I. Foreword
It is an honor for me to provide a briefing on the most recent activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for the Foreign and National Defense Committee. On behalf of MOFA, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to President Wang and Vice President Hung, as well as all other members of the Legislative Yuan, for their staunch support of our work, their active involvement in parliamentary diplomacy and their assistance in receiving foreign dignitaries.
In recent years, the security environment in East Asia has become increasingly complicated. In particular, escalating tensions surrounding the Diaoyutai Islands have led to an upsurge in nationalism in concerned countries. The Diaoyutai disputes have attracted worldwide attention, and if the situation continues to deteriorate, regional security and stability will be seriously affected.
On August 5, 2012, MOFA and Academia Historica co-hosted an exhibition and a conference commemorating the 60th anniversary of the coming into force of the Treaty of Peace between the Republic of China and Japan, aiming to highlight that important moment in our history 60 years ago when the Republic of China and Japan ended an eight-year war that had resulted in the death or serious injury of 25 million people. Today’s peace and prosperity have not come easily. President Ma proposed the East China Sea Peace Initiative at the conference with the aim to encourage all concerned parties to shelve controversies, not escalate confrontation and not abandon dialogue. In his proposal, the President called for negotiations, peace and reciprocity, and joint exploration and development, so as to achieve stability in East Asia.
Today, I will discuss current political and economic trends in the international arena. In addition, I will report on our strategies in response to these trends and the current progress of these strategies, as well as our future outlook, under the framework of the viable diplomacy policy. Your comments and suggestions will be very much appreciated.
II. Current international situation and our strategies
1. Major political and economic developments in the international arena and security developments in East Asia
(1) Increasing competition and cooperation between the US and mainland China
The US presidential election and the leadership transition in mainland China will affect the political and economic situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Mainland China continues to become stronger and has adopted a tougher position on certain international and regional issues. In addition, the US has initiated a “strategic rebalancing” policy. It is expected that by 2020, the ratio of the US navy fleet deployed in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans will be adjusted from 50-50 to 60-40, aiming to achieve a strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region. The competition and cooperation between the two superpowers in the Asia-Pacific region are being closely watched by the rest of the world.
a. The Obama administration has reiterated its intention to strengthen interactions with Asia-Pacific countries. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated in July this year that the US has proposed the Asia-Pacific Strategic Engagement Initiative (APSEI) to help the US and its partners ensure regional stability and to support an open and inclusive regional economy.
b. Recent US-mainland China interactions
The US and mainland China continue to strengthen communication and build confidence through dialogue and mutual visits of high-ranking officials. A major event in this regard was the fourth Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) held in Beijing in May this year. On the eve of the S&ED, the two countries also conducted the second Strategic Security Dialogue (SSD).
(2) Tension in East Asia
In East Asia, regional economic integration continues to increase. However, major flash points still cause concern. Sovereignty disputes have emerged over several island groups, including four islands in Northern Territories/the Southern Kurils (dispute between Japan and Russia), Takeshima/Dokdo island (dispute between Japan and South Korea), the Diaoyutais in the East China Sea and islands in the South China Sea. Our country urges all parties concerned to actively engage in dialogue and communication to avoid any miscalculations that may further exacerbate the disputes. It is hoped that these disputes will be resolved in a rational and peaceful manner.
a. South China Seadisputes
Whether looked at from the perspective of history, geography or international law, the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Zhongsha Islands and Dongsha Islands and their surrounding waters are an inherent part of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Without any doubt, sovereignty over these islands and waters belongs to the Republic of China (Taiwan). Neighboring countries near these South China Sea archipelagoes should abide by the principles and spirit of international law, avoid taking any unilateral action that affects South China Sea security and peace, exercise self-restraint, and resolve disputes through negotiation and dialogue. Our country is willing to actively participate in relevant negotiations to resolve disputes and promote peace and stability in the region.
