Posted on 03/30/2019 8:11:48 AM PDT by Kaslin
I’ve visited Taiwan more than 120 times over the past 47 years, and every time I do, I’m impressed by its economic achievements and dynamism.
Taiwan’s economy is a model for Asia and beyond. Over the past 25 years, it has weathered several regional and global economic downturns. Yet it has emerged from these crises as competitive as ever. Today it’s the world’s 10th freest economy, having recorded its highest score ever in the 2019 Index of Economic Freedom.
Taiwan and the United States have a long and honorable history. Our peoples joined in a common cause and fought to contain the spread of Communism.
America’s commitment is reflected in the Taiwan Relations Act. Signed into law 40 years ago, the spirit and intent of the TRA — to deter aggression from Beijing, promote economic freedom, and protect human rights on Taiwan — are as robust today as they were in 1979.
Taiwan has built prosperity on a solid foundation: thousands of small and medium-sized businesses. These enterprises, sometimes called “an army of ants,” have adapted to the nation’s changing circumstances and adjusted to fluctuations in international markets.
The strength of this “army” lies with Taiwan’s people. Well-educated, industrious and entrepreneurial, they have proven that individual initiative coupled with economic freedom brings prosperity, even to an island that has been diplomatically isolated.
Of course, this army of entrepreneurs hasn’t operated in a vacuum. Wise, forward-thinking business leaders and policymakers have worked hard, with modest American assistance, to put Taiwan on the path to prosperity. The nation’s commitment to its high-tech industry and export competitiveness are the results.
Taiwan’s political transformation has been even more impressive. Few countries can match the scope and rapidity of its democratic movement. From 1986 to 1996, for example, Taiwan transformed from a society with no lawful political opposition to a nation in which leaders at every level are chosen in free elections.
Just as competition strengthened Taiwan’s economy, it has strengthened its political institutions, even in the face of frequent bluster and intimidation from Beijing.
But Taiwan’s economic and political transformations are far more than domestic successes. They have fundamentally altered Taipei’s relationship with Beijing, with Washington, and with the world.
No longer can anyone say that free-market democracy is inconsistent with Asian or Confucian culture. Taiwan has demonstrated to the world that freedom is a stabilizing force — that free enterprise, free association and free speech lead to entrepreneurship, prosperity and security.
Taiwan’s democracy challenges the United States and other nations to reassess their policies toward Beijing. In its policies toward Beijing, the United States seeks to ensure its own security while advancing its economic and political interests.
American interests in Asia require more than soaring rhetoric and frequent meetings. They require action. Moreover, American interests are not well served by a partnership with Beijing, particularly not if that partnership flourishes at the expense of other U.S. allies — and not if it undermines the U.S. goal of promoting and protecting freedom and democracy among our allies.
U.S. policymakers need to maintain close, secure relations with Taiwan. This is especially important today, when more than 90 percent of those now serving in Congress came to office after the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act.
We need to help Taiwan become a full participant in the international community. The people of Taiwan have a right to share their ideas and their wealth to the benefit of the rest of the world — and the United States should help make this happen.
The U.S.-Taiwan trade and investment relationship would benefit from greater strategic focus and clarity. That could best be achieved by pursuing a bilateral U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement (FTA).
This is an ideal time begin discussions, discover the possible hurdles, negotiate in an open and candid manner, and make a bilateral FTA a reality. Then the Taiwan–U.S. partnership for freedom will play a more important role in shaping American policy toward China — and in securing American interests throughout Asia.
The Butchers of Bejing know that we will not go to war to defend Taiwan...and I'm far from being convinced that we should.
So Taiwan's ultimate fate rests with those psychopaths and what they decide is best to achieve *their* evil goals.
...and they do this while having some of the suckiest weather on the planet.
I too have lived in Taiwan. Even despite its status as “outcast” (or because of it?) it has built a wealthy, stable and pleasant society on its own terms. The people are pleasant and their common culture binds them.
So how to defend themselves from the fascists on the other side of the Taiwan Strait? First of all do NOT count on the USA. The USA is in the process of selling out its own citizens. A tiny island far away won’t warrant 30 seconds of debate for a immoral, leftist President of the future looking for a quick deal or a headline.
Follow the Swiss. Taiwan is now moving to an all-volunteer Army. Send every soldier home with their battle rifle, 100 rounds of ammo, and a safe to put them in. Call them back every year for a day of training and updates
1 million armed citizens will make even the most bloodthirsty communist/fascist think twice.
I love Taiwan. They have a totally different outlook on life.They respect their country, do NOT litter, WANT an education and save their money.
Subway system in Taipei. Built in 3 yrs on a 4 yr plan and under budget. Children obey their teachers. People are friendly and kind. A lady chased us down two blocks because we forgot to pick up our change. Waitresses will not accept tips. Young kids rush up to open doors for us old people. The trains are clean on ontime to the minute.
Wish I was there now
Does Taiwan have some of our ongoing problems, like un underclass of troublemakers collecting benefits and contributing little or nothing, or an opposition party demanding communism?
Yes and no. It doesn't have waves of illegal immigrants (its an island) as a political wedge. Its also culturally/racially all Chinese / Fujian-Chinese, so they don't have the cancerous race-baiting that goes on in the USA. Very few demand Communism (unlike here) but there is a very strong "Nordic socialist" element that thinks government can provide everything. Much like Japan, and even China itself, youth are highly materialistic, modern, and soft. They don't reproduce and most certainly don't want to anger, much less fight, China.
I agree, and that also describes Japan perfectly. But man, that weather in Taiwan...a few cool months, and then either hotter and humider than just about anywhere or raining cats and dogs! But yes, great people, and great kids. Let’s hope they don’t try to ‘Americanize’ too much!
The best way for Taiwan to protect itself is mass production.
That is, to create small and cheap unmanned weapons, most of which are single use. For example, light sea mines that follow the current, not designed to take out warships, but support ships. If they do not go off in a specified window, they deactivate and sink.
Another is a single bomb carrying drone about as cheap as an economy car, with off the shelf parts. And a non-electronic guidance system in case their electronics get fried.
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