1. Foreword: Riding the storm
Globalization and the rise of China are the two greatest challenges that Taiwan faces in the international arena. The most important goal that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has is to allow Taiwan to stand tall in an ever-changing world where the shadow of China’s relentless oppression looms large. Further, in response to the people’s eager expectation that Taiwan’s international profile be elevated, all MOFA personnel have cautiously yet conscientiously worked to obtain support for Taiwan globally, to break free from China’s attempts to isolate us and to make steady progress in the face of adversity.
Over the course of the last legislative session, hegemonic China has continued to stand between Taiwan and the world by employing the same old zero-sum strategy that aims to downgrade and marginalize Taiwan, and block Taiwan’s every attempt at involvement in international affairs. In the face of China’s aggressive and ever-varying diplomatic moves, Taiwan has all the more need for flexible strategies and pragmatic measures with which to meet the challenges. Apart from tenaciously protecting its diplomatic channels, Taiwan must take it upon itself to counterattack and compete for friendships in the international community.
2. Taiwan’s diplomatic initiatives for the global village of the 21st century
In order to cope with challenges posed by both the rapid changes that globalization brings and the rise of China, MOFA personnel must maintain a tough combat mentality. While firmly rooted in Taiwan, we must have a global mindset. We must get to grips with international trends and design diplomatic strategies that are sustainable and compatible with Taiwan’s long-term national interests. Only by so doing can Taiwan firmly establish its worth, earn international support and open up new diplomatic territories in an increasingly testing international environment. MOFA has consequently proposed diplomatic initiatives for the global village of the 21st century to serve as guidelines for Taiwan’s foreign affairs. These initiatives cover four areas, and are explained as follows:
Center: The Taiwan experience
Upper right: Employ a blue ocean strategy to expand global partnerships
Lower right: Conduct environmental diplomacy to connect Taiwan to the world.
Left: Engage in combative diplomacy to confront a hegemonic China
2.1 Engage in combative diplomacy to confront a hegemonic China
Taiwan deserves respect internationally for its political and economic achievements, as well as its contributions to the international community. However, the real picture tells a different story. China grows stronger by the day and applies its combined national strengths to block and isolate Taiwan in the international community. China pulls Taiwan’s allies over to its side and uses all means possible to limit Taiwan’s substantive relations with those countries with which we don’t have diplomatic ties. China even obstructs Taiwan’s participation in international governmental and non-governmental organizations.
The truth of the matter is that while no genuine war has broken out across the Taiwan Strait over the last few decades, a diplomatic war between the two sides is played out around the world every day. Diplomacy is the first line of national defense, and no-one understands China’s threat better than the staff at MOFA. In recent years, China’s obsession with oppressing Taiwan diplomatically has reached a fever pitch. For example, China enticed Costa Rica with monetary incentives to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and also initiated a proposal at the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) to change Taiwan’s moniker. China makes no exceptions to stifling Taiwan, not even for non-governmental organizations and forums. For instance, it did all it could to block Taiwan from the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP), the most important track-two organization in the region.
In light of these threats, I consider MOFA to be a combative, rather than administrative, unit that strategically integrates and reallocates limited material and human resources in support of administrative units. Taiwan’s diplomats stationed abroad should abandon outdated traditional strategies and passivity in favor of preemptive strikes. Diplomats’ duties do not just include securing relations with our allies, but expanding into new territories wherever possible. Particularly, there are many friendly nations that recognize Taiwan and support its democratic developments. Taiwan’s international policies aim to foster and cultivate the substantial combined power of these friendly nations to breakthrough China’s diplomatic blockade and strive for Taiwan’s national survival and development.
2.2 Use the Taiwan experience to transcend national borders and embrace the world
Democracy, freedom and economic co-prosperity are not only the main essence of the Taiwan experience but are values shared around the world. The Taiwan experience is important in that it forms the cornerstone of Taiwan’s development and is an important asset with which Taiwan can connect to the world.
At the beginning of the 21st century, there are 90 democracies in the world, accounting for 46% of the global population. It can be said that democracy is reaching its climax this century. After the martial law period and the transition of power between political parties, democracy has become Taiwan’s most influential asset with respect to foreign affairs, and has breathed new life into Taiwan’s international relations. Based on the shared values of democracy, Taiwan can unite with other democracies to counter the threats and challenges posed by non-democratic countries.