b. Sovereignty disputes over the Diaoyutai Islands
In March this year, the Japanese government gave names to four previously unnamed islands in the Diaoyutai archipelago and added them to the national property register. In April, Tokyo governor Ishihara Shintaro declared that he would “purchase” all “private” islets of the Diaoyutais. On September 11, the Japanese government, on the basis of “protecting the stable and secure maintenance and management of those islets”, purchased three islets of the Diaoyutais and “nationalized” them. These moves seriously infringed upon our national sovereignty, harmed cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, and hurt our people’s feelings. MOFA on the same day summoned the Japanese representative in Taiwan, Sumio Tarui, to solemnly convey our position. Any words and actions of the Japanese government that infringe upon our sovereignty over the Diaoyutais, including the illegal “nationalization” of islands, will not be recognized. We also lodged a strong protest with the Japanese government and condemned these moves. In addition, our representative to Japan, Shen Ssu-tsun, conveyed our position to Japan. MOFA recalled him to report on the latest developments.
(3) Slow recovery of the international economy and a global multi-polar structure
Since the start of 2012, the European debt crisis has continued to metastasize. The situation concerning the southern European countries’ national debt was at its most perilous in the second half of 2012. Meanwhile, the US government announced a third round of quantitative easing (QE3) recently to bolster economic recovery. Economic growth in mainland China noticeably slowed. Outside of economic trends, tensions in East Asia have not abated, while the Islamic world remained unstable as it exploded with anti-American sentiment, leading to rising global prices for crude oil and other raw materials. These factors have all contributed to a slow global economic recovery.
In trying to find a solution to the European debt crisis, G20 countries view newly emerging nations as important sources of capital. The shifting balance of power between developed and newly emerging countries has made multi-polarity more evident.
Globalization only serves to increase interdependency in a multi-polar world. Greater multilateral cooperation is required to tackle issues such as the environment and climate change, natural disasters, sustainability, and human security, as well as the development of marine resources. The world’s powers must work together and seek common interests, so as to avoid exacerbating points of contention.
(4) The continuing integration of the Asia-Pacific economy
The momentum for economic integration in the Asia-Pacific continues to strengthen. Integration involves bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs), ASEAN plus 3 (mainland China, Japan, and South Korea) negotiations, and the planned Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) for ASEAN members. In addition, with the US as the major player, the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) is also gradually coming into being. This means that nations not involved in the integration process will be marginalized.
FTA negotiations involving Japan, mainland China, and South Korea are due to begin by the end of this year. However, historical, political, and economic factors involving the three – as well as recent territorial disputes – may delay the process.
2. Our strategy to cope with the changing international situation
(1) “Iron Triangle” strategy of national security to ensure national sovereignty and development
The “Iron Triangle” to safeguard our national security involves promoting cross-strait rapprochement and ensuring peace across the Taiwan Strait, furthering the policy of “viable diplomacy” and expanding our international room for maneuver, and strengthening national defense.
(2) “Balance and peace” to promote national security and regional peace
Our strategy of “rapprochement with mainland China, a deeper friendship with Japan, and closer relations with the United States” aims at a balanced development of relations with major powers, as well as the expansion of exchanges and cooperation at all levels with these countries.
Regarding tensions in the East China Sea, our government has proposed the East China Sea Peace Initiative and its Implementation Guidelines, which have received a positive response from the governments, scholars, and media of major countries.
(3) Use democracy and culture as “soft power” to raise our profile
Taiwan’s model for development as a free, democratic, multi-cultural society could inspire mainland China, as well as other countries, to work with us in pursuing regional peace and stability, and to work on creating an environment conducive to promote regional security, peace, and prosperity.
(4) Trade and economic liberalization as a path to pursuing the national interest and sustainable development
We have adopted the macroscopic strategy of “building up Taiwan while linking with the Asia-Pacific region and creating a global presence” to engage in bilateral, regional, and global trade and economic activity. At the same time, leveraging the signing of the Cross-Straits Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with mainland China, MOFA continues to promote the inking of FTAs with other major trade partners and our participation in the TPP.
