the time the tyrannical PRC China stops bothering Taiwan and its citizens. I await Taiwan for UN.

10 COMMENTS:

Kid with addiction to Linkin Park said...

TAIWAN ROXXXXXXX THERE IS NO WAY CHINA IS GOING TO SAY WE ARE THEIR'S!!!!! TAIWAN DOESN'T NEED TO BE FREED, WE ARE FREE!!!!!!

-american born taiwanese

MARCH 6, 2009 9:35 AM

Taiwanrox said...

Yah, I don't think I said Taiwan wasn't free.

MARCH 6, 2009 4:01 PM

Richard@insular said...

According to the lawsuit of Roger Lin v. United States of America, Taiwan is neither a part of China nor independent. Taiwan is occupied territory.

The principal occupying power is, according to the 1952 Senate ratified San Francisco Peace Treaty, the United States of America. The ROC in Taiwan is merely a proxy force.

See more details at http://court.civil-taiwan.org

MARCH 7, 2009 6:58 AM

Taiwanrox said...

Richard: I agree with you, the USMG did occupy Taiwan, however, if you recall, they left Taiwan in 1970, leaving ROC in administration and Taiwan's status was then determined by its de facto independence.

MARCH 7, 2009 10:55 AM

Kid with addiction to Linkin Park said...

wait... didn't Taiwan become "free" after that thing where we won our independence??? just as a general question. thanks

MARCH 7, 2009 11:00 AM

Taiwanrox said...

Lets take a look at the official US governments territories.

http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/State_and_Territories.shtml

Notice Taiwan is not there

MARCH 7, 2009 11:18 AM

Taiwanrox said...

Yah, Taiwan is free in every way. We have democracy, freedom of speech, and a constitution.

MARCH 7, 2009 11:19 AM

Kid with addiction to Linkin Park said...

Of course. Thank you. I understand more fully what it meant. Sorry for making a disruption.

MARCH 18, 2009 11:46 AM

Taiwanrox said...

disruption? I'm not communist man, you can say whatever you want!

MARCH 18, 2009 8:02 PM

Kid with addiction to Linkin Park said...

thanx dude... ur awesome keep doing what your doing

MARCH 25, 2009 9:14 AM

http://taiwanrox.blogspot.com/2009/01/support-taiwan-united-states-of-america.html

Taiwan and the USA have been connected in many ways ever since 1949, and both have many similarities. Both were the underdogs, battling powerful enemies, and both are Democratic. Taiwan's safety relies heavily on the US, and ever since the ROC moved to Taiwan, the USA has been helping Taiwan by sending in the 7th fleet and selling weapons to Taiwan. However, USA remains one of the countries not recognizing Taiwan. The government of the USA seems to have forgotten the time when they were fighting against the British King George the 3rd. However, this is not to say America's citizens think Taiwan is a part of China.

"A strong majority has viewed Taiwan as being more like an independent country than as part of China. In February 1996, when China was launching missiles into the Taiwan Strait to reiterate its territorial claim during Taiwan's first democratic presidential election, Louis Harris presented respondents with two options to describe Taiwan's status. Sixty-two percent chose the description of a Taiwan as a 'completely separate and independent of China.' Less than one-third chose the description of Taiwan as 'part of China.' This does not necessarily mean that most Americans think of Taiwan as being no different than any other sovereign state, because the only other option was the description of Taiwan as part of China. But it does make clear that more Americans think of Taiwan as being more like an independent country than as part of China. Perhaps more important, in the same poll, 69% said that Taiwan and China should be reunified 'only if the Taiwanese want to be'; just 18%, however, said they should 'never be reunified'; and only 2% felt they 'should eventually be reunified under any circumstances.'"[13]

-http://www.americans-world.org/digest/regional_issues/china/china7.cfm

The US is known to have supported blooming democracies in the past; those including the democracies of South America, France, and others. However, in the later years, the USA has let major democracies (South Vietnam, North Korea, China) down. I must admit that Taiwan's situation is grotesquely convoluted (twisted): Taiwan's official name is the Republic of China, and though numerous attempts to change the name to "Taiwan," all have led to Chinese missiles. So of what use is it to force a countries name to be Republic of China? The One China Policy, an outdated policy that should have never even passed. By forcing Taiwan to be officially the Republic of China, Taiwan cannot be recognized as a country. Now I must agree with the statement "Names are powerful things." However, this does not mean the USA cannot do anything. If the USA could more clearly state its position on Taiwan... as in, whether it will prevent Chinese forces from invading, maybe this will give Taiwan the chance to officially become independent.

