Today, as China tries to suppress Taiwan's space to survive and develop on the international stage, the predicament facing Taiwan's traditional diplomacy is clear to all. If we want to overcome the difficulties resulting from Beijing's isolation of Taiwan, then we must develop people's diplomacy and multilateral diplomacy, and consolidate Taiwan's strength both at home and abroad. The power of Taiwanese living in North America and elsewhere around the globe is also a force that can not be overlooked. Especially when these overseas compatriots share the same ideals and ideas as the government regarding the nation's general direction and policy, this power can have great effect.
Democratization and global governance based on the foundation of civil society are the major trends of today's world. Democratized Taiwan is going along with these trends. It must stand up, step forward, and demonstrate the power of its increasingly robust civil society, and actively make contributions to the world community.
Where there's a will, there's a way. The movement to enter the UN is a marathon for all the people of Taiwan in the new century.
Many people will say that Taiwan's bid to join the UN is an impossible dream. But with the concerted efforts of our government, business enterprises and the Taiwanese people at home and abroad, we can make our shared dream come true. With a sustained and united effort, we will achieve our goal in the end.
Chen Lung-chu (陳隆志) is chairman of the Taiwan New Century Foundation, president of the US-based New Century Institute and is a professor at New York Law School.
Translated by Scudder Smith
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