The People’s Republic and Republic of China

The greatest war threat in our part of the world today is the conflict between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China in Taiwan. One is a Communist regime, the other is a capitalist country. The People’s Republic of China insists that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an extension of the mainland. Last December 29, the People’s Republic of China’s National People’s Congress approved the "anti-separation law" that will be submitted this month for further deliberation and approval.

The passage of this anti-separation law would have a drastic impact on the existing relations between the People’s Republic and the Republic of China. Although we popularly refer to it as Taiwan, the Republic of China is our closest neighbor on the North. Today, we have relations with both countries. But the fact is that we have had longer relations with the Republic of China in Taiwan than the Republic of China in the mainland.

The purpose of the "anti-separation law" is allegedly to present "unification" as the only acceptable option in the cross-strait relations between the two Chinas. This means that if Taiwan does not agree to unify with mainland China, it will be interpreted as a de facto declaration of independence from the motherland.

An opinion poll was conducted last December in Taiwan and 83 percent of the Taiwanese were against the "anti-separation law". We really hope that the two Chinese will settle this difference amicably. The last thing the world needs now is a war between the two Chinas.

Our opinion is that this is a matter that can best be decided by the Republic of China in Taiwan. Do they want to be part of mainland China or a totally independent state? This is an issue that cannot be settled by war. If the People’s Republic invades the Republi of China, then it is guilty of aggression. And if by force, they make Taiwan part of the mainland, they have in effect reduced Taiwan to a mere Chinese colony. Instead of bringing unification, the anti-separation law will result in bringing the two Chinas to a state of war. That is the last thing both Chinas need.

It is true that there are now two Chinese. But it is equally true that both Chinas have lived peacefully. Let us now not have a war between the two Chinas in the name of unification. They can discuss the matter of the merits of having two Chinas, but neither of the two should impose its will on the other. Any decision reached should be by mutual consent. Both Chinas should be models of peace for the whole world.

We have had the privilege of having visited both countries and we must say the people indeed is a common great heritage. Both can show this great common heritage by settling their present problem through peaceful means. With peace, everything is possible. No one can predict where war will stop.