III. Diplomatic Policy and Results
1. Strengthen exchanges and cooperation with diplomatic allies in a variety of fields
(1) Consolidate diplomatic ties through mutual visits by high-ranking officials
President Ma made state visits to our diplomatic allies in Africa, including Burkina Faso, the Republic of The Gambia, and the Kingdom of Swaziland, in April 2012. Vice President Wu led a delegation in August to attend the inauguration of the President of the Dominican Republic Danilo Medina and to visit Belize. Both of these trips were very successful.
Between March and August 2012, many heads of state and high-ranking officials from our diplomatic allies led delegations to Taiwan. This helped to promote mutual understanding and friendship. Visitors included President of the Republic of Kiribati Anote Tong, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Christopher Loeak, President of the Republic of Palau Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Nauru Sprent Dabwido, President of the Republic of Paraguay Fernando Lugo, President of the Republic of The Gambia Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, Vice President of the Republic of Nicaragua Moisés Omar Halleslevens Acevedo, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Burkina Faso Luc-Adolphe Tiao, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe Patrice Emery Trovoada, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Gordon Darcy Lilo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu Willy Telavi, Governor-General of Belize Colville Young, First Presidential Designate and Minister of the Presidency of the Republic of Honduras Mariá Antonieta Guilléde Bográn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure of St. Lucia Philip J. Pierre, Acting Governor-General of St. Kitts and Nevis Edmund Wickham Lawrence, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Guatemala Harold Caballeros, Foreign Minister of the Republic of The Gambia Mambury Njie, Foreign Minister of the Republic of El Salvador Hugo Roger Martínez Bonilla, Minister of Foreign Trade and Consumer Affairs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Douglas Slater, Foreign Minister of Tuvalu Apisai Ielemia, First Lady of the Republic of Guatemala Rosa Mariá Leal de Pérez, and Secretary of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum of the Holy See Msgr. Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso.
(2) Enhance cooperative projects to benefit diplomatic allies
a. MOFA will adhere to key principles – seeking proper goals, acting lawfully, and exercising effective administration – when carrying out its foreign aid policy, as well as the guidelines laid out in the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. By providing aid, the Republic of China (Taiwan) aims to help its diplomatic allies enhance infrastructure, elevate local healthcare standards and improve people’s livelihoods. As of this August, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has dispatched 31 technical missions, medical missions, industrial service missions and investment and trade missions – comprising 176 experts, technicians and project managers – to implement 84 cooperation projects in such areas as agronomy, fisheries, horticulture, husbandry, handicraft, healthcare, water conservation, agricultural machinery, transportation, industrial service, trade and investment. In addition, in April MOFA and The Pontifical Urbaniana University of the Holy See jointly established a Chinese catalog for Chinese-language books in the university’s library. All these benefit the people of our diplomatic allies and further consolidate our relations with these countries.
b. Taiwanis restructuring foreign aid. In addition to providing aid to diplomatic allies in areas such as agriculture, husbandry, horticulture and vocational training, we will also leverage our industrial and technological advantages to help our allies achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
c. MOFA will establish a professional, legal and transparent foreign aid system. MOFA compiles Taiwan’s foreign aid statistics through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) database, and also reports these statistics to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Moreover, MOFA has drafted the 2011 International Cooperation and Development Report, which was submitted to the Executive Yuan in March and sent to the Legislative Yuan for reference, in the hope of enhancing the transparency of our foreign aid work.
2. Deepen relations with non-diplomatic allies
(1) Relations with the US
a. Visits by high-level US officials highlight close interaction
The US government has sent senior officials from the executive branch to Taiwan, demonstrating the close friendship between our two countries. For example, the delegation sent by the US government to President Ma’s inauguration ceremony on May 20 was the highest level group to have attended a presidential inauguration ceremony in Taiwan. Furthermore, former Vice President Lien Chan led a delegation to the 20th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) in Russia in September and exchanged views with the representative of the US President, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on issues of common concern. The meeting marked an important milestone.
b. Taiwanincluded in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The United States announced Taiwan’s inclusion in its Visa Waiver Program (VWP) on October 2, which will enter into force on November 1. This bears testimony to the improved relations between Taiwan and the United States.
c. Public statements by US officials reaffirm commitment to Taiwan
Ø Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said in May, “We've had positive relationships – a positive relationship with President Ma over the course of the last several years. What we'd like to see is a continued strong partnership on U.S.-Taiwan relations.”
