Chen's stand isolates Taiwan
( 2001-05-30 00:01 ) (9 )

In Guatemala, one of the stops on his five-nation tour to Central America, Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian lamented that Taiwan is "one of the world's orphans.'' He wants the international community to act like Central American countries and treat the island leniently.

With crocodile tears, Chen Shui-bian seeks to win some sympathy from the international community.

As the leader of Taiwan, an integral part of Chinese territory, Chen should well know that it is his pro-independent position, which he seeks to disguise, and his refusal to accept the one-China principle that have caused the island's isolation from the world.

The mainland has consistently sought channels of contact with Taiwan authorities. It is the leaders' of Taiwan refusal to reunite with the mainland that should be blamed for the island's being an "orphan.''

Chen and his predecessors are certainly not willing to accept the insolation they face. Instead of taking initiatives to hold talks with the mainland which might correct the situation, they resort to slush funds to win the hearts of some unprincipled countries.

Most of the world, however, can see through Chen Shui-bian, who ostensibly supports peaceful negotiations between the two sides but in reality sticks to his stalling tactics to defy the one-China principle.

In his inaugural speech last year, he avoided mention the one-China principle. Instead, he redirected his speech and only promised not to declare independence or to write the "two states'' theory into the Taiwan "constitution''.

Later when he felt he was secure, he became bolder. In September of 2000, he clamoured that Taiwan should be treated as a sovereign nation, provocative rhetoric that obfuscates the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

His instigation has aroused strong opposition from inside the island. At a time when Taiwan's economy is suffering serious setbacks, the Taiwanese people want a peaceful haven to develop their economy, instead of tensions or even a possible conflict that may devastate it.

This pressure from Taiwan's people explains why Chen seems to have softened his tone in Guatemala, where he weakly offered a goodwill gesture by saying Taiwan will never give up efforts to open talks with the mainland.

Taken as a whole, however, his speech once again reveals his refusal to accept the one-China principle, the pre-condition for any serious talks between the two sides.