Taiwan's democratic transition from an authoritarian regime to a fledgling democracy is considered a political miracle. In the months since President Ma Ying-jeou took office, Taiwan is in danger of losing its sovereignty, with its democratic institutions at risk of being swallowed by China's expansionist ambitions.
Although support for Mr. Ma, whose party administered a dictatorship on Taiwan for 40 years, has plummeted to record lows, he is determined to proceed with an agenda that compromises the independence of Taiwan's educational and economic systems. His insistence on normalizing trade relations with a country that threatens Taiwan with more than 1200 missiles has most recently left Taiwanese consumers vulnerable to melamine-contaminated food.
The Taiwanese people overcame many years of martial law dictatorship to build a dynamic democracy that respects the fundamental rights and liberties of its citizens. Unfortunately, Mr. Ma's consessions to China have placed years of hard-fought achievements at grave risk.
Dr. Stan Lai, Director for Public Relations
Formosan Association for Public Affairs Europe