Ø Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta stated in June, “In this context, we strongly support the efforts that both China and Taiwan, both have made in recent years trying to improve cross-strait relations. We have an enduring interest in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The US remains firm in the adherence to a one-China policy based on the Three Communiqués and the Taiwan Relations Act.”
d. The US Congress continues to support Taiwan
Ø Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of the US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs and Chair Dan Burton of the Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs led a delegation to President Ma’s inauguration ceremony, traveling to Taiwan on a US Air Force jetliner.
Ø On May 20, the inauguration ceremony for President Ma’s re-election was held. Shelley Berkley and three other co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, along with 86 House representatives, co-sponsored a letter conveying their congratulations to the President, while 13 senators also extended their congratulations. A total of 217 senators and House representatives issued statements or wrote congratulatory letters.
e. Cooperation aimed at Pacific islands
During the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Taiwan and the United States agreed to establish the Pacific Island Leadership Partnership (PLP). This has further highlighted the strong friendship that exists between Taiwan and the United States, as well as our shared commitment to the Pacific region, and is of great importance in terms of deepening our bilateral partnership.
f. Visitors from the United States
By the end of August, 54 delegations consisting of 408 guests from the United States had visited Taiwan, including former Governor of Utah Jon Huntsman Jr., Coordinator of the Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) of the State Department Dawn McCall, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Jose Fernandez, and Associate Administrator for the Office of Emergency Operations of the National Nuclear Security Administration Joseph Krol.
(2) Relations with Europe
Since the Schengen visa waiver entered into effect in January last year, MOFA has taken a multi-faceted, multi-layered and multi-channel approach to deepening its relations with the European Union. Both sides have closely cooperated in the areas of trade and investment, culture, education, science and technology.
a. Resolutions by the European Parliament supporting Taiwan
On September 12, the European Parliament adopted a resolution that commended Taiwan’s efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, called for the signing of an EU-Taiwan Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), and reaffirmed its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. This resolution again underlined the strength of our relationship, as well as the EU’s recognition of, and support for, Taiwan.
b. More visa waivers granted by European countries
MOFA has made significant strides in obtaining visa waiver status from European countries. Macedonia granted ROC passport holders visa-free treatment on April 1 this year, while Bosnia and Herzegovina did so on July 24 this year. The ROC passport is now widely accepted in Europe.
c. Cooperative projects
A delegation from the European Union visited Taiwan in April to propose a cooperation project for Taiwan’s participation in international counter-piracy efforts. The Green Energy and Environment Research Laboratories of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) signed a memorandum of understanding in May to strengthen cooperation in innovation, research and development in green industries. In August, ITRI also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) in the field of energy, with a special focus on renewable energy, low-carbon technologies and sustainable development.
d. Visitors from Europe
As of August, 44 European delegations consisting of 180 guests had visited Taiwan. They included the Dutch Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Simon Smits, Luxembourg’s Minister of State Jacques Santer, the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Mike Penning, former Bulgarian President Zhelyu Zhelev, Polish Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Grzegorz W. Kołodko, as well as important members of the European Parliament.
