By noting that free Taiwan is ostracized from world affairs while Red China gets honors and the 2008 Olympics.

Neither independent nor subjugated, commanding one of the world's largest economies but officially recognized by few nations, the island democracy of Taiwan endures a tenuous existence in a world that requires global access. If that weren't bad enough, it is menaced by a hostile neighbor that claims ownership.

Other than the disadvantages of the status quo, Taiwan has few options. It can't risk declaring full independence and angering the giant that no longer sleeps, but has awakened in a cranky mood. And allowing itself to be governed from Beijing would be intolerable. Taiwan is not offered the same deal as Hong Kong, a former British colony, of having a free market in both goods and expression.

Taiwan's dilemma offers a similar set of difficulties for the United States.

Taiwan's de facto U.S. ambassador, Joseph Wu, outlined for members of the Houston World Affairs Council the several bitter ironies of the situation. The United States must maintain workable relations with China and can't recognize Taiwan, even though:

• China menaces Taiwan with missiles and threats, while Taiwan poses a danger to no one.

• Taiwan is a major U.S. trading partner, importing many tons of agricultural products, including Texas beef, and exporting electronic equipment that meets high standards of quality and safety. China sends us tainted food and toxic toys.

• Taiwan has curbed its air and water pollution, but China's regime fears environmental activists more than environmental degradation.

Chinese leader Hu Jintao recently called for talks with Taipei officials to maintain peace in the region. China and Taiwan should "resume talks on an equal footing as soon as possible," Hu said before his recent summit with President Bush in Washington.

A sudden collapse of authoritarianism in China is not impossible, but swift transition to democracy and freedom seems unlikely. Meanwhile, talks between China and Taiwan should be aimed at nourishing peaceful coexistence rather than extending Beijing's control to Taipei.

As for the United States, the least it can do is grant Taiwan the same generous trading terms it recently gave South Korea, one of Taiwan's chief competitors. Washington should also champion Taiwan's desire to work with vital international institutions such as the United Nations' World Health Organization. To deny Taiwan access is to punish a peaceful, democratic ally while rewarding an oppressive competitor.

The abandonment of Taiwan in favor of the Communist regime by President Jimmy Carter is one of the many shameful policies adopted during the administration of the worst president of the twentieth century (if not all of US history). It is time for the United States to correct that error -- a move that President Bush should take as a part of his freedom agenda set in the 2005 inaugural address.

The US must take the lead by treating Taiwan as equal to Red China -- and the IOC should issue an invitation to Taiwan to participate in the Olympics. If the Red Chinese refuse to allow Taiwan to participate, the 2008 Olympics should be canceled in the name of freedom and human rights.