Government Information Office head represents ‘Taiwan’ not ‘ROC’

“The ROC was kicked out of the U.N. in 1971,” said Shieh, who added that applying to join the U.N. under the country title “ROC” is exactly what China wants. “It is like throwing your application directly into the bin,” he said. Last Saturday, Shieh and more than 3,000 overseas supporters from Taiwan participated in a street protest in New York City on the eve of the opening of the 62nd session of the U.N. General Assembly, on Sept. 18. The protest was broadcast live in the southern city of Kaohsiung while hundred of thousands of supporters also marched along with President Chen Shui-bian. For the first time, this year the government has launched an all-out campaign to apply for U.N. membership under the name of Taiwan — the 12 previous bids under the name “ROC” failed.

However, Minister Shieh dismissed allegations that the GIO has wasted NT$40 million on the U.N. campaign, including dispatching the statue of the Sea Goddess Matsu, a local deity.

“If you identify yourself with Taiwan, Matsu does not mind if you are a ‘Taiwanese’ or foreigner,” said Shieh. “If the Kuomintang (KMT) agrees to support the government’s policy to join the U.N. ... the government will also cover the fee for any videoconferences.”

Also, Shieh said that it was “stupid” to consider the government’s drive to join the U.N. under the name of Taiwan as if it were President Chen Shui-bian’s decision only. He said the main difference between China and Taiwan is that in China, policies don’t need to be endorsed by the public.

He added that the official name of the country was long ago changed to accommodate participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) or the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In the WTO, the ROC is referred to under the name of “The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu,” while “Chinese Taipei” is used in the IOC.

When Washington backed the KMT regime it was in order to oppose communism, and since that time the U.S. has been supporting the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its democratic achievements, he said. Yet, Shieh also brushed aside Washington’s disapproval with the planned U.N. referendum.

“It is impossible to separate the public’s desire to elect a new president from its desire to join the U.N.,” said Shieh. “The [Sept. 15th] protest showed the U.S. that Chen and the public’s support for U.N. membership cannot be separated.”

Meanwhile, Shieh did acknowledge former President Lee Teng-hui’s contribution toward Taiwan democracy. However, he said that since Taiwan has become a democracy, the opinion of other democratic leaders like President Chen Shui-bian must also be taken into consideration.

On Sept. 16, Lee said that staging street protests of hundred of thousands of supporters was not enough to succeed in joining the U.N. under the name of Taiwan. Lee lashed out at the DPP for not preparing thoroughly for the U.N. campaign, and instead increasing political confrontation in the run-up to the next presidential election.

“Taiwan’s democracy is the ultimate weapon against China,” said Hsieh. “Taiwan has no other choice and will keep working the same way in the future.”

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

PrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email