[gu-l] Paper "PEACE YES -- MISSILES NO" for Global Peace Assembly in Taipei,
Taiwan, 8/12-20, 2001
Tak Utsumi
utsumi@columbia.edu
Sat, 28 Jul 2001 22:44:00 +0000 (GMT)
<<July 28, 2001>>
Archived distributions can be retrieved by clicking "Correspondence" in our
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For those after 2/27/01, see or bookmark:
<http://www.friends-partners.org/pipermail/gu-l/> and click on "Date," for
example. The most recent archives are the bottom line.
Charles Mercieca, Ph.D. <mercieca@hiwaay.net>
Dr. Larry T. Gell <lgell@iaed.org>
Dr. Hong Tao Tze <tjm@taijimen.org.tw>
Dear Dr. Merecieca:
===================
(1) Many thanks for your msgs with kind words (ATTACHMENT I to III).
(2) I also thank you so much for your excellent paper (ATTACHMENT IV). I
fully agree with you that peace starts with individual's heart, mind
and virtue.
(3) Larry (who were also in the WCA 2001 in Taipei last April) told me
yesterday that the government in Beijin will send 250 delegates to the
Global Peace Assembly in Taipei, Taiwan from August 12 to 20, 2001.
I think that this is a very good sign to resolve the strain across the
Strait of Taiwan.
(4) Hope to see you there again soon.
Best, Tak
****************************************
ATTACHMENT I
Subject: Nice to meet you
Date: Thursday, April 12, 2001 4:13 PM
From: Charles Mercieca <mercieca@hiwaay.net>
To: Takeshi Utsumi <utsumi@columbia.edu>
April 12, 2001
Dear Dr. Takeshi Utsumi:
I am glad I had the opportunity to become personally acquainted with
you recently in Taiwan. You have plenty to offer in building a new global
community that is capable to promote peace instead of war.
I wish you and your Global University the very best in all of your
practical undertakings and international ventures. Best regards.
Charles Mercieca, President, iAEWP
Professor of History and Philosophy, AAMU
****************************************
ATTACHMENT II
Subject: Re: [gu-l] Trip to the Philippines from 4/17 to 4/26/01 (Part 1 of
2)
Date: Sunday, June 3, 2001 10:21 PM
From: Charles Mercieca <mercieca@hiwaay.net>
To: "Dr. Utsumi" <utsumi@columbia.edu>
June 3, 2001
Deat Dr. Utsumi:
You are a wonderful and hard-working person. Thanks for keeping me in
touch. You are performing a very useful and indispensable work. I shall be
back in Taiwan duing the November 15-25, 2001. Best regards.
Charles Mercieca
****************************************
ATTACHMENT III
Subject: Re: [gu-l] Visits to World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank
in DC on 7/30th
Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:26 PM
From: Charles Mercieca <mercieca@hiwaay.net>
To: Takeshi Utsumi <utsumi@columbia.edu>
July 25, 2001
My Dear Great Friend Dr. Takeshi Utsumi:
I feel fortunate I came to know you in Taipei this past April. You are
doing a wonderful and great job in keeping people who share the same peace
culture interests close together. You are a truly dynamic leader who is very
much needed by the world at large. Thank you, Arrigato, Xjexje, Muchas
gracias, Merci beaucoup, Obrigado, Grazzie Mille, Gratias tibi ago, Grazzi
hafna, Viele danke, Takk, Spaceebah balshoye.....
Dr. Charles Mercieca, President, IAEWP
and Professor Emeritus, AAMU
****************************************
ATTACHMENT IV
Subject: PEACE YES --- MISSILES NO
Date: Friday, July 27, 2001 9:09 PM
From: Charles Mercieca <mercieca@hiwaay.net>
To: Lee John Young <iaewp@unnews.co.kr>
Cc: David Ryoo <unnews@unnews.co.kr>, Takeshi Utsumi <utsumi@columbia.edu>,
Rashmi Mayur <iisfb@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in>, Peter Lin <lin134@hotmail.com>,
Doug Mattern <worldcit@best.com>, Hong Tao Tze <tmj@taijimen.org>, Jennifer
<jiao36163@hotmail.com>, Jaeshik Sohn <iips@gip.khu.as.kr>, Hsiao-fan Kuo
<helenkuo@mail.baphiq.gov.tw>, Shi Zhi-Shen <bhwh@hotmail.com>
July 27, 2001
Dear Mr. Lee Jon Young and Mr. David Ryoo:
I just finished an article on the topic of the forthcoming
international peace conference in Taiwan which will take place in Taipei,
August 12-20. It's major theme is: PEACE YES -- MISSILES NO. I am sending you
here below the copy of this article for the next issue of the UN News. When
printing it, please do not forget to put in bold letters the subtitles. Best
regards.
