The Mercury News, September 5, 2001

Bring Taiwan into U.N.

FIFTY years -- that's how long it has been since the San Francisco Peace Treaty was signed by Japan and Japan gave up all ``right, title and claim to Formosa and the Pescadores.''

The treaty gave no country sovereignty over Taiwan. Many expected that the people of Taiwan would decide their own future by a referendum much as other former colonies had done after the end of World War II.

It didn't happen. Chiang Kai-shek, given control of the island as a trustee for the Allies, locked down the island, killing or imprisoning native Taiwanese who called for democracy. For 40 years, the Taiwanese people struggled to gain the freedoms Americans cherish as Chiang's Nationalist Party held the island under martial law.

Finally, the people of Taiwan ``have stood up,'' as President Chen Shui-bian declared at his inauguration on May 20, 2000. The Nationalist Party was voted out of the office during the election last year, and Taiwan has become a fully democratic country.

By exercising their democratic rights, the people of Taiwan have determined their future. They are a sovereign people, peace-loving and ready to take their place at the table with the community of nations.

On Tuesday, the 56th session of the United Nations General Assembly will convene. Fifty years in limbo is more than enough. It is high time for the world's oldest democracy to support the youngest in its bid to enter the United Nations.

Kuor-Hsin Chang

President, Northern Californian Chapter
Formosan Association for Public Affairs
Sunnyvale