The latest dust-up between China and Taiwan has ended with a decision for the Olympic torch relay skipping Taiwan completely. There is lots of he said/she said-type blame coming from all sides: both countries involved, the IOC, and various press commentators. Everyone is rushing to the defense of the Mainland, but nary a word is sticking up for Taiwan's President, Chen Shui-bian and his principled stance for setting the terms upon which he will allow the torch to pass thru his country.
Some people are saying that since China is hosting the Games, they should set the rules and Taiwan be dammed. Others have taken a more moderate stance by saying both sides should give a bit. But think about it for a sec: imagine living in a country where there is almost the daily threat of missles pointed at you, and warships in the Taiwan Strait poised for a takeover of your democratic form of government country. A friend of mine used to work for their national radio station, The Voice of Free China. She said that was the reality of daily life there.
I don't think this would have ever happened if the IOC had done the right thing years ago, and recognised Taiwan as a sovereign nation and treated it as such. Then, you wouldn't even have this talk now about where the torch would be going once it got into that part of the world.
But it's too easy for the IOC to kowtow to the big-time Chinese money, but at some point, something has got to give.
I just hope it won't be Taiwan's independence and sense of self. That would be the real tragedy---we can't afford to have that country fall, as has Hong Kong and Macau over the past several years.
Bravo to the Taiwan president for sticking to his principles---and boo to China for being the bully---again.
I just wish I wasn't the only person saying this.
