I. Foreword
Honorable Chair and legislators, ladies and gentlemen: good morning!
It is an honor to be invited by your esteemed committee to provide a briefing on the recent activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Over the years, President Wang Jin-pyng and Vice President Tseng Yung-chuan, as well as other members of the Legislative Yuan, have strongly promoted parliamentary diplomacy. For instance, President Wang in April 2011 led a delegation to Tokyo, Japan to express compassion to earthquake victims on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan). He handed over monetary donations raised by MOFA totaling NT$370 million to the Interchange Association, Japan through a designated bank account. A month later, he led a 300-member delegation to Hokkaido to promote tourism exchanges. In addition, a delegation led by Vice President Tseng visited the United States in September, urging the United States to include Taiwan in its Visa Waiver Program (VWP). I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my utmost appreciation to all of you.
In August, a conference was held in Taipei for ROC ambassadors, representatives and other diplomats stationed abroad, aiming to highlight the viable diplomacy policy, enhance Taiwan's international profile, strengthen risk management and upgrade services for our citizens. All key aspects of Taiwan’s current diplomatic activities were discussed, aiming to help participants gain a more complete understanding of the latest developments at home, review results of diplomatic activities abroad and set a new direction for Taiwan's foreign affairs. After the meeting, President Wang hosted a banquet to encourage the diplomats to continue their good work. MOFA colleagues greatly appreciate President Wang’s contributions and vow to work even harder to meet his expectations, as well as those of other lawmakers and the people of Taiwan.
Next, I would like to report on current global economic and political trends, the substantive results of the viable diplomacy policy, as well as Taiwan's diplomatic outlook and future directions. I am looking forward to hearing your insightful opinions and suggestions.
II. Current economic and political trends and the role we play
1. Global political situation
(1) The United States and mainland China continue to compete and cooperate
The United States and mainland China are strengthening their bilateral communication and establishing mutual trust through dialogue and visits by high-level officials. These efforts include the resumption of exchanges between high-level military officers, expansion of the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, and US Vice President Joe Biden's visit to mainland China this August. However, owing to differences on human rights, intellectual property protection and the Renminbi exchange rate, the United States and mainland China will continue to cooperate with, yet compete against, each other.
(2) Disputes related to the South China Sea affect regional stability
In Northeast Asia, the impact of the Cheonan attack, the Yeonpyeong bombardment and a series of military drills has subsided, easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. In Southeast Asia, however, various countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam and mainland China, have strengthened their sovereignty claims over the South China Sea by changing the name used to refer to this body of water, conducting oil exploration, dispatching more patrol vessels and staging military exercises. These actions have increased tensions in the region.
(3) Calls for democracy continue to impact authoritarian regimes Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution in early 2011 triggered waves of movements calling for democracy in North Africa and the Middle East, overthrowing a number of authoritarian rulers, including Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Subsequently, civil war erupted in Libya and the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution imposing sanctions against Muammar Qaddafi and his regime. On September 16, 2011, the UN General Assembly recognized the legitimacy of the Libyan interim government, the National Transitional Council. On the same day, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), based on its respect for the people of Libya's pursuit of democracy, issued a statement recognizing the National Transitional Council and expressing its willingness to launch cooperative projects with the new government.
2. Global economic situation
(1) Continuing impact of the financial crisis
In 2011, the global economy has gradually recovered from the financial crisis that started in 2008. However, despite the fact that global exports in 2010 returned to pre-crisis levels, growth rates still lag behind the long-term growth trends seen in the period 1990-2008, showing that the world is still feeling the impact of the financial crisis. Moreover, given that the United States and Europe have been unable to solve their debt crises and emerging economies are facing heavy inflation pressures, the Asia Development Bank has lowered countries’ economic growth forecasts for 2011 and 2012 in a newly released report, indicating that there still are significant variables in current economic development and that the road to recovery will not be easy.
(2) Global trade liberalization continues
Countries all over the world are actively negotiating free trade agreements (FTA). The Korea-EU FTA already entered into effect on July 1, posing threats to Korea's main competitors, such as Taiwan and Japan.
