Many Taiwanese-Americans have fought for 30 years to see democracy flourish in Taiwan. Therefore, we were delighted to read that Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has set the new course for the future of Taiwan (Chronicle Aug. 4 article, "Taiwan's leader pushes for independence").

Taiwan has been a sovereign state for the past 57 years. But the world community ignores that fact due to pressure from communist China. That is not fair to the people of Taiwan.

Even while under military threat, President Chen has suggested that Taiwan's legislature work on the referendum bill and approve a law making a plebiscite on independence possible. The plebiscite meets the principle of self-determination as set by the United Nations.

Taiwan is finally on the right track.

Eddie Chuang, Houston