Taiwan denies

The New York Times's article entitled Taiwanese mischief, which was published by The Jakarta Post on April 17, 1997, had unfairly and unthoughtfully insinuated Taiwan as a hindrance to U.S.-China relations.

As the tiny Taiwan's international survival is relentlessly smothered by communist China's monstrous diplomatic isolation, how could a prestigious press like The New York Times lash out on Taiwan's measures to seek a breakthrough with such a harsh tongue? Where is the justice that newspapers are supposed to espouse?

The Republic of China of Taiwan is no different from other countries. There comes a time when there is a need to fight by every means possible in order to uphold national dignity. To survive in this superpower-dominated world, one, especially a marginal nation, should take hold of every opportunity to maintain breathing room. So how could The New York Times claim that Taiwan was abusing Washington's support? The nation is merely trying to maintain inhaling communism-free air.

PHILIP K. LUO

Information Officer

Taipei Economic and Trade Office

Jakarta