3. Taiwan's status and role in a changing world
(1) The Republic of China was founded in 1912 as the first republic in Asia. Despite internal and external struggles, the government, after relocating to Taiwan, has been promoting freedom and democracy and creating a society in which wealth is equally distributed, particularly since the 1990s. Its efforts have been recognized by the international community. Former US President George W. Bush once praised Taiwan as "a beacon of democracy for Asia and the world". Riding the new wave of democracy movements, Taiwan hopes to use the nation's soft power in the areas of democratization, humanitarian aid and culture to exert more influence in the world. It actively plays a role as a peacemaker, provider of humanitarian aid, promoter of cultural exchanges, creator of new technology and business opportunities, and standard bearer of Chinese culture. It is hoped that other countries will recognize Taiwan as an important partner in global economic and political affairs.
(2) In response to the competition and cooperation between the United States and mainland China, the government is pursuing beneficial relations among Taiwan, the United States and mainland China with an active and pragmatic approach. On the one hand, based on our shared values, Taiwan continues to strengthen cooperation with the United States in areas related to security, economy and trade, human rights and judicial affairs. On the other hand, it calls on the United States to adhere to the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances to sell arms to Taiwan. Arms sales can help ensure the nation's security and interests, maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and benefit the stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region.
(3) On the sovereignty issue in the South China Sea, MOFA has issued more than eight statements and summoned representatives of relevant countries to stress that Taiwan is willing to negotiate with other countries on a peaceful and rational solution to the disputes based on the principles of safeguarding sovereignty, shelving disputes, promoting peace and reciprocity and encouraging joint exploration. Taiwan will actively take part in negotiation mechanisms so as to ensure regional peace and stability. MOFA will closely monitor new developments with regard to the South China Sea issue and will respond accordingly.
(4) With respect to economic development in the current era of trade liberalization, the government is taking advantage of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) signed with mainland China to reach bilateral or multilateral economic cooperation agreements (ECA) with other key trading partners. In September, Taiwan concluded the Bilateral Investment Arrangement with Japan, making it the first trade agreement signed after ECFA. Taiwan and Singapore also launched official negotiations on the Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP), while Taiwan and the Philippines in March announced the start of feasibility studies for a Taiwan-Philippine economic partnership agreement (EPA). Similar feasibility studies are also being conducted with India and Indonesia for possible economic cooperation agreements. Moreover, Taiwan is talking with several other major trading partners on upgrading trade cooperation mechanisms so as to pave the way for future FTAs.
III. Substantive results of the viable diplomacy policy
1. Foster diplomatic relations through visits and cooperation
MOFA continues to enhance relations with its 23 diplomatic allies through the exchange of high-level visits, international cooperation and humanitarian aid. As the president's special envoy, Vice President Vincent Siew led a delegation to Paraguay in May to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, and later visited Panama. In the same month, Vice Premier Sean Chen led a delegation to Haiti to attend the inaugural ceremony of President Michel Joseph Martelly. The two visits were successful.
Moreover, since March a number of presidents and other high-level officials of diplomatic allies have led delegations to Taiwan, including: President Fernando Lugo Mendez of Paraguay; President Jurelang Zedkaia of the Marshall Islands; Vice President Rafael Espada of Guatemala; Prime Minister Denzil L. Douglas of St. Christopher and Nevis; Governor General Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy of Saint Lucia; Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Speaker of the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands Allan Kemakeza; Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu Kamuta Latasi; President of Nicaragua's National Assembly Santos Rene Munez Tellez; Speaker of the House of Delegates of Palau Noah Idechong; Interim President of the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) Hena Ligia Madrid de Torres; Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Marshall Islands John M. Silk; Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala Haroldo Rodas Melgar; Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu Apisai Ielemia; and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua Samuel Santos Lopez. Their visits have helped deepen mutual understanding and boost bilateral relations.
In terms of cooperative projects with allies, Taiwan has dispatched nearly 200 experts and technicians to 28 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, West Asia, Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean to work on 86 projects in the areas of agronomy, fishery, horticulture, husbandry, handicrafts, medical care, hydraulic engineering, agricultural machinery, transportation, industrial service, information and communication technology, trade and investment. Among them, the 360 Project – aimed at helping allies reach the goal of zero imports on six specific agricultural items in three years – and Light for Africa project have won accolades from the ruling and opposition parties of diplomatic allies and benefited Taiwan's relations with these countries.
To assist diplomatic allies and other friendly nations in cultivating human resources, MOFA and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) from March to July of this year jointly organized 11 professional courses, including the Workshop on Agricultural Marketing and Rural Development, Workshop on Healthcare Management, and Workshop on Technical Education and Vocational Training. A total of 206 students from 47 countries came to Taiwan to attend these courses, and the results were very impressive.
