Switzerland of the East

[dArKeR]

By Chen Ming-chung

Tuesday, Apr 20, 2004,Page 8

It appears that Taiwan is for-ever at a crossroads. It is at a crossroads between strategic traffic of the North and South Pacific and between East and West as the US attempts to contain communism and China strives to become a great power.

Taiwan also is at a cross-roads between China's imperial ambition of unification and its own modern democratic demand for self-determination.

For the time being Taiwan is safe, as long as China is not yet "ready" and the US is "committed." Yet China can attack Taiwan under two circumstances. One out of desperation, the other after miscalculation.

Only time will tell whether China's low-key approach is in fact a more pragmatic approach.

Hence, Taiwan is racing against time. Which outcome will be the first to eventuate? China ready to act, or Taiwan building a defense system to meet this challenge?

The problem with Taiwan's defenses is not funding or talent. It has plenty of both. The problem is commitment.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/edit/archives/2004/04/20/2003137471