Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Letting the public choose a candidate

Taipei Times Editorial

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Wednesday announced that it would put off its presidential primary until May 22, saying that it had been unable to mediate between President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and former premier William Lai (賴清德).

The delay comes despite Lai saying that he has no interest in becoming Tsai’s running mate, but prefers the primary process to democratically decide the nominee for next year’s presidential election.

‘Unification not in the US’ favor’

Taipei Times

Former American Institute in Taiwan director William Stanton smiles during a conference held by the Taiwan New Constitution Foundation in Taipei yesterday to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act.
Photo: CNA

Cross-strait unification is not in the US’ interests and the US government should make it clear that it would not support unification unless Taiwanese welcomed such a change after China becomes democratic, Former American Institute in Taiwan director William Stanton said yesterday.

Identifying infiltration by Chinese at all levels

Chen Kuan-Fu 陳冠甫

In a March 29 Washington Post article, columnist Josh Rogin described how China’s pervasive infiltration steers all of Taiwan’s domestic issues. He quotes Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) as saying: “Next year’s election might be the last meaningful election in Taiwan ... [and] the beginning of reunification.”

Rogin’s article should remind Taiwanese that a cold war has already begun, and that no one in Taiwan will remain unaffected. The nation’s democracy could be headed for its deathbed; there is only a limited time in which to react.

US must add more teeth to the TRA

Manik Mehta

Not many Americans know Taiwan’s location, they might confuse its moniker the Republic of China (ROC) with China and some might even respond by saying that they love “Thai food” when asked if they have heard about Taiwan.

Therefore, it is hardly surprising that only a few with exposure to the geopolitics of the region know about the existence of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which is turning 40 this year and has guided US policy toward Taiwan and cross-strait relations.

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