Federal system could be win-win for China and Taiwan

Story dated 11 May 2005

This is actually a really interesting idea . . . but I would only support it if the tyrants of Beijing could get it through their thick skulls what exactly a human right is. Indeed, the writer of this article suggest that this will only happen if there is sustained political progress on the mainland -- which I truly hope for. It would be nice if the Chinese government would just let their people be free. Can you imagine what a free China could do economically? Look at what they are doing right now even though they are not free? Real competition from the Chinese people might be just the incentive the U.S. and Japan need to get their acts together and start really competing again.

I recommend you read the whole article, but I pasted some of the more cogent points below. Keep in mind that when this writer says 'federation', what he actually means is something closer to a confederation.

"A federal system would mean more autonomy for Taiwan than Hong Kong and Macau enjoy; for Beijing it would mean the revolutionary concept of a unified China with multiple power centers. Under a federal system, the island would keep its own government, military, judicial and other systems. Its political leadership would not bow to Beijing. In short, it would be a political partnership between equals. Both political entities would be subject only to a "federation" law. And anything is open for discussion under the "one China" principle."

"In the long run, the most crucial factor determining the ultimate outcome of the unity issue is sustained progress in the mainland, both economically and politically. A progressive and prosperous mainland China will change all the dynamics in the cross-strait relations. Happily, by now, mainland China is entering a new era of deepening institutional and political reforms, besides possibly new rounds of economic advancement. This will fundamentally enhance a peaceful resolution of the unity issue. At the same time, the choices to bring about unity are also vast. They include the choice of a new federation for China, for example. As a matter of fact, it is the best choice on the table."

In a related article, another writer makes an excellent point in his analysis of the peace process between the PRC and Taiwan. He says that, "Taiwan's success story in a democratic society can be a perfect example to China that the best way to limit government corruption and inefficiency is to eliminate a rigid authoritarian political system."

If this happens, I believe that federation between Taiwan and China will be almost completely assured.

posted by The Sovereign Editor | 2:49 PM

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