Taiwan reconfirms democracy as well as prosperity

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Arthur I. Cyr is author of “After the Cold War — American Foreign Policy, Europe and Asia.”

New and inexperienced Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., just appointed to succeed her deceased brother Lindsey, made news when caught unprepared regarding Taiwan in a debate leading up to the important runoff election for the seat. After struggling, she admitted “national security is not my thing.”

She does deserve credit for candor, and rest assured she is receiving an education on the subject in these uncertain times.

Regarding Taiwan, China’s sustained pressure to acquire the island tends to overshadow a dramatic economic and political success story. For four decades, remarkable economic development has been joined by successful political democracy.

In 2024, Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, was inaugurated as president of Taiwan, succeeding two-term President Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai is the first woman to hold this top government position.

This continues significant political complications with mainland China. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has won three presidential elections in a row. The party is formally committed to independence from China.

However, Lai’s vote margin was reduced and the DPP also lost their legislative majority. The conservative Kuomintang (KMT) gained the most seats. Over time, this could prove a diplomatic plus given their more flexible relations with Beijing.

China is not happy about continued DPP control of the executive office, but greater KMT presence in the legislature provides opportunities for cultivation. China media have been relatively restrained about this election result compared to past extreme rhetoric.

The first DPP government, from 2000 to 2008, was able to finesse the political challenges with Beijing. Today, economic interests remain more important than ideological purity for China.

The two sides share a bitter legacy of battle and blood. In 1949, Nationalist forces of Gen. Chiang Kai-shek evacuated to Taiwan. Mao Zedong’s communist forces controlled the mainland.

The Korean War of 1950-1953 made the Cold War global, with China and the United States direct combatants. U.S. commitment to Taiwan security became explicit.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower publicly expanded formal security commitment to Taiwan, while at the same time establishing firm control over any potential assault by Nationalist forces on the mainland. He effectively navigated two serious crises related to offshore islands held by Taiwan. In 1960, he became the only U.S. president in office to visit Taiwan.

The foundation of cooperation has been built steadily if slowly over time. Pragmatism characterizes Taiwan’s approach to mainland China. Following formal U.S. diplomatic recognition of Beijing in 1978, a consequence of President Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit, Taipei immediately launched a comprehensive non-confrontational strategic response.

In November 2008, agreement was reached on far-reaching trade accords, including direct shipping, expansion of weekly passenger flights from 36 to 108, and introduction of up to 60 cargo flights per month.

In 2010, the bilateral Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) was concluded. This was a major triumph for then-President Ma Ying-jeou. His election as chief executive in 2008 and 2012 greatly furthered rapprochement with Beijing, though negotiations on representative offices were unsuccessful.

In February 2014, senior representatives of the island and the mainland agreed to exchange representative offices. Opposition on both sides developed in reaction, and the effort was not completed but remains a precedent that could be helpful to future practical economic cooperation.

Taiwan heavily invests in the mainland economy. Commercially successful, generally well-educated overseas Chinese have been vital in providing capital for the mainland. Expatriate Chinese also vote in Taiwan elections.

Beijing has restricted, but not abandoned, the ECFA.

Presidents Tsai and now Lai represent equality, fairness and progress. Open competitive markets undercut rigidities of tradition and ideology. The ECFA framework remains sufficient to prevent return to unmitigated hostility.

Graham’s candor is commendable and should encourage more general public education.