(3) Relations with Japan
a. Maintain consultations with Japan based on the East China Sea Peace Initiative
Under the principle of “not relinquishing an inch of land”, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has reiterated its sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands and has proposed the East China Sea Peace Initiative. Under the initiative, the government has urged Japan to maintain regional peace, provide serious consideration to our bilateral relations, and hold pragmatic negotiations with us. Thus far, Japan has expressed willingness to resume fisheries talks with us, and we have welcomed this decision. We hope that Japan will show greater sincerity in handling the matter, so as to let the talks attain substantive results, resolve the difficulties facing Taiwanese fishermen, and deepen the existing relations between our two countries.
b. Promote parliamentary exchanges, as well as National Palace Museum exhibitions in Japan
Parliamentary exchanges have played an instrumental role in the development of the substantive relations between Taiwan and Japan. For example, the Diet passed the Law Concerning Promotions of Art Objects from Overseas in March 2011, allowing art works from the National Palace Museum to be exhibited in Japan with stronger legal protections. Earlier this year in August, Tokyo National Museum, the organizer of this event, discussed this exhibition in detail with the National Palace Museum. In the meantime, MOFA will continue to assist the National Palace Museum with this exhibition in hopes of sparking even more cultural exchanges between our two countries.
c. Heighten economic and trade cooperation based on our bilateral investment agreement
Since the signing of an investment protection instrument with Japan, many opportunities for economic cooperation and trade have been created between our two countries. We will continue to engage in consultations with Japan on a variety of items, such as tariffs, trade in services, and the flow of people and goods, which should help pave the way for the signing of a bilateral economic cooperation agreement or a free trade agreement in the future.
d. Spur visits by Japanese dignitaries
As for Japanese dignitaries, as of the end of August this year, MOFA had received 113 delegations consisting of 1,465 distinguished guests, including 40 members of parliament, 5 prefecture governors, and 3 deputy prefecture governors. Other important guests include former Prime Ministers Yoshiro Mori and Toshiki Kaifu, and Vice-Speaker for the House of Representatives Seishiro Eto.
3. Expand Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and activities
(1) World Trade Organization (WTO)
Our country has taken an active part in WTO activities and meetings, and our representatives have been holding important positions in the organization. For instance, Permanent Representative to the WTO Lin Yi-fu was elected as coordinator of the Recently Acceded Members (RAMs), and Counselor Fang Jui-song was elected as chair of the Committee on Trade in Civil Aircraft (CTCA). Moreover, Taiwan has participated in the accession working parties and has organized a wide variety of activities, including seminars to mark the ten-year anniversary of Taiwan’s accession to the WTO.
(2) World Health Organization (WHO)
Taiwan’s Minister of Health was invited to join the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2012 for the fourth consecutive year. In addition, this April, in a report to the US Congress concerning Taiwan’s participation in the WHO, the US Department of State explicitly urged the WHO Secretariat to follow the WHA model by adopting a designation for Taiwan acceptable to both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
(3) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
International support for Taiwan’s participation in the ICAO continues to grow. On September 11, 2012, the US House of Representatives passed Senate joint resolution No. 17 in support of Taiwan’s participation in the ICAO. Likewise, Belgium’s Chamber of Representatives and Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies also passed resolutions and statements to show support for Taiwan’s bids to take part in the organization.
(4) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Ministers and other senior officials from Taiwan have attended 11 professional ministerial-level meetings at APEC from May to August this year, including the AEPC Education Ministerial Meeting (AEMM).
In addition, on September 8-9 this year, former Vice President Lien Chan once again represented President Ma Ying-jeou at the 20th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) held in Vladivostok, Russia, demonstrating Taiwan’s efforts and determination to take part in regional economic integration. His trip was quite fruitful. In a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, she pledged that the United States would start preparing to resume consultations on a bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.
(5) Take part in Rio+20, UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD)
At Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June this year, Deputy Minister Yeh of the Environmental Protection Administration led a delegation to the conference. Hundreds of representatives from Taiwanese NGOs took part in the event as well. At the conference, representatives from Tuvalu, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Burkina Faso, all of which are diplomatic allies of ours, voiced support for Taiwan and urged the international community to help push for our meaningful participation in international environmental organizations. In addition, for the first time Taiwan held a meeting on the sidelines of the UNCSD, at which time ministerial-level officials from its diplomatic allies made reports in hopes of creating more favorable conditions for future cooperation between Taiwan and its allies.
