The United States has sent a clear signal to Taiwan. Its Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice described Taiwan authorities' planned referendum on joining the United Nations as provocative and unhelpful.

Such a statement from the US is necessary and important because these people have long considered the US as a strong backer in the international arena.

Once again, the Taiwan authorities have been trying to push the envelop by coming up with a proposal to join the UN through a referendum on the island province.