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It's time to shift focus of Taiwan's diplomacy

In his inaugural speech as the 10th DPP chairman on July 21, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) urged China to respond to his goodwill, otherwise, "we would not rule out the possibility of walking down our Taiwanese road." Chen's unusually tough stance was considered a spontaneous reaction to the establishment of official ties between Beijing and Nauru that same day.

Accusations that Chen's statement suggested a move toward independence are simply biased. Taiwan is already an independent, sovereign country. What was on Chen's mind, therefore, was inventing a new approach to foreign policy -- replacing the KMT's "money diplomacy" with "pluralistic diplomacy."

The nation must launch a practical and long-range program to seek participation in global affairs. Only in this way can it open new diplomatic space and win greater respect from the international community.

It is important for Taiwan's leaders to break through China's obstructions and visit the US and other major countries. But it is not synonymous with a genuine "stepping out" by Taiwan as a country. Moreover, the number of countries with which Taipei maintains diplomatic relations is the measure of neither its diplomatic achievement, nor the degree its participation in international society. More meaningful is Taiwan moving beyond the narrow focus of immediate political and economic interests to focus on creating long-term, stable relationships.

Since becoming president, Chen has initiated new thinking about how to expand Taiwan's international space. His administration has also attempted to broaden its connection with the international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Hence, Taiwan's participation in international society should also place a new emphasis on non-traditional diplomatic work.

Taiwan should actively engage in humanitarian relief, cultural exchanges, sharing experience in democratization and economic development, joint development of natural resources, economic and trade cooperation, party and local government diplomacy, and international NGO activities, among others.

Taiwan's entry into the UN is an important goal in its long-term diplomatic struggle. The government do everything it can to establish good relations with the international community and not rely solely on its diplomatic allies. The government must also mold a new image of Taiwan as a responsible member of the international order.

In sum, a "pluralistic diplomacy" is the theme of Taiwan's foreign policy in the new century. Under this blueprint, Taiwan can first develop its basic values through "democratic diplomacy," under which international cooperation and foreign aid programs are used to promote the development and consolidation of demo-cracy in international society.

Second, Taiwan can use loans, strategic purchases, overseas investment and technical cooperation to lay the foundations for future establishment of formal diplomatic relations.

Third, Taiwan can pursue "neighborhood diplomacy" to establish channels for regional economic cooperation such as free trade agreements in order to strengthen political relations and social exchanges with our neighbors in Asia.

Fourth, it can engage in environmental diplomacy through which the people of Taiwan can join the international trend of environmental protection.

Finally, and most importantly, "citizens' diplomacy" must be developed. We can bring together the energy of all our people, as well as Taiwanese associations and businesspeople around the world, to pursue humanitarian diplomacy, aid diplomacy and "grassroots diplomacy." This is the road that Taiwan should embark upon.

Liu Kuan-teh is a Taipei-based political commentator.
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