The recent move by the foreign minister of the Solomon Islands -- breaking ranks, changing plans at the last moment and visiting China -- naturally came as a shock. But it wasn't totally unexpected. In a flash, "dollar diplomacy," that negative term, is again being applied to Taiwan.
All the problems and difficulties associated with "dollar diplomacy" have surfaced repeatedly, from our attempt to establish relations with Papua New Guinea, ranking as one of the 10 great international scandals of 1999, to the recent negative coverage by the Nicaraguan media of President Chen Shui-bian's
As the orphan of Asia, it seems inevitable for Taiwan to bear the heavy cross of "dollar diplomacy" as we attempt to assert our international status. But using money to aid countries with which we maintain diplomatic ties isn't all negative. The important thing isn't the amount of money but rather how it is used.
We should avoid letting economic aid fall into the pockets of the authorities in countries with which we have diplomatic ties. Instead, we should aid development with substantive projects and take an on-going interest in the results of projects that we fund. In cases of naked coercion to provide assistance, we should have the courage to say no.
Economic aid for the various poverty-stricken African nations, for example, is legitimate. We should reject outright, however, the demands of countries like Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, which try to bargain with us in a fashion which almost amounts to extortion. Relations like these are of no help to our survival on the international stage, and are more likely to hurt Taiwan's international image.
Due to the realities of international politics, Taiwan's governmental agencies seemingly have no way to realize their potential to give aid to many countries that are in urgent need of assistance. Simply donating money not only often raises doubts at home but also fails to win respect abroad. All types of substantive aid, including grain, medicine and education to teach agricultural techniques and technical expertise, can be given through Taiwanese grass-roots organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Many organizations in Taiwan have made numerous contributions to international aid groups and charities, but there is a need for continued efforts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' establishment of an NGO International Affairs Committee in order to establish "partnership relations" with NGOs and to provide relevant assistance is a method that is well worth affirming. To a large degree, this realizes the spirit of "Taiwan standing up and stepping out."
Using money to assist our allies and giving an appropriate degree of foreign aid are certainly not grounds for criticism. Indeed, looking at the the total amount of foreign aid donated by all developed nations and taking into account the size of Taiwan's economy, the amount given seems, if anything, somewhat small. We should do our best to fulfill our international responsibilities to help all those around the world who are in urgent need.
Economic assistance that pays a little less attention to foreign relations and gives a little more consideration to humanitarian concerns may not substantially benefit our international position in a formal sense, but in terms of raising Taiwan's international image, it will have an effect that can't be ignored. This requires not only an effort on the part of the government, but, more importantly, the participation and effort of society as a whole.
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