Moreover, to put our foreign aid principles – seeking proper goals, acting lawfully, exercising effective administration – into practice, MOFA has issued six drafts governing international cooperation and relevant affairs based on the International Cooperation and Development Act, including Regulations Governing the Planning, Appraisal, Implementation, Supervision and Performance Evaluation of International Cooperation and Development Affairs.
2. Deepen relations with countries with which we do not maintain diplomatic relations
MOFA continues to strengthen relations with the United States, Japan, the European Union and other key international players through various means and channels, such as economy and trade, technology, culture, education and humanitarian aid. It also fosters substantive relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
(1) Relations with the United States
a. Mutual trust between Taiwan and the United States has improved
Since President Ma Ying-jeou took office, Taiwan has continued to engage in dialogue with the United States. President Ma has stopped over in the United States ten times en route to Taiwan's diplomatic allies. In May, Vice President Vincent Siew, in an important symbolic step, also participated in locally organized activities during a transit stop in New York. In addition, US officials have more than once reaffirmed their commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act. This May, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton openly stressed that the United States has maintained a consistent policy based on the three US-China Joint Communiques and the Taiwan Relations Act, adding that this policy has never changed and will not change in the future.
b. The United States supports Taiwan's international participation
On September 21, the US Senate unanimously adopted a resolution in support of Taiwan's participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as an observer. For three consecutive years now, the United States has openly voiced support for Taiwan to take part in the World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer. During this year's WHA, the United States strongly spoke out on behalf of Taiwan.
c. The United States values peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait
The United States just approved the F-16 A/B retrofit deal, with a total value of US$5.85 billion. This is expected to greatly improve the combat capability of Taiwan's air force. By approving the arms deal, the United States once again showed its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances, benefiting the development of peaceful and stable cross-strait relations. Since President Ma's inauguration three years ago, the United States has approved US$18.3 billion in arms deals for Taiwan, the highest figure ever during a presidential term.
d. Taiwan chosen as destination for temporarily relocated US citizens
After the Fukushima nuclear crisis erupted in Japan, the United States immediately initiated programs to help its citizens temporarily relocate to safe places. In addition to South Korea, it selected Taiwan as a destination. In March, a total of 104 US citizens that voluntarily left Japan took two charter flights to Taiwan and passed through customs with MOFA's assistance. This shows that Taiwan is a trustworthy partner of the United States.
e. Visitors from the United States
By the end of September, 57 delegations consisting of 431 guests from the United States had visited Taiwan, including five co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus from the House of Representatives and Suresh Kumar, Assistant Commerce Secretary for Trade Promotion.
(2) Relations with Japan
During the past six months, Taiwan and Japan have achieved many milestones in bilateral relations. When Japan was badly hit by multiple disasters, Taiwan rendered generous support to the victims of these disasters, further enhancing the cordial friendship between our two countries. According to a public survey in Japan, 91% of interviewees believed that Japan enjoys good relations with Taiwan, the highest such ratio since official diplomatic ties were severed between the two countries. The examples below highlight the improvements in Taiwan-Japan relations.
a. In March, Japan's House of Councilors and House of Representatives respectively passed the Promotion of Publication of Overseas Works of Art bill, paving the way for exhibits of National Palace Museum items in Japan. MOFA will continue to assist the National Palace Museum in ensuring the safety of exhibited items.
b. On March 11, northeastern Japan was devastated by a powerful earthquake, followed by a tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown. Taiwan not only donated NT$6.6 billion in funds and 560 metric tons of goods, but also sent special rescue missions to Japan on March 14. Former Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on April 11 issued a letter, titled "Thank you for your Kizuna [bonds of friendship]", expressing gratitude for Taiwan's assistance. Incumbent Japanese Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko also expressed Japan's appreciation to Taiwan on September 15 in the National Diet.
c. In May, President Ma presided over the opening ceremony of the Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park at Wushantou Reservoir with former Japanese prime minister Yoshiro Mori, 24 parliamentary members from Japan, as well as 200 other guests.
d. President Wang of the Legislative Yuan in April led a delegation to Tokyo to deliver donations raised by the Taiwanese people and express our condolences. A month later, he led another 300-member delegation to Hokkaido to help promote tourism exchanges.
e. Early this July, Taiwan and Japan launched the Taiwan-Japan Friendship Initiative. Our two countries reached an agreement on encouraging Taiwanese tourists to visit Japan, promoting bilateral trade, strengthening youth, educational, academic, and local exchanges, fostering cooperation on earthquake studies and sharing information on nuclear security.
f. On September 22, Taiwan and Japan signed the Arrangement between Association of East Asian Relations and Interchange Association for the Mutual Cooperation on the Liberalization, Promotion and Protection of Investment. This important agreement is expected to enhance bilateral trade relations even further, so as to serve the best interests of our two countries.
g. As of the end of September, a total of 121 delegations from Japan consisting of 1,415 guests had visited Taiwan. They included former prime ministers Toshiki Kaifu and Yoshiro Mori, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Seishiro Eto, and 46 other members of parliament.
