MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-TAIWAN RELATIONS

UNCLAS AIT TAIPEI 001466 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR INR/R/MR, EAP/TC, EAP/PA, EAP/PD - DAVID FIRESTEIN DEPARTMENT PASS AIT/WASHINGTON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO TW SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-TAIWAN RELATIONS Summary: Taiwan's major Chinese-language dailies focused news coverage June 27 on a Taiwan High Court ruling Tuesday, in which President Chen Shui-bian's son-in-law was sentenced to seven years in prison for insider trading; on a controversial National Communications Commission decision to approve the share transfer plans of the Broadcasting Corporation of China; and on the 2008 presidential election. In terms of editorials and commentaries, an op-ed in the pro-independence, English-language "Taipei Times," written by Randall Schriver, founding partner of Armitage International LC, offered suggestions regarding what Washington should do in the face of Taiwan's push for a referendum on the island's UN bid under the name "Taiwan." An editorial in the pro-independence, English-language "Taiwan News" criticized Washington for its opposition to Taiwan's referendum on the island's UN bid. The article said Washington is "treating the world to the regretful and ironic scene of a mature democracy helping an authoritarian regime strangle a young democracy." End summary. A) "Pro-Taiwan (but Not Anti-China)" Randall Schriver, a founding partner of Armitage International LC, opined in the pro-independence, English-language "Taipei Times" [circulation: 30,000] (6/27): "... Why does a referendum pose difficult questions for the US government? Why are US government officials unwilling to simply endorse any referendum on any subject of Taiwan's choosing? The core challenge faced by US government officials when such matters are considered comes from the tension that emanates from asking two questions: How can the US be pro-Taiwan, but not anti-China? And how can the US be pro-democracy, but not pro-independence? ... "Thus far, the proposal on the table in Taiwan rests firmly in category three. Holding a referendum on whether or not to seek membership in the UN under the name 'Taiwan' will be problematic for Washington. It is a topic that seems highly symbolic (no matter the results of the vote, there is no chance Taiwan will be admitted to the UN under any name as long as China holds a veto) and certainly touches on Taiwan's status (by virtue of specifying the application should be made under the name 'Taiwan'). ... So what should the US do in response to the desire of many in Taiwan to hold a referendum �0A;next year? Rather than oppose Taiwan's efforts outright, officials in Washington should encourage Taiwan to take steps that will truly strengthen its democracy and improve the quality of governance. "More specifically, the US can actively encourage Taiwan to employ the tool of a national referendum to address issues that will be consequential in improving the lives of the people in Taiwan, rather than a more symbolic issue such as UN membership. The US should also remind Beijing that Washington supports democracy in Taiwan, including support for democratic methods such as conducting referendums. Even if Taiwan ultimately does pursue a referendum on seeking UN membership under the name 'Taiwan,' Washington should urge Beijing to show restraint (an expression of public sentiment is hardly casus belli),and remind China that its overall posture toward Taiwan, which is characterized by missile deployments and pressure on Taipei's government, is doing more to drive Taiwanese away rather than attract them to better relations with China. "Finally, Washington should encourage leaders in Taiwan to consider its broader interests in bettering relations with the US versus whatever short term gain might come from holding a symbolic referendum. We can position ourselves for much more robust bilateral ties across the full spectrum of activities including trade, security, regional democracy promotion, global issues and the like -- but not if we are consumed with squabbling over the true intent behind a particular referendum." B) "Blaming the Victim" The pro-independence, English-language "Taiwan News" [circulation: 20,000] editorialized (6/27): "The open and misguided opposition by United States President George ¶W. Bush to the referendum petition campaign on the question of whether Taiwan should apply under the name of 'Taiwan' to enter the United Nations initiated by the governing Democratic Progressive Party has exposed the existence of an arrogant mentality of 'blaming the victim' in Washington. Besides turning a blind eye to the transparent campaign by the People's Republic of China to eliminate Taiwan's international space, the U.S. government has placed blame primarily on the DPP administration of President Chen Shui-bian for 'making trouble' and has ignored the structural reasons for the development of Taiwan's democracy and the rise to mainstream dominance of a Taiwan-centric identity, as displayed by the 70 percent support for the U.N. bid in opinion polls. "As noted yesterday, the U.S. thus is now treating the world to the regretful and ironic scene of a mature democracy helping an authoritarian regime strangle a young democracy. ... The only way to ensure Taiwan's autonomy, democracy and prosperity will be to continue efforts to secure recognition by the international community, including the U.S. and the PRC itself, for the fact of Taiwan's independence. The drive to apply to the United Nations as 'Taiwan' is one important way to do so." YOUNG