The Chinese mainland and Taiwan have become increasingly dependent on each other economically since the ban on non-government exchanges was lifted in Nov 1987. But strangely the two sides are going far away from each other politically as the "Taiwan Independence" force grows increasingly stronger. The Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore published an article written by Yao Liming, in which a special analysis is given.

Taiwan's international personality in the world has been pending since it was expelled from the UN in 1971. The pending personality does not only result in negative effects in practical profits, but more importantly, on psychology, which is irreplaceable by any form of economic profits. The pending personality is perhaps the fundamental reasons for "Taiwan Independence" becoming stronger in Taiwan, and the alienation between two sides in political ties.

In theory, "Taiwan independence" or unification will resolve the problem. However, the "Taiwan Independence" is a blind alley under today's circumstances. First, there is no ground in history for "Taiwan Independence". Second, "Taiwan Independence" has no grounds in legal principles. No document with international law acknowledges Taiwan is an "independent sovereignty''. International recognition is the most important prerequisite for sovereignty. Claiming itself to be sovereignty is useless, however loud the cry is. Taiwan's "independence" must get consent from the Chinese mainland, but this is never possible. US Secretary of State Colin L. Powell's speech in Beijing gives an important hint, "even the US understands it cannot underestimate China's resolution and will to pursue unification." Moreover, Taiwan is inferior to the mainland in strength.

Many developed countries have seen independence activities internally. But one thing is same even though the situations in these countries differ in thousands ways: the unilateral appeal to independence turns out to be fruitless, and seeking independence by force will result in great troubles. Therefore peaceful reunification is the sole and best option for the two sides across the Taiwan Straits. The approach should be discussed under the premises of " 92 consensus" and "one China" principle.

The article says at the end should Taiwan Independence force go its own way and not accept peaceful reunification, it will plunge into difficult situation and see more troubles. If so, Taiwan people will be subject to biggest harm whatsoever the consequence is.

By People's Daily Online