4. Augment Taiwan’s presence on the world stage
To further augment Taiwan’s presence on the world stage, MOFA has introduced Taiwan’s key policies to major international media outlets and has made arrangements for foreign reporters to meet with President Ma Ying-jeou. In addition, MOFA has issued a wide range of publications on Taiwan’s major policies and events, including President Ma’s inauguration, Taiwan’s participation in the 2012 London Olympic Games, and visits abroad by our senior officials. Other works cover Taiwan’s efforts to realize gender equality and join the WHA and the UNFCCC, with the aim to further brand the Taiwan name around the globe.
In addition, to boost Taiwan’s tourism industry, MOFA has invited international travel journalists to report on major events in Taiwan, including the Taichung City Mazu International Festival, the Taipei International Food Show, the Hakka Tung Blossom Festival, and the Penghu Fireworks Festival. Moreover, MOFA also has invited American TV stations to Taiwan, so as to produce shows on our local delicacies, making the island better known throughout the world.
As of the end of August this year, MOFA had received 53 media professionals from 29 countries, thereby raising the world’s understanding of Taiwan and its major policies.
5. Complete organizational restructuring and enhance efficiency
(1) Establish the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA) in accordance with President Ma’s directive
MOFA has actively consolidated existing responsibilities in accordance with the spirit and requirements of the government’s restructuring policy, which aims to expand operational capabilities. Foreign service staff receive cross-sector and interdisciplinary training, enabling them to deal with new challenges.
(2) Adjust organizational structure and strengthen diplomatic efforts
MOFA has adjusted its organization in accordance with government directives. International news duties were transferred from the former Government Information Office (GIO) to MOFA on May 20 this year. MOFA’s own restructuring was completed on September 1 as scheduled. Through this restructuring, MOFA expects to increase the efficiency and flexibility of its diplomatic efforts.
6. Other important achievements
(1) Promote the establishment of Taiwan Academies abroad
MOFA has actively assisted the Ministry of Culture in its efforts to establish contact points for Taiwan Academies abroad. Currently, 204 contact points have been set up in 64 countries, creating a global network of partners for Taiwan Academies.
(2) Enhance cultural and academic diplomacy
MOFA continues to assist Taiwanese scholars in visiting renowned overseas universities or academic institutes to conduct research and take part in academic exchanges. In addition, MOFA operates the Taiwan Fellowship program, so as to consolidate relations with academic institutions of other countries. This year, 75 scholars are expected to visit and work in Taiwan as part of this program.
Meanwhile, in order to introduce Chinese culture with Taiwanese characteristics to the international community, MOFA helps Taiwanese performing groups, as well as the Taiwan Formosa Chefs Association, organize overseas tours that promote Taiwan’s diverse culture and cuisine. For example, the Diabolo Dance Theatre toured Central and South America this September, and its performances were well received.
(3) Boost international youth exchanges
a. MOFA continues to offer the Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship. A total of 235 foreign students have been admitted this year to Mandarin courses or degree programs in Taiwan.
b. The International Youth Culture and Study Tour to the Republic of China (Taiwan) was held this July, enabling foreign youths to witness Taiwan’s economic and cultural development and deepen exchanges with their Taiwanese counterparts.
c. MOFA continues to run the Youth Ambassador program, dispatching student groups to the Holy See, Italy, the United States, Canada and other countries to interact with local students, meet with young representatives of parliaments and political parties, and visit economic and cultural sites. These exchanges have yielded satisfactory results.
(4) Provide international humanitarian aid
a. The Republic of China (Taiwan) has donated US $100,000 to World Vision of Thailand to assist refugees.
b. MOFA continues to provide humanitarian relief to earthquake victims in Italy in cooperation with the Pontifical Council Cor Unum.
c. MOFA assisted the Red Cross Society of The Republic of China with providing rice and other materials to refugees in East Africa in collaboration with US NGOs.
