On July 30, former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui died. He left many lasting legacies that helped influence today’s Taiwan. However, there is none worse than his idea of Taiwan and China being two separate states.
Late in his presidency, Lee introduced the idea that relations between the mainland and Taiwan were relations “between two countries, or at least special relations between two countries”. This idea has been further developed under the Democratic Progressive Party leadership.
Soft separatists like Lee knew Taiwan could not wipe out Chiang Kai-shek’s heritage and declare de jure independence at that moment, which would mean an immediate war that would destroy Taiwan. Therefore, they tried to achieve their political agenda by maintaining the status quo without recognising the one-China principle.
US health chief offers ‘strong support’ to Taiwan in landmark visit
US health chief offers ‘strong support’ to Taiwan in landmark visit
However, current President Tsai Ing-wen underestimates the intelligence of the mainland. The one-China policy is a red line for its cross-strait policy. Also, the mainland knows Tsai and Lee’s tricks and has punished Taiwan, such as excluding its officials from World Health Organisation meetings.
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The one-China policy does not mean surrendering Taiwan’s interests to the mainland. As a beacon of humanity, democracy and prosperity, Taiwan can strengthen its ideological influence on the mainland, weakening the influence of socialism.
Faced with a brutal geopolitical reality, independence for Taiwan will not be an option. It’s time for all Taiwanese politicians to shake off their unrealistic fantasies.
