LET A MILLION CHINA'S BLOOM:

'One China' principle is all but dead (Richard Halloran, April 7, 2004, The Japan Times)

The Bush administration, which says it has a "One China" policy, nonetheless took the initiative in issuing a statement congratulating the voters on Taiwan "on the successful conclusion" of their election. Further, the White House said, "we congratulate Mr. Chen on his victory."

Beijing quickly saw that statement for what it was, a U.S. recognition that Chen and his government are the legitimate, elected governors of Taiwan. The Chinese denounced Washington's "incorrect act" and accused the U.S. of violating the "One China" principle and "interfering in China's internal affairs."

Around U.S. President George W. Bush, advisers who call themselves the Vulcans after the Roman god of fire, have been skeptical of policies they thought favored China. Thus they scorn the "One China" doctrine except for expedient statements intended, for instance, to persuade Beijing to support the war on terror.

The Vulcans, according to a new book by James Mann, a longtime correspondent in China and Washington, include Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Assistant Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and national security adviser Condoleezza Rice.

American conservatives, such as those associated with the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute, have begun more vigorously to question the "One China" concept. They have argued for recognizing the government of Taiwan and establishing diplomatic relations instead of the present unofficial ties.

More support for normal relations with Taiwan has come from members of Congress. Representative Robert Andrews, a New Jersey Democrat, said recently that if the people of Taiwan rejected integration into China, "then we should recognize Taiwan as a free and independent state."

Similarly, Representative Steve Chabot, Republican of Ohio, Chabot contended: "It may be impolite to say so, but "One China" is a fiction -- and a dangerous fiction -- that most of the international community has bought into in order to mollify China."

Perhaps the starkest assessment has come from the International Crisis Group of independent, nonprofit researchers. It has published reports it said have "demonstrated that for all practical purposes, the "One China" approach that has helped stabilize the region for three decades is dead."

The policy which sought to impose stability with a totalitarian regime in control of a billion people was evil.

Posted by Orrin Judd at April 6, 2004 8:48 PM