Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia has, naturally enough, been viewed as a rare opportunity in Taiwan. That's because the Chen Shui-bian administration sees an opportunity to win the diplomatic support of another European government and, even more importantly, because Taiwan hopes that it, too, may one day be able to make a similar proclamation.
That is why, within days of Kosovo's announcement, Taipei hurriedly sent a congratulatory message and Foreign Minister James Huang Chih-fang held a press conference at which he announced Taiwan's official recognition of Kosovo, as well as Taipei's interest in forging diplomatic ties. Currently, the Vatican is the only country in Europe that recognises Taiwan.
Beijing reacted vehemently, asserting that Taiwan, not being an independent country, was not qualified to recognise any country's independence.
At that time, the Kosovo website contained, besides Taiwan, the names of 17 countries that had recognised the new republic. It even carried a 'recognition message' from Taiwan and, next to it, said xie xie, or 'thank you' in Pinyin - the system of mandarin romanisation used on the mainland, not in Taiwan.
Sounding very much as though it was talking about itself, Taiwan's message declared: 'Despite a multitude of barriers, the people of Kosovo have insisted on an ideal that they believe in, which is to peacefully pursue independence, without being threatened or scared away. Their determination in achieving this lofty ideal is truly admirable.'
However, the website is not official, and a few hours later, Taiwan's name was removed - a possible indication of the new nation's desire not to do anything that might provoke Beijing.