Taiwan Today

In an interview with the United Daily News, William A. Stanton, director of the American Institute in Taiwan, disclosed three very welcome pieces of information. Stanton said his goal is for the United States and Taiwan to sign an extradition agreement by the end of next year. In addition, he indicated that Taiwan could eventually become a part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, but that first it needs to strengthen measures to ensure passport security. And finally, he confirmed that trade talks between Taipei and Washington will resume in December under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. With regards to the extradition treaty, the Ma Ying-jeou administration has made it very clearly that it would like to sign such an agreement with the U.S. But until now, the response from Washington has always been that everything is “under review.” In his remarks, Stanton has indicated a timetable for the first time. As to the Visa Waiver Program, which would allow ROC nationals to visit the U.S. without obtaining a visa first, Stanton’s latest remarks suggest that this is within the realm of the possible—provided that a more comprehensive set of measures is implemented first. It is also encouraging that the TIFA negotiations will pick up where they left off, after trade talks were suspended over the issue of U.S. beef imports. The U.S. has every reason to want to sign an extradition treaty with Taiwan. As a nation ruled by law, it cannot allow itself to become a haven for criminals and fugitives. Currently it is providing safe harbor to more than 70 ROC nationals with outstanding arrest warrants on them, the most of any nation. By signing an extradition treaty with Taiwan, the U.S. would not only serve its own interests, it would also help Taiwan along its path of becoming a law-abiding, fully functioning democratic nation. One reason an expedition treaty between Taiwan and the U.S. has still not been signed is opposition from mainland China. Since it does not recognize the ROC as a sovereign nation, mainland China has voiced opposition to the treaty, and the U.S. has had to take the reaction of mainland China into consideration. But relations between Taipei and Beijing are much better than they were a few years ago, and the two sides recently concluded a repatriation (rather than an extradition) agreement. Under such favorable circumstances, the U.S. should have fewer qualms about entering a similar treaty and it ought to make good use of the situation. One key point regarding the extradition agreement is whether it will allow Taiwan to extradite ROC nationals who are also permanent residents or even citizens of the U.S. According to Stanton, if this category of citizens is excluded from the agreement, it would become meaningless. That is hitting the nail right on the head: an extradition treaty that does not apply to such high-profile fugitives as Wang You-theng and Huang Fang-yen would represent a tremendous setback for Taiwan’s attempts to become a nation ruled by laws. As to the question of visa-free entry to the U.S., Stanton’s suggestion that Taiwan tighten its passport-issuing procedures deserves to be taken seriously. Currently, ROC citizens can apply for passports through the mail. If this could be changed so that a first-time application must be filed in person, not only would Taiwan win the trust of the U.S., its passports would also acquire more credibility, and immigration officials in Taiwan would be able to do their work more effectively. Stanton also noted that the signing of the cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement is a very positive development, one which American businesses have very high hopes for. He added that the TIFA talks will not be limited to agricultural products, but will include discussions on intellectual property rights and trade standards. During his interview, Stanton also described in general terms his views on the current state of Taiwan-U.S. relations. The U.S., he said, no longer plays the role of a “big brother.” In other words, now that relations between Taipei and Beijing have experienced a sea change, relations between Taipei and Washington are also vastly different from the way they were. The key to solving cross-strait problems is no longer by force of arms, and Taiwan must shoulder the greatest responsibility in deciding what kind of a relationship it wants with mainland China. Another suggestion by Stanton is that Taiwan should strengthen its ability to have “demilitarized relations with its neighbors.” This ability is predicated on the development of law and democracy in Taiwan, upgrading its economy and improving the visibility of Taiwan on the international stage. The idea of a demilitarized relationship is intriguing. It signals the start of a new page in Taiwan-U.S. relations, and a new way of thinking of cross-strait relations as well. Pursuing a demilitarized path will improve the political and economic situation in Taiwan. It will strengthen cross-strait ties as well. Beijing, too, should consider giving the idea a try. (HZW) (This commentary originally appeared in the United Daily News Oct. 30.)