Peace not at the cost of submission

1 year ago

In her recent New York Times opinion piece, former minister of culture Lung Ying-tai (龍應台) paints a bleak picture of Taiwan’s future — one where the US is no longer a reliable partner, and Taiwan’s only viable path to peace lies in reconciliation with China. For all its emotional charge and rhetorical polish, her argument leaves out critical context and presents a dangerously one-sided view. Lung claims to speak for “Taiwan’s growing fears,” but who, exactly, is she speaking for? A single, chatty taxi driver in southern Taiwan? Has she truly listened to the countless Taiwanese who remain willing — even determined — to defend our democracy and way of life, and who fear Communist rule far more than war? Lung makes little mention of them. Instead, her narrative elevates anxiety and resignation over resolve and agency.

Original Article