China Wrong to Threaten Young Democracy

April 3, 2004

the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Taiwan is a democratic country, and its sovereignty and future are vested with the people of Taiwan, as demonstrated by the most recent free-will presidential election ("China challenges Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan," March 28). China's threat of military aggression to take over this young democracy is a violation of human rights and should be condemned by all the peace-loving people of the world.

As a Taiwanese-American, I know firsthand how the losing party KMT rigged elections, used phony ballots, bought votes, imprisoned opponents and shut down newspapers during its authoritarian control of Taiwan for a half-century. The party would rip Taiwan apart to get power.

Taiwan's close election doesn't mean it is an invalid election or a crooked one; it just means it is a close election.

President Chen Shui-bian's calm and conciliatory management of the post-election lawless violence and mass demonstration organized by the losing candidates proves his political maturity and genuine concern for the well-being of this island nation. He should be congratulated.

Grace Tseng
New Berlin