March 17, 2003

MEMORANDUM TO: OPINION LEADERS

FROM: ELLEN BORK, Deputy Director

SUBJECT: Europe’s “One China” Policy

Maybe Europeans and Americans aren’t so different after all. On the matter of disrespect for Taiwan, it appears, we are the same.

A proposed visit of Taiwan’s democratic president, Chen Shui-bian, to address the European Parliament has been rejected. (“Brussels ban for Taiwan leader,” Financial Times, March 17, 2003). Belgium, host country to the parliament, made the decision in consultation with EU foreign ministers, and the European Commission – which includes Chris Patten, the former governor of Hong Kong and ostensible champion of Asian democracy. A visa for Mr. Chen, a former opponent of Taiwan’s dictatorship as well as the democratically-elected president, was judged to be in conflict with the EU’s “One China” policy, and ill-advised in light of China’s purported assistance in dealing with Iraq and North Korea.

In fact, China has been a “closet” ally of Saddam Hussein in the past and been distinctly unhelpful regarding North Korea. The matter all comes down to trade. Like the U.S., EU member countries hope to make their fortunes in China. In the meantime, however, the EU isn’t taking any chances. It has just opened a new economic and trade office in Taiwan, its third largest trading partner in Asia.

The hypocrisy that governs international treatment of Taiwan continues, as does the weakness of America and the EU in acquiescing to Chinese dictates on international relations between legitimate, sovereign states. The immediate rebuff is to Taiwan, “a flourishing democracy and a free market economy – all the things we claim to respect,” in the words of Graham Watson, a member of the European Parliament who sought to host President Chen. However, the longer-term damage will be felt by the EU, which has sacrificed principle and political capital in a fruitless quest for Chinese approval.