(3) Relations with Europe
During the past six months, Taiwan-Europe relations have continued to make great strides:
a. Since President Ma took office, the European Union has publicly acknowledged the peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait on 15 different occasions, and has supported Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations.
b. In two consecutive years, the European Parliament has passed resolutions in support of Taiwan's participation as an observer in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the ICAO. On May 11, it also unanimously passed a resolution to strongly support the enhancement of Taiwan-EU economic relations and the signing of a Taiwan-EU economic cooperation agreement (ECA). This marked the first time that the European Parliament has supported the signing of an ECA with Taiwan in a written resolution.
c. From January to September 2011, 56 European delegations consisting of 237 guests visited Taiwan. They included a former prime minister of Belgium, a former prime minister of Lithuania, as well as about 120 members of the European Parliament and members of parliament of EU countries. As for guests from international organizations, Thomas Mirow, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), visited Taiwan.
(4) Relations with the Asia-Pacific region
Taiwan has strengthened its substantive relations with Asia-Pacific countries in the fields of trade, judicial matters, and science and technology. Major achievements are as follows:
a. This march, Taiwan and the Philippines launched feasibility studies on the Taiwan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and reached consensus on agreements related to mutual assistance in criminal justice matters and joint crime-fighting efforts. Taiwan has submitted drafts of these agreements to the Philippines, and the first round of bilateral negotiations will be held in September.
b. Taiwan and Australia signed an investment promotion agreement in May.
c. Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) signed a memorandum of understanding on science and technology in June.
d. Taiwan and India signed the Taiwan-India Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in July.
e. As of September, 60 delegations consisting of 355 guests from the Asia-Pacific region have visited Taiwan, including the Philippine Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); the Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI); Thailand’s Minister of Labour and Social Welfare; the Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries; and South Korea’s former Speaker of the National Assembly.
3. Participate in international organizations and activities to expand international space
MOFA has continued to push for meaningful participation in mechanisms and meetings of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and World Health Organization (WHO), and has protected Taiwan’s status and rights in organizations that it is already part of.
(1) World Trade Organization
The ROC government has enhanced its interaction with WTO member countries and has actively applied for participation in the WTO’s working groups, so as to promote Taiwan’s interests. In July this year, the WTO held the Third Global Review of Aid for Trade. MOFA staff attended the meeting, and two successful cooperation projects proposed by our delegation – the Oriental Vegetable Project in the Republic of Honduras and the Peten Papaya Export Project in the Republic of Guatemala – were included in the joint WTO-OECD publication, Aid for Trade at a Glance 2011: Showing Results.
(2) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Taiwan continues to attend APEC Sectoral Ministerial Meetings (SMM) such as trade minister meetings and small and medium enterprise (SMEs) minister meetings. We also attended the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) assembly. Moreover, Taiwan attended various meetings and activities held in Taipei, including the 2011 APEC Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC) 2.0 Workshop and the 2011 APEC Food Security Forum, and made concrete contributions to these events.
(3) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Since the ROC government started to promote Taiwan’s inclusion in the ICAO in September 2009, 17 diplomatic allies have called on the ICAO to include Taiwan as an observer to attend the organization’s meetings and activities. Many important legislative bodies worldwide have adopted resolutions to support Taiwan’s participation, including the US Senate and House of Representatives, 30 US state governments and legislatures, the European Parliament, and Australia’s Senate. In the meantime, Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration has become a member of the Civil Air Navigation Service Organization (CANSO) and attended this organization’s Asia-Pacific Conference held in June. This shows that the professional and pragmatic approach Taiwan has adopted to participate in relevant events has been recognized by the international community.
