As China will still have to oppose some ideas or threats against Taiwan's peaceful views, as it won't become democratic as long as it remains a totalitarian regime, it will take a long time to achieve the reunification. Of course the social instability and political difficulties of Mainland and also Jiang's strong willing to conclude his mandate with a legendary victory are good reasons for the communists to speed up this process. But Taiwanese dignity and economical strength, and the worldwide need of military stability in the Far East might extend the status quo in spite of Beijing's idea written in February's white paper to use power if Taiwan delays the talks. But as it is well known, Taiwan never delays anything on purpose. The problem is that China wants to discuss provided the island first recognizes the principle of 《one China》while Taiwan rejects this principle.

In that conditions, it is an emergency to find more friends all over the world so as to receive some services and articles if necessary. Indeed, U.S.A are spreading their hegemony all over the world. They slide into many behaviours and hide a lot of dominating views and purposes. No wonder they stick their nose in most important subjects. France has been knowing a lot of this problem for more than fifty years showing some special ideas as for many topics. When U.S.A thinks about a question, you can be sure that the French government or President will explain its own view of the question. That's why the only help of the United States will lead to a long impasse in Cross-Strait relations. U.S.A need this impasse a lot, they need Mainland and Taiwan not to be friends, not to work together so as not to become a strong and competitive power. But if one day the relations on the two sides of the Strait become good, many Asian countries will work together as Europe is doing now. It would be the beginning of a three poles world, that is what U.S.A can't stand at all. For sure we don't have to oppose our ideas against U.S.A's. Taiwan needs to keep speaking the same words as in the past so as not American or other people to imagine that it is creating a gap between the different powers. In fact we need to work for a better world with different ideas spread from everywhere. That's not now's world. Let's make it better thanks to Taiwan's improvement.

German, Italian and French people agree for many things. As a consequence, when they decide something together, they will constitute most of the political power in Europe in case of a vote needed. So what about considering E.U's means? France started to sell aircrafts and frigates to Taiwan. Moreover, there are more and French companies in Taiwan. As a matter of fact, we should communicate more with political responsible from European countries and organizations (European Parliament, commissions, etc...).

Let's compare Taiwan and France. We can distinguish many common behaviours for the two countries. First, they both have their own views of their situation or of the events happening around them and other the world. Second, citizens in both countries are willing to help each other (more in Taiwan than in France), they enjoy working a lot if they can get a better life (some businessmen especially like their job very much) and they also have a conception of leisure which is more and more similar. Maybe we should encourage the relations between the two countries, and then between Taiwan and all Europe. Let's think about the countries which are expending their way, as Poland or Greece: their economical and social situation shouldn't be much different from Taiwan's.

Maybe the island should take advantage of the failure in the negotiations between E.U and Mainland for its entrance in W.T.O a few days ago. Taiwan should start negotiating important commercial relations with European countries. Let's compare E.U and Mainland's negotiations with what could be possible between E.U and Taiwan. First of all, these were the difficulties met by the French Pascal Lamy and the European diplomats:

◆While U.S accepted 49% of the cell-phone and telecommunication market,
　Europeans would like to form joint ventures with a majority stake (51%) but
　China would like to stay in a situation of monopoly;
◆As for the insurance sector, Europeans claim for a license parity with American
　(50/50) and for teaming up in life insurance companies with a majority of 51%
　(against 50% for U.S).
◆In the automobile market, Europeans would like to reduce the importation fee
　to 17.5% while for American it was decreased to 25%.
◆Lastly, they suggest that Chinese State keeps its monopoly for oilseeds,
　Fertilizants and tobacco industries.

What about commercial agreements between European and Taiwanese companies? Taiwan is an advanced country as for the first sector. French (and European) use of the cell phone is rising and the telecommunication companies need to establish a partnership. As for the insurance sector, Taiwan could be helped because citizens don't have too much experience about drawing up an insurance policy. As a matter of fact, insurance products are starting being developed now. As for the automobile market, there might be a problem with the importing fee.

Anyway these are just some simple ideas to be thought among politicians and managers. But it's the right moment to take the chance that Europe is extending its partnership. At the same time Taiwan and Europe will be exchanging goods, services and ideas, they will get closer. Then Europe will ask for some stable relations on both sides of Taiwan's Strait. They will protect Taiwan and participate in the process of reunification. Their voice will be useful so as not U.S.A to act as they want. Their voice will be one more voice to calm down Beijing's appetite. And it could also be a beginning to protect all the countries which try keeping some lands that Mainland has been demanding.

As a conclusion, Taiwanese people need to know that their future is everywhere over the world. Let's spread our willings, without thinking of China's opinion (but without provocating them ). Let's give to Taiwan the place it should be.

Stephane TIGNEL
— Consultant in French of Taiwan Tati Cultural & Educational Foundation
— Master's degree of modern literature Universite Stendhal, Grenoble III, France