In today’s global economy, all countries are interdependent and international relations are closer than ever. Taiwan is the world’s 21st largest economy and the 16th biggest in terms of trade, and is indispensable to the global economy. Taiwan is a member of the Global Risk Society and is therefore not immune to economic and security threats. Likewise, Taiwan’s economic performance also affects the well-being of other countries. Globalization is accelerated in the Global Risk Society, and Taiwan is willing to share its economic development experiences, to fulfill its international duties and to contribute to the international community.
2.3 Employ a blue ocean strategy to expand global partnerships
The rapid changes that globalization brings mean that diplomatic work must adapt accordingly and Taiwan must come up with a blue ocean strategy that truly fulfills its national interests. Blue ocean diplomatic strategies should do away with the traditional zero-sum mindset by tapping into Taiwan’s strengths and opening up a blue ocean for Taiwan’s international relations. MOFA will continue to focus on how Taiwan can make best use of its competitive edge - in such areas as digital opportunities, its multicultural background, as well as advanced healthcare and environment-friendly technologies – to develop cooperative relations with other nations, and thus build up comprehensive cooperative partnerships in the age of the global village.
This vision emphasizes making Taiwan visible on the global radar screen, adjusting to globalization and developing a new diplomatic mindset. Taiwan needs to broaden its views and extend its reach, and let its international relations take on an entirely new look through a creative, flexible and varied approach that leaves a positive impression on the world.
This September, Taiwan organized the Taiwan-African Heads of State Summit and Progressive Partnership Forum based on this concept of comprehensive cooperative partnerships in the age of the global village. The summit and the forum were launched to seek out areas for mutually beneficial cooperation and to develop progressive partnerships between Taiwan and African countries. Taiwan is willing to share its development experience with its allies to help them develop their economies and to carry out cooperative projects that benefit both sides. We believe that this is Taiwan’s responsibility and duty as a member of the global village.
2.4 Conduct environmental diplomacy to connect Taiwan to the world
The exhaustion of natural resources and damage to the ecological environment have become issues of great concern in the international community. Likewise, competition for resources and environmental damage have caused tension and conflict worldwide. In the 21st century, environmental issues have redefined the notion of security. Since these issues have received an ever-growing amount of global attention, environmental protection has become a major trend, with environmental diplomacy given high priority by many developed countries. For example, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change of the United Nations released a report in April indicating that climate change has led to numerous crises, such as worldwide ecological damage, reduced food production and increasing water stress. Former US Vice President Al Gore has been traveling around the world to present his documentary An Inconvenient Truth and raise awareness of global warming. Former UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Margaret Beckett, has announced that the United Kingdom has adopted environmental diplomacy as a new policy. By the same token, Japan launched its Cool Earth 50 initiative this May.
Being responsible for foreign affairs, MOFA is taking up its newest mission — sustainable development of the environment — and making it an important part of Taiwan’s goals for the century. Taiwan is devoted to becoming a partner for global cooperation. It will promote environmental diplomacy in accordance with global trends, and enter international environmental protection mechanisms so as to pursue sustainable development. Taiwan will take advantage of its energy-saving technologies and experience in solar power, organic agriculture, nature conservation and ecological tourism to create even more opportunities for environmental diplomacy. No country is exempt from ecological damage and competition for environmental resources; and no country is unaffected by the spread of pollution. The world is in dire need of a mechanism that can effectively resolve transnational environmental and ecological problems. Taiwan will unite with its allies and other interested countries to launch the World Environment Organization and pursue sustainable development.
3. General direction for Taiwan’s diplomatic endeavors
Facing the challenges posed by a rapidly-changing world, diplomats need to strive to be innovative in performing their duties and responding to public opinion. Importantly, Taiwan’s foreign policies must reinforce the Taiwan identity. MOFA has therefore especially put forward proposals for Taiwan’s foreign policy goals in the 21st century. The proposals cover four areas - combat units; the Taiwan experience; blue ocean strategy; and environmental diplomacy - and serve as a guideline to consolidating and expanding diplomatic relations, building global value alliances, expanding international participation and promoting environmental diplomacy.