(4) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
MOFA continues to win support from the international community for participation in the UNFCCC. In June, during the 34th session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), an in-session workshop was held to discuss ways in which to enhance the participation of observer organizations. The chair report that was issued following the workshop twice mentioned the following: “A proposal was also made that the international community supports the efforts of an agency of Chinese Taipei to participate in the UNFCCC process as an observer.” This was extremely important as it marked the first time that official UNFCCC documents included references to Taiwan’s proposal for participation.
(5) Other international organizations and activities
The government took part in the Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean, in which the participants agreed to establish the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO). The Legislative Yuan adopted the aforementioned convention and the Instrument for the Participation of Fishing Entities on June 3. MOFA and the Council of Agriculture will accelerate the procedures for domestic legislation and subsequent depositary, which is equivalent to enabling the convention to enter into effect, so that Taiwan will officially become a SPRFMO member. In addition, the ROC government took part in the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC), and completed the agreement for the NPFC convention with all contracting parties. Taiwan will officially become a NPFC member after the convention enters into effect.
(6) Assist non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in expanding international deployment
MOFA continues to send medium- and high-level personnel from domestic NGOs to receive training at international NGOs. MOFA also hosted the Training Course on International Affairs for Future Talents in Taiwan’s NGOs, the NGO 100 International Affairs Training Camp for Youths, and the Exhibitions on the International Participation of NGOs. MOFA assisted or subsidized NGOs in Taiwan so that they could participate in international conferences and related activities, hoping to stimulate an interest in and a better understanding of foreign affairs among the Taiwanese people.
(7) Strengthen judicial cooperation
MOFA signed an extradition agreement with the Marshall Islands in April, and a mutual judicial assistance agreement with Ecuador in June, with the goal of strengthening cooperation with the international community in the fight against crime.
4. Safeguard national sovereignty and protect national interests
While striving for increased international participation, the government strongly safeguards the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Any inappropriate designation that diminishes our country’s status is unacceptable.
For instance, internal documents of the World Health Organization (WHO) used an incorrect name for our country. The ROC government immediately sent a letter to the WHO Director-General Margaret Chan to file a protest and request a change to this name. MOFA also called upon major countries for support and assistance. During this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA), US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sibelius strongly stated, “We have made it very clear to the WHO and I think the United States’ position is that no organization of the UN has a right to unilaterally determine the position of Taiwan.” In June, Charles Tannock, Chairman of the EP-Taiwan Friendship Group, four European Parliament party caucuses, and 21 important members of the European Parliament co-sponsored a letter to WHO Director-General Margret Chan that strongly protested the inappropriate designation of Taiwan and requested the WHO to address Taiwan properly. This September, Taiwan reiterated its position that it did not accept the WHO’s rigid political stance. Taiwan will continue to negotiate with the WHO and aim to expand its participation with pragmatism and dignity.
In addition, MOFA continues to actively look into websites that incorrectly address Taiwan, requesting foreign missions to seek corrections when inappropriate designations are found. For instance, on the website of the Venice Film Festival, “China, Taiwan” was given as the country of origin of the film Seediq Bale, directed by Wei Te-sheng. Though different from the term “Taiwan, China”, which was often used in the past, we still actively pursued this matter and demanded a correction. Following our request, the country of origin of this film was changed to “Chinese Taipei”, while on a list of participating countries on the official website the name was changed to “Taiwan”.
As for the embezzled money in the Papua New Guinea case, MOFA continues to file charges and seek compensation. This September, another US$1.1 million was returned. Along with five previous remittances, this brings the total MOFA has so far recovered to approximately US$12.9 million, which accounts for 43% of the total US$29.8 million involved in this case. MOFA will continue efforts to locate the embezzled money, so as to safeguard Taiwan’s national interests.
5. Exert Taiwan’s soft power and enhance its influence in the world
(1) Promote exchanges in science, technology and education
MOFA continues to promote science and technology cooperation with advanced countries, so as to enhance Taiwan’s R&D capabilities. In the realm of education, MOFA continues to expand scholarship programs such as the Taiwan Scholarship, Huayu Enrichment Scholarship and Taiwan Fellowship. In addition, to demonstrate Taiwan’s smart power in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry and to share its experience with other countries, MOFA held the first ICT Elite Camp in May, with 15 medium- and high-level officials from 13 countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, central and eastern Europe and southeastern Europe. The camp was a great success, and will continue to be held.
