Asian Perspective

Abstract:

As more and more information indicates that nuclear power is not economical, energy diversification and greenhouse gas reduction may become the arguments used to justify nuclear energy development. But some countries may wish to gain weapon capabilities through civil programs, as Taiwan (the Republic of China, ROC) did many years ago. Even though Taiwan has no military uses presently in mind, the past still casts a long shadow on those in the field of nuclear energy and is likely to threaten operational safety and risks, placing waste management in disarray. The paradox of promoting versus regulating nuclear power has not been resolved. Over the years, a number of nuclear-related incidents have occurred in Taiwan, demonstrating the importance of having a system of checks and balances, strictly enforced through transparency, domestically and internationally.