China's highest constitutionally stipulated authority, the National People's Congress, has overwhelmingly passed the new "anti-secession law" to block independence by Taiwan. It will be interesting to see whether the law eases tensions on the Taiwan Strait or whether it does the opposite.
The new law has both defensive and offensive aspects to it. It is defensive insofar as it seeks to frustrate the independence agenda of Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, who was reelected last year, and to prevent independence moves by remote areas like Xinjiang and Tibet. The law also encourages peaceful reunification by stipulating that dialogue with Taiwan continue and by guaranteeing a high degree of autonomy after unification.
At the same time, the new law opens up the possibility of reunification through the use of military force by calling for "non-peaceful means" should Taiwan actually start on a course of independence. By stating that Taiwan is a domestic Chinese issue the law seeks to keep Japan and the United States, which aids Taiwan, in check. That shows you something of the political will of Chinese president Hu Jintao and the "fourth generation" of Chinese leaders.
Just as is the case with Korean reunification the question of reunification for China and Taiwan is one that has a great amount of influence on the political situation in East Asia. Even if you agree with the "one China" principle of pro-unification elements on each side it would still not be desirable to have military force involved, no matter what the situation. Pro-independence forces in Taiwan must be careful not to do anything that would lead to an international war. Whether reunification or independence, neither would be desirable if not done peacefully.
The Korean government must consistently support peace on the Taiwan Strait. It must not side with the US-Japan alliance that cites the issue as an important area of shared interest. Korea must not get indirectly involved in a dispute over Taiwan by having US forces in Korea mobilized to intervene in the name of "strategic flexibility." The US-Korea alliance is important, but China's "anti-succession law" awakens us to the importance of responding to new situations with an independent stance.
The Hankyoreh, 15 March 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] China's Anti-Succession Law |