"A majority of Americans has expressed the view that the US should not oppose Taiwan's taking steps toward greater independence. A September 1999 poll by Mark Penn began by describing current US policy toward China, saying that it '"can be summed up as "no independence for Taiwan, and no use of force by China to compel Taiwan to rejoin mainland China."' An alternative policy was described as 'Since Taiwan has become a democracy, the US should support its moves toward independence, even if that provokes a confrontation with China.' Asked to choose between these policies, only 37% chose the one that rejected independence for Taiwan while 55% chose the one that said the US should be supportive of Taiwan's moves toward greater independence."[15]

Recently, however, failing economies have led to other countries sticking closer to China, an emerging market that hopes to bring back the world economy. However, it will not last long. Every emerging market grows fast at first; for you old guys remember when everyone was talking about investing in Taiwan, Korea, and Japan? In fact I would say China's boost has been crippled by this sudden economic slowdown. Despite this, some have taken to supporting China for lucrative (expedient) reasons. I am disgusted at this, as your duty as an American is to instigate and preserve democracy. Not to mention Taiwan makes a lot of your computer's silicon chips, and letting China attack Taiwan would lead to soaring computer prices.

The president of the US, Obama, stated: “The U.S. should reopen blocked channels of communication with Taiwan officials.” I do hope he will make the changes he promises. Taiwan and China cannot be ignored or waived, they are like a time bomb, ticking, and it will keep ticking until someone disables it. Meanwhile, China is continuously adding to the number of missile pointed at Taiwan...

Sunday, December 14, 2008

http://taiwanrox.blogspot.com/2008/12/why-taiwan-independence.html

In Taiwan, it is a time of political turmoil. Taiwan, a country divided over eventual reunification with a democratic China, or complete and official separation from it's "mother" China which threatens to turn Taiwan into a blown up desert. There are many political parties in Taiwan, but the two main parties are KMT and DPP. DPP's path is clear: Screw China, Taiwan independence. The KMT is more cloudy, due to the fact that KMT was originally a party from mainland China under the ROC (A government in China that was exiled to Taiwan), it is unsure what path they will choose to take. DPP suffered a huge loss recently on the arrest of Chen Shui Bian, former Taiwanese DPP president, and KMT won last year's election with Ma Ying Jeo, who is pretty much doing nothing.

I believe that, in this crisis, when it come the time, we must separate. Yes, I am what you may call a "greenie" though I do not agree with their hostillity toward China, as I think China and Taiwan should be friends, but not united. I have several reasons for official separation from China:

1. Continual Harassment: China has aimed missiles at Taiwan in "tests," such as in the Taiwan Strait Crisises. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Taiwan_Strait_Crisis

Also, not to mention blocking Taiwan from the WHO (World health organization) and UN (United Nations). Blocking Taiwan from WHO creates major problems. 1: A hole in the international health plan. 2: Delayed support to Taiwan in case of a disease (such as SARS) 3: Not recognizing a vital island with 23 million people.

Taiwan's UN blockage has been very well known. China uses its veto power to block Taiwan for UN votes, as they claim it "doesn't make sense," and that ROC was a "slip of the pen." Not to mention with China's growing economical power, countries have begun to suck up to the damn commies.

2. Preservation of Democracy:

Some people argue that China is getting democratic. I beg to differ. China's ruling party is still "CCP" which, last time I checked, stands for Chinese Communist Party. Note the Communist part. China recently executed a man for "spying for Taiwan." China's internet firewall is known to be the most daring of all! In the Tibet uprisings, China moved to block Youtube even (In the Mainland, Hong Kong is still partially democratic). There are rumors that they have unblocked Youtube, but how can you tell? How can we let Taiwan, a democratic country, merge with a communist, or a least, dictatorial, country?

3. Loss of a Culture:

We are Taiwanese. what would happen, if we were to be ceded once again to China? An identity crisis. We are Taiwanese, yet, we allow ourselve to be incorporated into a much larger China. Sure, there are many Cantonese that call themselves Cantonese, not Chinese, and Taiwanese is considered as one of the Chinese races, but, "Taiwanese" would have so much of a ...different meaning. It would lose its true meaning of independence...and become another tribe of China's many tribes...