IV. Future outlook
1. Continue to promote viable diplomacy and expand international participation
MOFA closely monitors international trends and cooperates with other relevant government agencies. Through viable diplomacy, MOFA will continue to strengthen the bonds between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and our diplomatic allies, expand capacity-building programs for our allies and other countries with which we have cordial relations, and enhance the impact of our aid programs in the international arena. In addition, MOFA aims to deepen relations with non-diplomatic allies and expand our participation in, and communication with, important international organizations, so as to push for the signing of free trade agreements (FTA) or economic cooperation agreements (ECA) with important trade partners, as well as accession to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
2. Promote the East China Sea Peace Initiative and safeguard territorial sovereignty
In order to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and interests, we are striving to strengthen constructive interaction with relevant countries on East China Sea and South China Sea issues. By so doing, we seek to achieve a win-win scenario for all parties concerned under the principles of peace, reciprocity, and cooperative development.
We will promote the East China Sea Peace Initiative in two stages. The first stage will focus on peaceful talks and reciprocal consultations, and the second stage on sharing resources and joint exploration. The concrete approach would be to start with three concurrent sets of bilateral talks (between Taiwan and Japan, between Taiwan and mainland China, and between mainland China and Japan) before gradually progressing toward one single set of trilateral consultations. The basic concept is that, while sovereignty cannot be divided, natural resources can be shared. By replacing confrontation with dialogue and shelving controversies through consultations, the parties concerned could achieve the objective of shelving disputes, creating a win-win scenario, and promoting joint exploration and sharing of resources.
3. Expand international information dissemination and exert soft power through cultural exchanges
We will integrate all government resources and the strengths of civic organizations. In addition, by adopting marketing concepts, we will employ diverse communication channels, such as the Internet, to introduce our viable diplomacy policy and declare our readiness to participate in international organizations. We also will continue to accrue global support and affirmation as we promote cultural diplomacy, presenting Taiwan’s diverse and outstanding culture to the rest of the world.
4. Foster people-to-people diplomacy and international exchange
We will continue to provide assistance to NGOs engaged in international participation, sign new youth working holiday agreements, offer Taiwan scholarships, and hold international youth workshops. By helping young people broaden their international horizons, we can further promote people-to-people diplomacy.
5. Improve public service and enhance the people’s wellbeing
A total of 129 countries and territories have granted Taiwan visa waivers and landing visas. We will endeavor to lengthen the list and seek better visa treatment from the remaining countries. In addition, we will continue to raise the quality of our services, fortify the functions of MOFA emergency contact centers, and improve our emergency assistance services to ROC citizens traveling abroad.
V. Conclusion
The Republic of China (Taiwan) occupies a strategic location in East Asia. Our national strengths and potential role should not be overlooked by the other concerned parties. Given the recent escalating tensions over the Diaoyutai Islands, President Ma Ying-jeou proposed the East China Sea Peace Initiative, which is highly meaningful. We are confident that the core values and ideals expressed in the initiative befit this civilized world and aid in abating disputes and hostilities in East Asia.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) is committed to fostering peace and prosperity worldwide, as well as establishing friendly, harmonious, and cooperative relationships with other countries. We call upon all parties concerned to shelve controversies, replace confrontation with dialogue, and resolve disputes through communication. We hope that other countries will value our role as a responsible stakeholder and peacemaker. At the same time, we urge the international community to encourage all parties involved to actively engage in communication and dialogue, establish a cooperation mechanism for resource development in the East China Sea, and implement the East China Sea Peace Initiative. By so doing, all of us can work together to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in East Asia.
In response to the rapid pace of global development, we will continue to leverage our soft power, implement the “iron triangle” national security strategy, and adopt more balanced and peaceful approaches, ones based on democracy, culture, the economy, and trade. In the meantime, we will further safeguard national sovereignty, ensure national security, enhance the people’s wellbeing, and raise Taiwan’s international competitiveness. We will continue to aim to create a “virtuous cycle” for cross-strait relations and international participation under the principles of peace and reciprocity in order to gradually develop a win-win-win scenario in the global arena and pursue long-term national interests.
Your advice and suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.