In addition, MOFA is committed to expanding public and cultural diplomacy, to integrating the power of civil society and employing soft power to enhance the overall effectiveness of Taiwan’s foreign policy. The general direction of Taiwan’s diplomatic endeavors can be described as follows:
3.1 Safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty, strive for meaningful participation in the international community
Taiwan is a completely sovereign democracy that wishes to contribute to the international community. Unfortunately, Taiwan is kept out many international organizations. While Taiwan is willing and able to contribute to international development and cooperative programs, it is not afforded the opportunity to partake in programs with other countries on an equal footing. Unlike other APEC member economies, whose presidents represent their nations at the economic leaders’ summit, Taiwan is only permitted to send envoys to attend on the president’s behalf. This unfair treatment is dished out to Taiwan on account of China’s bullying and the international community’s appeasement of China. Taiwan is therefore frequently isolated from international organizations.
According to the principle of universal membership as enshrined in the UN Charter, Taiwan is certainly entitled to become a member of the United Nations. When Taiwan bid for UN entry this year under the name of Taiwan, it had no intention of reverting to the 1971 battle with China over representation of “one China”. Taiwan launched the bid simply in response to the common wish of the 23 million people on the island. This is the first time Taiwan has made its UN bid under the name of Taiwan, and much attention was given to the issue by the international media; the number of news reports was three fold that of last year. Mainstream media such as the Wall Street Journal also denounced the UN Secretariat for inappropriately rejecting Taiwan’s application. This proved to be a successful fight in the battle to sway international public opinion. In addition, the UN Assembly spent a record four hours discussing Taiwan’s bid, which has allowed the world to hear Taiwan’s case and the international community to better understand and respect Taiwan’s right to apply for UN membership.
In addition, 94.9% of the people in Taiwan believe that Taiwan should enter the World Health Organization (WHO). In May this year, the Legislative Yuan passed a resolution to show support of the government’s bid for WHO membership, thereby demonstrating that Taiwan has reached consensus on joining the WHO. To meet the people’s expectations and exhibit the government’s determination to protect the health rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan, MOFA adjusted its policy and filed its membership application directly to the WHO. The WHO refused to even process our application this year, stating political reasons for the denial. In response, Taiwan’s allies spoke on our behalf at the World Health Assembly, thereby raising awareness in the international community about Taiwan’s lack of membership creating a gap in the global network on disease prevention. Our government will continue to strive for recognition and support from the international community.
To substantially improve our participation in world affairs, the government of Taiwan will continue to promote Taiwan’s participation in international organizations according to their function and issues and tasks at hand, and through multi-lateral platforms. Via exchanges on substantive issues, such as fisheries conservation, money laundering and experiences holding elections, Taiwan hopes to interact more with the international community and establish healthier and closer bilateral and multilateral relations. By the same token, Taiwan wants to increase its influence through various channels, such as NGOs, enterprises and educational institutions. Taiwan also strives to determine practical and constructive issues as focal points for increasing its participation in international organizations and vie for the right to play a leadership position in world affairs, thereby elevating its international standing.
3.2 Consolidate diplomatic ties and pursue mutual economic interests and prosperity
Diplomatic ties, the most substantive manifestations of Taiwan’s sovereignty, are needed to counter all the types of attacks employed by China. Although we cannot let ourselves become obsessed over the number of our allies, we cannot belittle the importance and implications of diplomatic relations. Our efforts to maintain diplomatic ties help protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and national dignity and shield Taiwan’s democracy, freedom and prosperity. This remains our primary aim in the pursuit of Taiwan’s diplomatic relations.
Promoting mutual interests and co-prosperity have always been a part of our diplomatic goals. Taiwan hopes to share its experience in economic development, support its allies develop their infrastructure, and provide assistance based on each ally’s particular needs and development level. Such actions in turn will help consolidate Taiwan’s diplomatic relations. President Chen, for example, attended the Sixth Summit of the Heads of State and Governments of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Central America and the Dominican Republic in August this year. He also announced a 10-year program for fostering high-tech professionals in Taiwan’s Central and South American allies so as to help them cultivate the human resources needed to develop local high-tech industries and bridge the digital divide. In the meantime, Taiwan is assisting its African allies improve their medical and healthcare systems in order to alleviate their long-term problems with insufficient medical resources.