Charles Mercieca
========================================================
PEACE YES --- MISSILES NO
Charles Mercieca, Ph.D.
President
International Association of Educators for World Peace
NGO, United Nations (ECOSOC) UNDPI, UNICEF, UNCED & UNESCO
Professor Emeritus
Alabama A&M University
An international peace conference was scheduled in Taiwan in summer 2001
to explore ways of diminishing the threat of war in southeast Asia. A special
attention was placed on the existing political friction between China and
Taiwan. Both sides of the Taiwan Straight claim to have their own way on how
to interpret the events of history to seemingly get what they want
respectively.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
China claims that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory and that
the government of Taiwan consists of a bunch of rebels who seceded from the
mainland. On the other hand, Taiwan claims that it had been the legitimate
government of China which was overthrown by a bunch of rebels commonly known
as communists. As a result, this legitimate government took refuge in Taiwan,
while abandoning the mainland in the hands of the communists to avoid
unnecessary and needless bloodshed. Hence, both sides agreed in at least one
item. Both consist of Chinese people like two sides of the same coin.
This contention was backed by the whole world for quite a few years
after this event took place, as revealed by the fact that the government of
Taiwan remained a part of the UN Social Security Council. Of course, as time
rolled on the world came to grips with reality and recognized the communist
government of Beijing as the legitimate government of China which had then
replaced the government of Taiwan in the UN Social Security Council.
For more than 50 years both China and Taiwan had different governments,
each of which dreamed that one day the other side becomes integrated with it
as one country. Since the governments of both these two acting nations were
both born, evolved and developed in a culture of war which had existed
already for a period of 6,000 years of recorded history, it was very natural
for both sides to arm themselves to the teeth in the hope that one day the
problem of unification will be solved through a devastating war.
What is ironic is the fact, that the people of both acting nations never
seemed to have been consulted. A referendum in both China and Taiwan was
never passed to explore how the people of these two acting nations feel about
the relationship that should, from now on, exist between China and Taiwan.
Unification or Partnership
In China, a handful of people in the government made it clear that they
have an agenda of unification to follow and that they will not listen to any
alternative, far less making any compromise. The very idea of seeing what the
people of Taiwan really want in the kind of relationship they would love to
see with China, does not exist, not even remotely. The voice of the 22
million people living in Taiwan seems to have no significance at all.
On the other hand, the government of Taiwan did proceed to build new
policies based on more realistic ground. This government has abandoned the
idea of retaking the mainland, which it ones governed legitimately, by force.
It reformed its governmental structure as to create a genuine democratic
nation where people elect their representatives. Besides, they embarked on
the development of a strong civilian economy after the example of Japan and
Germany. In addition, Taiwan began to invest billions of dollars in China by
constructing new roads and building new bridges and by constructing new
factories as well as modern housing projects.
After more than 50 years of continuous tensions between China and
Taiwan, the time has arrived where both sides need to reassess the situation
relative to the kind of new relationship these two flourishing nations must
have between them. This assessment needs to be based not on what is
politically expedient but, rather, on what is in the best interest of the
people of the two nations and their respective civilian economy. The choice
for a constructive solution is there and it does offer numerous options and
flexibility is of paramount importance.
In spite of this, China made it clear that it will not discuss any
option relative to its relationship with Taiwan. It continues to maintain
that Taiwan is a break-away province which is ruled by rebels. Its policy
toward Taiwan is one of strangulation. This is revealed in the fact that
China does not want any country on earth to recognize Taiwan as an
independent functioning nation, the way is has already proved itself to be
for more than 50 years. Not only so, but China demands of every nation on
earth not to deal with the government of Taiwan neither directly nor
indirectly.
