February 22 

San Jose Mercury News

 "Taiwan has own identity" - Born in Taiwan, I applaud Daniel Lynch's description of how Taiwan's unique history has indeed crafted a firm Taiwanese identity today, one that has been reinforced by the maturation of democracy on the island(Opinion, Feb. 18). This Taiwanese identity was forged through both an interaction with many cultures and much sacrifice as the Taiwanese fought for their rights. Just as an American identity distinct from an original British heritage has not blocked a strong bond between the US and England, the people of Taiwan wish to live within their own realm of freedom but in a spirit of peace and cooperation with China. The ball remains in China's court on this issue. As a citizen now of this great country, I know that people of Taiwan cherish their hard-won freedom just as dearly as the people of the United States do.  

Hugh Chen, Cupertino