China and Taiwan: A Dialogue of Equals
In his May 7 commentary, “Engage China in Broad Evolution,” Thomas A. Metzger misled readers by arguing that Taipei is seeking to base its security on becoming an American protectorate and that the U.S. should not back what he termed Taiwan’s nationalism.
Taiwan would not be forced to buy advanced defensive weaponry if not for Beijing’s refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan and its deployment of missiles aimed at Taiwan. This defensive weaponry is not intended to provoke anyone but to ensure the security of the 23 million people living on Taiwan and to preserve Taiwan’s growing democracy.
Taiwan is waiting for Beijing to come back to the negotiating table, but the dialogue must be held between Beijing and Taipei as equals, and the future of Taiwan must be decided with the approval of its people.
Andy Tseng
Acting Director
Taipei Economic and Cultural
Office, Los Angeles
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