What is ironic is the fact that China itself conducts more business with
Taiwan than, perhaps, with any other country on earth. Via Hong Kong, the
Chinese people may visit Taiwan and the Taiwanese people may visit China with
virtual no restrictions whatsoever. In other words, a climate of friendship
between China and Taiwan does exist in some way or another even though in
theory things seem to be quite different.
Peace Versus War
In theory, China could get what it really wants peacefully, fast, and
smooth. But only if it were to shift its policies, which stem from a
traditional culture of war, to policies based purely on the newly evolving
and developing culture of peace. In this regard, Unesco, with its numerous
peace oriented non governmental organizations of the United Nations, may
provide some good and useful guideline to this end. China must keep in mind
that one catches flies more with honey than with threats of a devastating
war.
We learn from a recorded history of 6,000 years of civilization that
when people are threatened, rather than giving up they become more determined
to resist to their last breath if necessary. Hence, this explains the slogan
adopted by the international peace conference which was scheduled in Taiwan
in summer 2001 which ran with the words: Peace Yes -- Missiles No. If China
decides to put missiles aimed at Taiwan, history has taught us that Taiwan
would do likewise. It would put its own missiles aimed at China. Here we need
to bring to our attention the words of Pope Pius XII who, on the eve of World
War II, told to both the Germans and the British: "Remember, in a war
everyone is a loser and no one is a winner."
In 1945, Germany lost the war and its economy collapsed because it was
devastated. At the same time, Great Britain won the war and its economy
equally collapsed because it was devastated as well. Besides, as a result of
"winning" the war, the British Empire collapsed and Great Britain lost all of
its territories on every continent. The words of Pope Pius XII may as well be
directed to both China and Taiwan. Each must keep in mind, particularly
China, that in a war everyone is a loser and no one is a winner.
Resorting to war for the solution of any problem reveals tremendous lack
of wisdom to say the most and a great foolishness to say the least. Besides,
the vast majority of the nations of the world would prefer not to conduct
business with any country that is at war with another nation. Again, everyone
would be a loser and no one a winner!
One of the most curious elements which developed in history has been the
institution of the military. Its purpose has never been to promote peace, as
most governments contend, but merely to wage war. Ironically, every
government in history which waged war claimed to have done so for "defense
purposes!" In practice this so called "defense" has always proven to be the
"safeguard and justification of every atrocious and belligerent action that
was taken by the military, even without any justification whatsoever.
Healthy and Constructive Dialogue
All problems of the world could be solved through a healthy and
constructive dialogue without any exception whatsoever. This would always be
possible if we were to keep in mind the universal welfare of all people
involved without exception. Once we start taking into consideration the
advantages of one group of people to the exclusion of another group of
people, then such a dialogue would cease to be healthy and constructive.
This explains why the United Nations, after more than 50 years of its
existence, has not succeeded to bring about a permanent peace into the world.
Most nations meet other nations with an agenda of their own which they want
to implement by all means possible. Even prior to their presentation of their
agenda, they have already closed their mind to listen to any possible
alternative that may perhaps lead to some kind of modification or compromise.
This approach is especially observed in the big powers or big nations whose
approach would be for all practical purposes: "Be reasonable, do it our own
way!"
To make things worse, most nations seem to believe that the modification
of ideas, and anything which may lead to a compromise, is to be viewed as a
sign of weakness rather than as a sign of strength in the pursuit of peace.
The concept of virtue, which is so essential in the pursuit of peace, does
not seem to exist in the mind of most of our leading politicians. Considering
that peace, by its very nature, is spiritual and not material, we may begin
to realize the importance of the formulated slogan: Peace Yes -- Missiles No.
Since peace evolves from the inside of the individual, we may fully
realize the importance to be humble, prudent, patient, generous, kind, but,
at the same time, determined and firm in pursuing goals which are in the best
interest of all people without exception. Hence, we may begin to understand
why a healthy and constructive dialogue would achieve much more in the best
interest and benefit of everyone concerned, than tons of weapons of
destruction that would make most certainly everyone involved a loser.
Can China and Taiwan proceed to resolve their political differences
peacefully? The answer is definitely in the affirmative but only if the
culture of war that is being used to this end is replaced by the culture of
peace. China is misleading itself by thinking that when a country, such as
the United States, states that it recognizes Taiwan is a part of China, such
a statement would mean that China has a right to take over Taiwan by all
means conceivable.