4. We are NOT going to retake the mainland:

Lets face it, ROC is weakened. In 1991, ROC issued a statement saying they recognized that they had no control over China or Mongolia anymore. ROC is dead. It is an exiled Government on Taiwan. ROC will still exist, but we must focus on Taiwan now, not on gloriously retaking the Mainland, which is highly unrealistic. Lets first focus on not getting killed by the PLA!

5. Getting incorporated into PRC China would be a pain.

Do you know how much money it would take for China to run Taiwan?

A lot. Electricity, everything....it would be a pain.

6.We can't give up

After everything we've fought for, be it independence, democracy, or a seat in the UN, will we give up? After everything we've attained, should we give up? No. We are the people of Taiwan, whether be it Taiwanese American or Taiwanese African, we will not give up, for our homeland, and our ancestors who fought hard to keep our freedoms and democracy. We are Taiwanese, and even if China sends a bomb and kills us all, we will always be there, overseas, or in the spirit of one people fighting for democracy. This is not saying we should get blown up. This is saying we should stand up, and do something to prevent being blown up! Soon, we will stand up, I am sure, every one of us! We will not give up our beautiful country to China! We are Taiwanese, we will fight for glory, and independence. Always remember: you are Taiwanese.

4 COMMENTS:

Boyd R. Jones said...

Interesting. But are the Taiwanese united on this point? Will the Taiwanese fight and die for Taiwanese Independence (like the Israelis)?

DECEMBER 21, 2008 4:09 AM

Taiwanrox said...

Boyd R. Jones: That is for us Taiwanese to decide. Will we live free and independent forever? That is for Time to tell.

DECEMBER 30, 2008 9:53 AM

Anonymous said...

The term "democracy" remains an abstract concept in Taiwan. Never lacking is the freedom to choose, which is more or less an euphemism for untethered personal indulgence within the local context. When it comes to making those necessary personal sacrifices inherent to true democracy (let alone respect for legislated law & order), we're still waiting for that yet-to-be identified Moses to guide us into the Promised Land.

MAY 18, 2009 8:29 AM

Taiwanrox said...

anonymous: well, I agree with you that corruption and selfish politicians are seriously damaging Taiwan's government, but where is there not corruption or lies in a government??? There was a time, in America, where Presidents were actually good people (Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, FDR), but now this modern world has become inexplicably complicated and now current presidents need to raise money for their campaigning which requires millions per year.

MAY 18, 2009 6:44 PM

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

http://taiwanrox.blogspot.com/2008/12/message-to-taiwan-love-america.html

America, a sign of democracy, power, peace, hope, and greatness. Yet, in the past years, dislike for the only superpower in the world has grown. Americans have been looked upon with hatred, for their interference with Iraq, and overall, their democratic ways and virtues. I for one, love America. America is still a great country, and not everyone is a fat uneducated person in America. America has done many good things to Taiwan, such as send the 7th fleet to protect Taiwan from the communists, sell weapons to Taiwan, and more importantly, establish the Taiwan Relations Act, an important tool for supporting Taiwan independence. I would like to remind you of the things America did that year to help Taiwan. In 1945, ROC (Republic of China, democratic China, free China) retook Taiwan from the Japanese on "Retrocession Day." In 1949, ROC lost control of the mainland to the Russian supported CPC, now CCP, or the Chinese Communist Party. In the Battle of Kuningtou, the ROC army stopped the advancing PLA with USA made tanks, and Kinmen remains in ROC hands to this day. Chiang, the leader of the ROC, then proclaimed Taipei capital of China, ROC China that is. USA realized that a total communist takeover of China and Taiwan would be dangerous, so President Truman sent the 7th fleet into the Taiwan strait. Most historians agree without the 7th fleet, Taiwan would've been doomed. Trumans stated

"The attack upon Korea makes it plain beyond all doubt that communism has passed beyond the use of subversion to conquer independent nations and will now use armed invasion and war. It has defied the orders of the Security Council of the United Nations issued to preserve international peace and security. In these circumstances the occupation of Formosa by Communist forces would be a direct threat to the security of the Pacific area and to United States forces performing their lawful and necessary functions in that area. Accordingly I have ordered the 7th Fleet to prevent any attack on Formosa. As a corollary of this action I am calling upon the Chinese Government on Formosa to cease all air and sea operations against the mainland. The 7th Fleet will see that this is done. The determination of the future status of Formosa must await the restoration of security in the Pacific, a peace settlement with Japan, or consideration by the United Nations." (http://www.geocities.com/taiwanstatus/taiwanstatus)

