The SARS epidemic highlighted the need for this country to take part in international organizations. The shared knowledge and expertise facilitated by these international organizations could ensure a nation's survival in times of crisis. Yet Taiwan has not even succeeded in gaining observer status in the World Health Organization (WHO).
Many small countries, such as the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, East Timor and the Republic of San Marino, joined many international organizations led by the UN when they won their independence.
The recognition of these countries' status as independent by the international community was not hindered by their size. In comparison, Taiwan has a larger population and more significant economic power, yet it is still excluded from taking a seat in many international organizations.
With the government yet to officially declare itself a sovereign country that is separate from China, Beijing has become increasingly eager to assert itself over Taiwan. If Taiwan remains lax on this issue, its position in international society will continue to slide. Not only does Taiwan's precarious place in world politics justify its plea to take part in international organizations, it should recognize its strategic and economic advantages and make the most of them.
A comparison can be made between Taiwan and the Netherlands, a country that has been actively promoting its place in international organizations. Both occupying similar areas and population, the Netherlands is the eighth largest exporter of goods, and its competitive ability has been ranked in the global top five for five consecutive years.
Taiwan is the world's 12th largest exporter and is ranked in the top five in Asia. More importantly, both countries are surrounded by strong and powerful neighbors; the Netherlands by England, France, Germany and Scandinavia; Taiwan by Japan and China.
The Netherlands, however, is a pivotal member of international organizations and plays host to the headquarters of many of these organizations.
The Netherlands was able to achieve its global status because of its courage to explore and to take risks. It has used its culture and geographical location to its advantage, secured an important role among the powers, providing assistance to solving military conflicts, and serving as a buffer zone to maintain balance between European countries.
The people of the Netherlands think globally and use their countries participation in the international framework to solve their own political problems. During the 16th century, the Netherlands turned a new page in international law when it invited its surrounding powerful countries to a peace conference in which they stipulated wartime regulations and international peace. The first futures were traded in the Netherlands and it developed the prototype of multi-national enterprises. From this, the Netherlands has formed a basis for an international economic trade system.
Taiwan holds a focal position in relation to the US, Japan, China and the Southeast Asian region. Taiwanese people are related to the Chinese by blood and through culture. Taiwan was ruled by Japan for more than 50 years and has been closely connected to the US since the end of World War II. The Taiwanese people, especially the Aborigines, are related to the people in Southeast Asia. If there should be a regional international organization in East Asia, Taiwan should be the host. So far, East Asia is the only region without such an organization.
Li Ming-juinn is an associate researcher at the Institute of International Relations, National Chengchi University.
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