(2) Provide humanitarian aid
MOFA has combined government and private resources to effectively enhance its humanitarian aid work in foreign countries. By helping Taiwan’s charitable organizations establish overseas branches, Taiwan’s role in foreign aid projects is being expanded. In addition to the aforementioned aid provided to Japan after that country’s earthquake, Taiwan also donated US$10,000 and US$100,000 through the Pontifical Council Cor Unum to help flood victims in Brazil and civil war victims in Libya respectively. In addition, Taiwan also donated AUD$100,000 to help flood victims in Queensland, Australia.
(3) Expand cultural exchanges
MOFA has used resources from all sectors of society to promote our country’s Chinese culture with Taiwanese characteristics in the international community. Examples include the following:
a. Expand cultural exchanges through ROC centennial celebrations
Based on the theme “ROC in the international community: past, present and future”, MOFA has held a number of events, including: A Century of Resilient Tradition: Exhibition of the Republic of China’s Diplomatic Archives; an exhibition charting MOFA’s services to the public; a video highlighting the accomplishments of the viable diplomacy policy; and Love from Taiwan: Taiwan’s Voice in the World. These events have showcased Taiwan’s achievements in foreign relations and its leading role in the international community.
b. Assist with the establishment of Taiwan Academies
To demonstrate Taiwan’s cultural and soft power, MOFA has assisted the Council for Cultural Affairs (CCA) in establishing the Taiwan Academies abroad. The US has agreed that Taiwan Academies in New York, Los Angeles and Houston will be officially launched in October. In addition, to establish more partners for Taiwan Academies around the world, MOFA has promoted the signing of contact points.
c. Art exhibitions
To fully utilize the public space of ROC foreign missions, MOFA and the CCA plan to display the original art works of Taiwanese artists in foreign missions, either in solo or joint exhibitions.
6. Serve the people and strive for the well-being of all
(1) Improve visa treatment through inclusion in more visa-waiver and landing visa programs
Following the EU and Malaysia, we have negotiated visa-waiver program agreements with Israel and Albania. As of now, a total of 117 countries have granted us visa-free (93 countries) or landing visa (24 countries) status, representing an increase of 117%, or 63 countries, compared to the 54 countries that did so when President Ma took office in 2008. This has saved large amounts of visa fees and greatly enhanced convenience and dignity when our people travel, study or do business abroad.
(2) Promote in-person application for passports
To enhance the authenticity of our passport and obtain visa waivers from even more countries, MOFA held a pilot project for in-person passport application from March to June. On July 1, the in-person application measure was officially launched, and so far has been successful.
(3) Provide emergency contact service for ROC nationals abroad
The MOFA Emergency Contact Center is available 24 hours each day of the year to provide effective assistance to ROC nationals abroad. MOFA sends the center’s emergency contact numbers and travel warnings to our nationals overseas via text messages. From March to August, one million of these text messages were sent. In addition, an online message board for overseas nationals was established by the Bureau of Consular Affairs. When major incidents occur in foreign countries, our nationals can look for missing persons or report their own safety, and provide information on local disasters and the government’s corresponding measures. The emergency contact service and message board have been well received.
7. Link up with private companies and strengthen international competitiveness
While helping Taiwanese companies take advantage of international business opportunities, MOFA also works with other government agencies to attract foreign investment, so as to strengthen Taiwan’s international competitiveness and promote economic and trade diplomacy.
In order to complement the Executive Yuan's InvestTaiwan project, MOFA has not only set up the Investment Promotion Office, but also deployed personnel and resources at its foreign missions to assist trade delegations from Taiwan by organizing road shows in Singapore, India, the United States and Japan. These events promote business opportunities in Taiwan to investors from around the world.
MOFA has continued to entrust the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) with organizing or taking part in international trade shows. As a result of TAITRA’s efforts, Taiwanese businesses were able to take advantage of US$100 million worth of business opportunities in the first half of the year. In addition, since Taiwan joined the WTO's Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), the government has assisted Taiwanese businesses to gain access to approximately US$800 million worth of business opportunities, and the government continues to assist businesses in winning tenders of foreign governments. By participating in such regional development bank mechanisms as the Asia Development Bank (ADB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the government also assists Taiwanese companies in their efforts to win foreign bids in central and eastern Europe and central Asia, so as to open up these markets and create even more business opportunities.
IV. Future prospects and approaches
In response to the challenges arising from the global financial crisis, energy shortages, food crises, and major natural disasters caused by climate change, the ROC government will improve its policies, so as to enhance the country’s competitiveness and safeguard national interests.
