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25/08/2004: "TRAVEL ......... Taiwanese girl in Taipei"
Here is the face of Taiwan today. Proud and determined. Highly patriotic. She lives on an island not allowed to be called a country, but 'a breakaway province of China' where 600 or more missiles are said to be aimed at her as a warning. Strong diplomatic pressure comes from China via many ways to other countries not to recognise Taiwan as a country.
Don't think all this is so far away it does not bother Australia. The Taiwan-China trigger is on a loaded gun pointing at the whole of Asia and guaranteed to ricochet all over the area. USA included. The trigger is more sensitive than what most Australians realise.
With regular eathquakes, typhoon's and the world's largest army making threats, Taiwan is a volatile neighbour, and a very clever country. A visit there today is 'like a visit to Australia 50 years into the future'.
There is much to learn and marvel at. But don't expect many conversations in English. Expect to see a dozen foreigners a day, or less walking the streets of Taipei.
Even less down south at the busy port of Kaohsiung. Some days I saw no other 'westerners'. It made my visit even more enjoyable, but unusual. The friendly locals more than compensated.
Let us all trust the politicians keep Taiwan, through their clever skills, a happy and peaceful country. Taiwan wants to decide her own future, mainland China wants to own Taiwan - their 'breakaway province'. A compromise required without a war.
Taiwan can help China enjoy a better future faster. China is not going to be told what to do, but can be taught commerce by examples already obvious.
Read the English press online: www.taipeitimes.com