3.3 Establish an alliance based on the core value of democracy and fulfill the ideals of democracy and human rights
Taiwan, as a democracy, finds itself in an extremely unique situation. Most newly emerging democratic countries just face internal challenges and not external ones. Taiwan is one of the rare exceptions. The 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to develop in peace and choose freely, yet this right is constantly infringed upon by China. Beijing has deployed over one thousand missiles aimed at Taiwan, expanded its military budget without being answerable to its people, and unilaterally passed its so-called “anti-secession law.” China’s suppression of Taiwan clearly demonstrates one fact: its threat to and suppression of democratic Taiwan is a direct challenge to the values of democracy and freedom.
History has taught us that to maintain a system defined by democracy and freedom requires strong commitment. The opposite—appeasement and weakness—would be tantamount to inviting an invasion. Therefore, democratic ideals, such as popular sovereignty and self-determination, are the most powerful tools that Taiwan can employ in resisting China’s diplomatic containment as well as the most important grounds for the international community’s inclusion and support of Taiwan.
MOFA will continue to enhance cooperation with other democratic countries and participate in the democratic activities of the international community. As a result, Taiwan will act as a “beacon of freedom” for China’s democratization. This year, US President George W. Bush recognized Taiwan’s democratic achievements at the APEC Business Summit. As a newly emerging democracy, Taiwan looks forward to cooperating with other democracies, such as the United States and Japan, in assisting other nations undergoing democratic reforms accelerate the process.
To further human rights in Taiwan, MOFA enthusiastically promotes putting the stipulations of international human rights conventions into domestic legislation and actively assists NGOs in Taiwan to conform to international frameworks on human rights. For instance, MOFA pushed for Taiwan’s accession to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. With the firm support of the Legislative Yuan, the Convention was adopted early this year and ratified by President Chen Shui-bian. This not only implements substantive policies to protect women’s rights, but also underlines Taiwan’s determination to follow world trends in human rights.
3.4 Advance diplomacy based on humanitarianism and environmental protection issues, and shoulder responsibility for sustainable development
Throughout the world, the affluent are getting richer, and the impoverished poorer. In 2000, the UN therefore proposed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), setting the eradication of extreme poverty as one of its primary goals as well as the directions for the efforts of the international community. At the same time, the MDGs have given Official Development Assistance (ODA) a new mission and challenge. In the past, Taiwan encountered many difficulties and received long-term aid from the international community, allowing it to take great developmental strides. Now Taiwan enjoys the capacity to give back to the international community and assumes its responsibility to become a donator country. In the process of bridging the development divide in the international community, Taiwan cannot nor should not be absent.
As for international cooperation, MOFA hopes to achieve the greatest results possible with its limited resources, while engaging in transparent, professional and systematic aid programs. This is in the desire to assist Taiwan’s allies that are developing countries eradicate extreme poverty. Via cooperation, we aim to resolve the difficulties of our allies, making them realize that Taiwan is truly their good friend. For example, Taiwan created a “green miracle” by transforming desert land within the Bagre Reclamation Area of Burkina Faso into green and fertile soil. This miracle in West Africa was not only highly applauded by the world, but also greatly encouraged us to continue promoting similar aid programs.
Taiwan also recognizes the fact that “diseases know no boundaries, and the international disease-prevention network should be free of gaps.” In collaboration with the private sector, MOFA continues to dispatch medical teams to every corner of the world and participates in international emergency relief efforts. For example, after earthquakes struck the Solomon Islands in April and Peru in August this year, the Taiwan government immediately made contributions to disaster relief funds via its representative offices abroad. In the meantime, MOFA and the Department of Health co-founded Taiwan International Health Action (TaiwanIHA), which promptly dispatches rescue and relief teams to disaster areas.
Due to adverse changes to the environment, people have begun to focus on preventive measures, such as sustainable development, instead of post-disaster cleanup. Taiwan must respond to the post-Kyoto Protocol era and let the international community know of its efforts and achievements in ecological preservation and environmental protection. With this in mind, MOFA has created the Task Force on International Environmental Affairs to promote diplomacy through sustainable development. Our positive actions are diametrically distinct from China’s exploitation of natural resources and vast output of pollution. Taiwan has launched projects in cooperation with its allies, such as the installation of solar power equipment in the Marshall Islands, introduction of organic cotton in its African allies, and development of biomass energy in its Central and South America allies. For the first time ever, MOFA held a trip this year to Aowanda in Nantou for ambassadors and representatives to Taiwan, thereby letting them gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s conservation results and explore new opportunities for eco-tourism.
