Sir, – In the words of the famous Irish politician, Charles Stewart Parnell, “Why should Ireland be treated as a geographical fragment of England, Ireland is not a geographical fragment, but a nation”. These immortal words make me think of Taiwan, and, to some extent, its similar status to that of Ireland and the struggle for self-determination.
Taiwan is a vibrant democracy that is appreciated and supported by like-minded partners around the world. Freedom and democracy have now become main features of life for the people of Taiwan that they do not take for granted.
In regards to Irish MEP Mick Wallace’s comments that Taiwan is part of China and China’s continued use of the “Taiwan issue” to refer to the status quo across the strait and to internalise Taiwan, I must reiterate two salient points: The first is that Taiwan is not part of the People’s Republic of China, and China has not ruled Taiwan for one single day since its inception. Taiwan is not, nor will it be, a matter for China’s internal affairs in the future.
The second point is in relation to resolution 2758, adopted by the United Nation’s General Assembly in 1971 concerning China’s representation in the UN. The text was very clear; it did not authorise the People’s Republic of China to represent Taiwan in the UN, let alone to claim that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China.
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In international comparisons of freedom and democracy, Taiwan always ranks among the highest of countries that are analysed. This noble achievement makes the people of Taiwan feel proud, and the right to democratic self-determination should not and will not be forfeited. – Yours, etc,
PIERRE (TZU-PAO) YANG,
Taipei Representative
Office in Ireland,
Dublin 2.