Taiwan and Tibet Contrasted
In fact, the United States made it clear that it will "not" allow China
to use military means to annex the island with the mainland. China must keep
in mind that Taiwan is not Tibet. While Tibet was a totally disarmed nation,
Taiwan is fully armed to the teeth mostly by the United States. The
government of China could have Taiwan become an integral part of the mainland
if its culture of war policies were to be replaced by a culture of peace
diplomacy.
As far as a possible future reunification is concerned between China and
Taiwan, it would be infinitely more beneficial for China to try to seek the
support and trust of the people in Taiwan themselves regardless of the
outside world, than the other way round, as revealed in the current China
foreign policy. At this stage of history, China is faced with a clear cut
alternative relative to its relations with Taiwan:
1. Continue toward Taiwan the present policy of isolation and
strangulation, while keeping on calling this island nation a break away
province ruled by rebels rather than legitimately elected government
officials, or ........
2. Develop a new diplomatic approach which would reveal great dignity
and respect for the Taiwanese people in a way that the natives of this island
nation would feel thoroughly at ease and no longer threatened by China.
Since World War II was over, we have had quite a few nations which were
formed from a previously one undivided nation, like East and West Germany,
North and South Vietnam, North and South Yemen, as well as North and South
Korea. All of these countries had one basic thing in common. Each side
recognized the legitimacy of the other side in practice. As a result, a
healthy and constructive dialogue was developed and, with the exception of
the Korean case, all have been reunited as one nation. The cry of the world
for both China and Taiwan is clear: Peace Yes -- Missiles No. The fate of 22
million Taiwanese cannot be decided without their input and full consent.
This is merely in accordance with the United Nations Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.
****************************************
Distribution List
Charles Mercieca, Ph.D.
President
International Association of Educators for World Peace (iAEWP)
NGO, UN (ECOSOC), UNDPI, UNICEF, UNCED & UNESCO
Professor of History and Philosophy
Alabama A&M University (AAMU)
P. O. Box 3282 - Mastin Lake Station
Huntsville, AL 35810-0282 USA
Phone: 256-534-5501
Fax: 256-536-1018
mercieca@hiwaay.net
http://www.earthportals.com/Portal-Messenger/mercieca.htmI
Dr. Larry T. Gell
Director-General
International Headquarters
International Agency for Economic Development (IAED)
United Nations Plaza
P. O. Box 2260-GCS
New York, NY 10163-2260
212-687-1775
Cel: 1-646-621-6161
Fax: 212-697-2363
lgell@iaed.org
iaed@undp.org
http://www.iaed.org
http://www.mnn.org
Dr. Hong Tao Tze
Shih-Ho Seng
Zhang Men Ren of Tai Ji Men
President, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy
Director, World Citizens Assembly (WCA) 2001
Honorary Vice President, Association of World Citizens (AWC) UN/NGO
President, Association of World Citizens in Taiwan UN/NGO
President, Federation of World Peace and Love
No. 136, Keelung Rd. Sec. 2
Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.
Tel: 011-886-2-2736-5188
Fax: 011-886-2-2736-8789
TEL: (626) 286-0989 U.S.A.
FAX: (626) 286-7008 U.S.A.
tjm@taijimen.org.tw
http://www.wca2001.org.tw
http://www.taijimen.org
www.fowpal.org
**********************************************************************
* Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D., P.E., Chairman, GLOSAS/USA *
* (GLObal Systems Analysis and Simulation Association in the U.S.A.) *
* Laureate of Lord Perry Award for Excellence in Distance Education *
* Founder of CAADE *
* (Consortium for Affordable and Accessible Distance Education) *
* President Emeritus and V.P. for Technology and Coordination of *
* Global University System (GUS) *
* 43-23 Colden Street, Flushing, NY 11355-3998, U.S.A. *
* Tel: 718-939-0928; Fax: 718-939-0656 (day time only--prefer email) *
* Email: utsumi@columbia.edu; Tax Exempt ID: 11-2999676 *
* http://www.friends-partners.org/GLOSAS/ *
**********************************************************************