President Chen Shui-bian on August 8 met with the visiting group of the Taiwan Policy Task Force of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) for Public Policy Research, led by Mr. Randall Schriver. The president expressed his appreciation to the think tank for its long-term attention to issues of security in the Taiwan Strait as well as its support for and friendly stance toward Taiwan.
The president made note of an article published in the latest issue of The Weekly Standard by AEI scholar Gary Schmitt entitled "A Club Taiwan Can't Join", in which Mr. Schmitt makes a case for Taiwan's entry into the United Nations. Mr. Schmitt wrote, "In a rational world, a country with the world's 18th largest economy, which is formally and diplomatically recognized by other (UN) member states and is a practicing liberal democracy, would be a slam dunk for membership (in the UN)." The Republic of China (Taiwan), however, has been repeatedly denied membership. In today's world, he said, the international community only thinks about how to appease Beijing, letting China determine the status of Taiwan in the global community, rather than giving thought to the treatment that the people of Taiwan ought to receive. This stance, however, will only enable China to wantonly humiliate Taiwan. Taiwan, however, cannot accept this from the standpoint of national dignity. President Chen also told the guests that he appreciated the support of the AEI and the remarks made by AEI scholars advocating Taiwan's entrance into the UN, and added that Taiwan is fortunate to have friends that are on its side.
President Chen stressed that Taiwan will not win China's support in its application to enter the UN regardless of whether it applies under the name "Taiwan" or tries to re-enter the organization under the name "Republic of China." However, a public referendum on whether Taiwan should apply to re-enter the UN will help forge consensus and unity on the issue, especially in a society and among a legislature where so many different opinions are being aired.
In addition to Mr. Schriver, other visiting AEI members include Asia research associate Christopher Griffin and Asia research associate Laura Conniff.