Although not a member of any international organization on climate change, Taiwan seeks to fulfill its responsibilities as a member of the international community and contribute to the new world era. For that reason, Taiwan proposed the Green APEC Opportunity initiative this year in response to the theme Clean Development and Climate Change proposed by Australia. It is hoped that member economies can find appropriate green opportunities in accordance with their level of development in five major fields: clean production, green consumption, green industry, nature preservation and environmental pollution prevention. This flexible structure will help the members realize their vision of attaining sustainable development.
Consensus and substantial results on sustainable development have been reached between Taiwan and its allies during various multilateral occasions, including the First Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit held last year, the Sixth Summit of the Heads of State and Governments of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Central America and the Dominican Republic held this August, and the First Taiwan-African Summit held this September. Based on the outcome of these events, Taiwan will continue to cooperate with its allies and other interested countries in advocating for the establishment of a global environmental protection organization to tackle global and regional environmental issues and ensure the survival of mankind.
3.5 Partner with the private sector to enhance cultural diplomacy
Owing to Taiwan’s democratization, the brimming vitality of the people has been released and transformed into a driving force for the expansion of Taiwan’s foreign relations. Domestic non-governmental organizations (NGOs) strive to collaborate with international NGOs and partner with inter-governmental organizations, providing them with opportunities to play an active role internationally. In today’s global village, an individual country simply cannot rely on hard power, such as military force and political clout, to exert its influence. Instead, soft power, which can easily cross all boundaries, time and space, should be employed. One of the crucial elements of soft power is cultural diplomacy.
A vibrant diversified culture and groups in the arts form Taiwan’s most valuable assets for promoting cultural diplomacy. This August, the Taipei First Girls Senior High School Honor Guard and Drum Corps were invited to perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo show. Their extraordinary routine received strong coverage by the media. Once again, Taiwan shined in the international arena, thereby significantly increasing its visibility.
To face the stew of issues currently brewing in the international environment, MOFA must tap the strength of the private sector. Together, they can put the spotlight on Taiwan at the world stage. As a solid partner of the private sector, MOFA enthusiastically promotes various forms of people-to-people diplomacy. First, MOFA is studying the possibility of increasing the functions of the branch offices of the Bureau of Consular Affairs. In the future, the branch offices could be instructed to assist local county and city governments, NGOs and schools in extending their participation in international exchanges and activities. Second, MOFA will issue passports integrated with a chip for the benefit and convenience of the people of Taiwan, while pursuing the improvement of visa treatment for them. After achieving visa-free status for our nationals entering Japan, we will continue to vie for better visa treatment of our nationals traveling to other countries. Third, in collaboration with academic institutions, MOFA fervently offers further training to NGO professionals in Taiwan. At the same time, by organizing international conferences and activities, MOFA assists NGOs both at home and abroad hold events for sharing experience so as to strengthen the capability of NGOs in Taiwan to partake in international activities. In sum, MOFA continues to take steps to realize the concept of people-to-people diplomacy.
4. Conclusion: Open Taiwan’s gates to the world with open arms and write a new page in the history of Taiwan’s diplomacy
Taiwan is an outstanding member of the international community. Thanks to democratization and an economic miracle, Taiwan now serves as a model for other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, Taiwan plays an important part in the global free trade system and hopes to share its experiences in development with other nations. In addition, it looks forward to contributing more to such global endeavors as poverty eradication and environmental protection. China’s political and military suppression keeps Taiwan from serving as a full member of the international community and forms a source of hardship for the people of Taiwan and shame for the international community.
In sum, our future diplomatic policy will be based on the theme “Taiwan’s Diplomatic Initiatives in the 21st Century—the Global Village Era.” Taiwan’s experience propels us toward international participation, while the Blue Ocean Strategy acts as our guiding light. Through environmental diplomacy, we can develop partnerships with other members of the international community. While facing the changing tides of the new age, we have to follow world trends closely and insist on democracy and human rights. Only then can we realize the ultimate goal of sustainable development.
Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude to the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs Committee for its care and guidance. Your continued support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be greatly appreciated, as MOFA spares no effort to promote Taiwan’s interests abroad. Thank you.