IHT: A 'Silicon Shield' Protects Taiwan From China



China's Attitude to Taiwan
Paris, Wednesday, December 13, 2000 Letters to the International Herald Tribune Regarding "America's Next President Needs a New China Policy" (Opinion, Nov. 10) by Wu Xinbo: I am flabbergasted by Mr. Wu's comments about Taiwan. He stated that the United States needs to understand that absorbing Taiwan is "basically a matter of nation-building for China" as a result of China's "rediscovery and ardent pursuit of China's national interests." If Taiwan resists, "Beijing will almost certainly resort to force [which can] throw the island into chaos." Given this likelihood, Mr. Wu concludes that "peaceful unification across the Taiwan Strait is in the best interests of Beijing, Taipei and Washington." It is too bad that Mr. Wu did not comment on whether such "nation-building" is justifiable or whether the acquiescence of the people of Taiwan in China's "nation building" exercise is necessary or even desirable. What is the difference between China's "nation-building" and a bully taking a lollypop simply because he wants it? The lack of analysis from the professor in international politics at a major Chinese university is disconcerting. KENNETH CHOY. Hong Kong. Mr. Wu's essay is a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate the next U.S. president, weakened as he will be by the divisions in America. Theater missile defense in East Asia is required if the United States wants to protect its allies in the region.An invasion of Taiwan would cost China dearly. China's coastal areas would be devastated. The United States would stop all imports from China. China would be condemned by the international community for its violation of the human rights of the 23 million Taiwanese. China should give up its expansionist ambitions and concentrate on peaceful economic development and democratization. This is the proper way to earn the world's respect and to ensure peace in East Asia and prosperity in China. JAY LOO. Lansdale, Pennsylvania.

China's Attitude to Taiwan

Paris, Wednesday, December 13, 2000

Letters to the International Herald Tribune

Regarding "America's Next President Needs a New China Policy" (Opinion, Nov. 10) by Wu Xinbo:

I am flabbergasted by Mr. Wu's comments about Taiwan. He stated that the United States needs to understand that absorbing Taiwan is "basically a matter of nation-building for China" as a result of China's "rediscovery and ardent pursuit of China's national interests."

If Taiwan resists, "Beijing will almost certainly resort to force [which can] throw the island into chaos." Given this likelihood, Mr. Wu concludes that "peaceful unification across the Taiwan Strait is in the best interests of Beijing, Taipei and Washington."

It is too bad that Mr. Wu did not comment on whether such "nation-building" is justifiable or whether the acquiescence of the people of Taiwan in China's "nation building" exercise is necessary or even desirable. What is the difference between China's "nation-building" and a bully taking a lollypop simply because he wants it? The lack of analysis from the professor in international politics at a major Chinese university is disconcerting.

KENNETH CHOY. Hong Kong.

Mr. Wu's essay is a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate the next U.S. president, weakened as he will be by the divisions in America. Theater missile defense in East Asia is required if the United States wants to protect its allies in the region.An invasion of Taiwan would cost China dearly. China's coastal areas would be devastated. The United States would stop all imports from China.

China would be condemned by the international community for its violation of the human rights of the 23 million Taiwanese. China should give up its expansionist ambitions and concentrate on peaceful economic development and democratization. This is the proper way to earn the world's respect and to ensure peace in East Asia and prosperity in China.

JAY LOO. Lansdale, Pennsylvania.