Discourse Analysis: A Loyal Pal Speaks Truthfully
In his latest article, "What Taiwan Should Do," US lobbyist Christian Whiton provides a roadmap for Taiwan to strengthen its national identity and defense. The article serves as a response to his previous work, "How Taiwan Lost Trump."
Recommendations for Taiwan
Whiton's recommendations focus on three key areas: establishing a clear concept of Taiwanese independent self-defense, economic and financial reforms, and redefining Taiwan's image.
Establishing a Clear Concept of Taiwanese Independent Self-Defense
Whiton emphasizes the importance of Taiwan having a well-defined concept of self-defense. This would help solidify Taiwan's stance as an independent entity capable of defending itself.
Economic and Financial Reforms
- Allowing Investments from Chinese Nationals with Conditions: Whiton suggests Taiwan should allow investments from Chinese nationals, but only under certain conditions to prevent control of the company or any transfer of technology.
- Currency Appreciation and Pegging to the US Dollar: Whiton advises Taiwan to let its currency appreciate and then peg it to the U.S. dollar. This would help reduce inflation, improve the quality of life for Taiwanese citizens, and reduce the trade deficit with America.
- Increasing Global Ties: Whiton recommends encouraging stronger ties with natural allies like the US and Japan. He suggests providing automatic long-term work visas for Americans and Japanese, and creating reasonable paths to citizenship for long-term economic migrants.
- Enhancing Credit Accessibility: Whiton proposes Taiwanese banks should adopt U.S. FICO scores and other measures of creditworthiness to ease access to credit for Americans who want to live or do business in Taiwan, thereby strengthening economic ties with the US.
Redefining Taiwan's Image
Whiton suggests renaming street names such as Jhongshan Road and doing away with the name "Chinese Taipei" for the Taiwanese team in international sports events. He also recommends repurposing the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall as a museum of democracy.
However, Whiton does not propose the removal of the portrait of Sun Yat-sen from the Legislative Yuan and the currency, as previously suggested.
A Friend's Criticism
Whiton considers himself a friend of Taiwan and his harsh criticisms in the original article were meant as hard truths. He has expressed concerns about the challenges Taiwan faces from the Chinese Communist Party and the importance of deterring an invasion of Taiwan.
In his new article, Whiton does not recommend trusting SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, citing his car factory in China as a reason. He also does not suggest allowing for a militia and defense-in-depth or preparing and publicly debating plans to fight throughout the island.
Instead, Whiton advises Taiwan to intellectually sever itself from the Republic of China concept and establish a clear concept of Taiwanese independent self-defense. He believes that Taiwan's future would not be decided in Washington or Beijing, but in Taiwan itself.
[1] Source: The Taipei Times, various articles on Taiwanese civil society and government's stance on self-defense.
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