1. Create a virtuous cycle in cross-strait and diplomatic relations
MOFA continues to call upon the international community to encourage cross-strait rapprochement and dialogue and support peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In this way, a virtuous cycle of cross-strait and external relations will continue to develop, generating many different benefits for the international community.
2. Understand international developments and expand opportunities
MOFA continues to pay close attention to global issues such as climate change, energy conservation and carbon emission reduction. In addition, we strive for Taiwan’s participation in specialized international organizations related to our national development and people’s well-being in a pragmatic and flexible fashion.
3. Safeguard sovereignty and dignity to ensure safe development
While striving for international participation, MOFA strongly safeguards the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and will never accept any treatment that damages or discriminates against Taiwan. We will continue to enhance Taiwan’s dignity and status in the international arena. In addition, the government will continue to procure military equipment used for national defense purposes. For instance, we have continued negotiations with the United States regarding F-16C/D fighter jets and diesel-electric submarines. The goal of our efforts is to effectively deter military attacks and safeguard Taiwan’s security.
4. Enhance Taiwan’s international competitiveness
MOFA will continue to participate in global economic integration and sign economic cooperation agreements with major trading partners. MOFA will work with other government agencies to promote the InvestTaiwan project, hoping to create more business opportunities and boost Taiwan’s economic development.
5. Promote public diplomacy to create a positive image
In addition to enhancing public diplomacy, MOFA will continue to promote the country’s Chinese culture with Taiwanese characteristics, and assist with the establishment of Taiwan Academies abroad. Through the Taiwan Scholarship, Taiwan Fellowship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, more resources will be integrated with the aim of exerting Taiwan’s soft power in the cultural arena. In this way, we can let the world clearly see, better understand and further support Taiwan.
6. Meet public expectations
MOFA will continue its efforts to enable Taiwan to participate in visa-waiver and landing visa programs of other countries, so as to provide greater convenience for our citizens when traveling, studying, or doing business abroad. Moreover, MOFA will modernize its visa system, create standardized procedures for document certification and digitalize relevant processes, so as to increase the efficiency of consular affairs. Furthermore, we will promote the signing of working holiday agreements with the United Kingdom and France to promote youth exchanges and broaden the horizons of Taiwanese young people.
7. Adjust organizational structure and enhance internal control
The top priority of the government is to establish a clean, capable, professional government that pursues sustainable development and equitable distribution of wealth. Complementing the government’s structural re-organization, MOFA has adjusted its own structure and organization. We sincerely welcome the personnel in charge of international news services at the Government Information Office (GIO) to join MOFA, enhancing our overall diplomatic force. In addition, we will implement even higher standards for the conduct of MOFA personnel, and enhance internal control, so as to improve MOFA personnel’s crisis management capabilities.
V. Conclusion
Over the past three-plus years, the policy of viable diplomacy has successfully created a favorable environment of stability and peace for Taiwan’s long-term development. We look forward to the support from the ruling and opposition parties to help us expand Taiwan’s external relations and elevate our international status. Your assistance and guidance are highly appreciated.
MOFA will continue to adhere to President Ma’s national security strategies, including the institutionalization of cross-strait rapprochement, enhancing Taiwan’s contributions to international development, and aligning national defense with diplomacy, as well as several key principles – putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people, dignity, self-reliance, pragmatism and flexibility – in order to consolidate cordial and cooperative relations with our diplomatic allies, enhance substantive exchanges and cooperation with major countries, and actively expand international space for comprehensive external relations.
This year marks the centennial of the Republic of China, and is therefore of particular significance. To celebrate the ROC’s centennial, MOFA, in cooperation with the National Palace Museum, has organized A Century of Resilient Tradition: Exhibition of the Republic of China’s Diplomatic Archives, which will be held from August 8, 2011 to February 6, 2012. The archives tell of the trials and tribulations of the ROC’s diplomatic development, as well as diplomatic personnel’s hardships in striving to ensure our national interests. In addition, in ten days time, MOFA will host a ROC National Day reception. The honorable chair and legislators are cordially invited to attend this event.
One hundred years is only a split second in the history of human civilization, but even a transient moment can be of eternal importance. The ROC is committed to pursuing a free and democratic political environment, a harmonious and fair society featuring equitable distribution of wealth, and a peaceful international environment which fosters co-existence and co-prosperity. Our efforts are in sync with the key trends in current global development. Standing on the right side of history, we are confident that our endeavors will have a profound impact on our people, now and in the future.
Thank you.