Moreover, there is a growing OECD perspective or OECD identity amongst Taiwanese. That is they see themselves and think of their world and their land as an OECD country. For example, they have nuclear power plants. They are concerned about food safety and are beginning to promote good living and organic agricutlure. They also have very advanced telecommunication networks, related technologies, and many well-run businesses ¡Xall with a lot less corruption than in mainland China or in neighboring Southeast Asian states.
In short, the focus on China and Asia may lead Taiwanese to forget what the Japanese and Koreans (their real developmental competition in East Asia) already emphasize. The Taiwanese will likely ignore what Europe, North America, and other regions of the world have to offer. I think of the fact that South Korea signed an important free trade treaty with the European Union last year. Japan is also interested in getting such an agreement.
Taiwan should not throw in the towel and run to join china ¡Xwhen there is so much development work to do at home, for example, some 70% of the homes suffer from mold and other erosion. Without the local developments and widening of education in all parts of Taiwan at a more global level, China will pass Taiwan [1] by developmentally in the next few decades.
There is no reason that should be the case. [2]
NOTE
[1] After WWII, Taiwan was the most developed land in East Asia ¡Xdue to the amount of industries and infrastructure that had srurvived through 1945.
[2] Taiwanese need to be supported, ttoo, form abroad through more internatinoal treaties and educational exchanges.
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