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| Dire Strait - Taiwan |
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March 2005
The President of Taiwan's stubborn push for
independence has made him China's Public Enemy
Number One. But how likely are these tensions to
escalate into a military conflict?
"The world cannot sit by idly to see an
undemocratic China remove the freedom, democracy
and rights of Taiwan's citizens," laments
President Chen Shui-Bian. But despite his best
efforts, Taiwan's international support is
dwindling. Only 25 countries still have diplomatic
ties with it. Everyone else recognises mainland
China. And since Chen came to power, China has
stepped up its rhetoric, making it clear it will
attack if it feels Taiwan is moving towards a
formal declaration of independence. "As everyone
knows, Taiwan is an inseparable part of the
Chinese territory," states one Chinese commander.
"The task of our military is to defend the
motherland and to ensure its territorial
integrity." President Chen's problems are further
compounded by the deep political divides in
Taiwan. Only half the country considers him their
legitimate leader. The others believe he is a
crook who staged a mysterious shooting the day
before the elections, when he was trailing badly,
to boost his support. And much as the Taiwanese
tend to see themselves as a sovereign country, few
want to go to war over it. After all, as one woman
says, "Mainland China is so big and we are so
small."
Tags : journeyman pictures taiwan china dire straits independence |
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Affichage : 24015
Durée : 1415 s |
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