However, that was not the end. Fighting broke out in the First Taiwan Strait Crisis. Eisenhower, who succeeded Truman, allowed the ROC to attempt to retake the mainland. ROC first put troops on Matsu and Quemoy, which were then rained upon by Chinese missiles. Luckily, again, USA saved Taiwan with the Formosa Resolution, which allowed Eisenhower to dispatch troops to protect Taiwan. In the second Taiwan strait crisis, the USA built useful aircraft for Taiwan, and the battle ended out in a tie.

Not only did the USA help Taiwan militarily, but also politically.

One very important document is the Taiwan Relations Act, which passed in 1979.

The document states: "It is the policy of the United States--

to preserve and promote extensive, close, and friendly commercial, cultural, and other relations between the people of the United States and the people on Taiwan, as well as the people on the China mainland and all other peoples of the Western Pacific area;

to declare that peace and stability in the area are in the political, security, and economic interests of the United States, and are matters of international concern;

to make clear that the United States decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means;

to consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including by boycotts or embargoes, a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States;

to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character; and

to maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan." (American Institute Taiwan)

Also, "Whenever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with such respect to Taiwan.  Whenever authorized by or pursuant to the laws of the United States to conduct or carry out programs, transactions, or other relations with respect to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, the President or any agency of the United States Government is authorized to conduct and carry out, in accordance with section 6 of this Act, such programs, transactions, and other relations with respect to Taiwan (including, but not limited to, the performance of services for the United States through contracts with commercial entities on Taiwan), in accordance with the applicable laws of the United States."

This act is very promising, as it promises weapons, which USA supplies to Taiwan, if not directly, through other countries.

In conclusion, the USA is still a preserver of democracy, hopefully willing to support Taiwan's official separation from China. Hopefully, Americans not willing to help Taiwan will realize that Taiwan is not just some small country, but a place full of people, people that are threatened by the constant threat of China. China continues to point over 900 missiles at Taiwan at the very moment, and while tensions have been thawed by the recent Taiwanese president's friendliness with China, including the recent gift panda's Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, soon, USA will have to choose whether to help Taiwan or not. I advise the American people not to give up on Taiwan, as Dell, Microsoft, and other technology related companies rely on Taiwan's semiconductors.

"Free nations of the world cannot allow Taiwan, a beacon of democracy, to be subdued by an authoritarian China. "

Nick Lampson

3 COMMENTS:

Michael Turton said...

Dude, the TRA explicitly DOES NOT REQUIRE anything. Read it carefully. It merely says that the President decides whether Taiwan should get weapons. Taiwan itself is not included in the process.

Also, the US screwed Taiwan hard -- it brought over Chiang Kai-shek, who set up a police state that killed and imprisoned tens of thousands, create a faux Chinese culture to suppress local cultures, and claimed that Taiwan was part of China. The resultant absurd diplomatic situation with the false Chinese claim to the island, and the corrupt political system of the island with its developmentalist construction state, are a direct result of our idiotic decision to let Chiang come over.

Michael

JANUARY 1, 2009 2:34 AM

Jas said...

I have been to Taipei too last March and cannot wait to go back again! I look forward to more of your post about Taiwan. HA, thanks for sharing!

JANUARY 8, 2009 11:16 PM

Taiwanrox said...

To Michael:

The TRA specifically states:

In furtherance of the policy set forth in section 3301 of this title, the United States will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.

This is good stuff for my family and friends in Taiwan. It more clearly labels that USA might help Taiwan. Even if it is a bit vague, it is a good sign: someones at least partially on Taiwan's side.

Chiang Kai Shek was already in Taiwan before 1949...In 1945, after the Japanese were defeated in WW2, they surrendered Taiwan to ROC. Chiang Kai Shek did screw a lot of people. However, thanks to his ROC troops, the Communists were defeated at Kinmen and other islands. Getting invaded by Chiang Kai Shek was better than getting invaded by communists. Look at now: Taiwan is a democracy, and I would say a nicely functioning one, while China still remains a dictatorship, and look at Tibet, that could've been Taiwan. It could have been worse.

JANUARY 9, 2009 9:32 PM