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Diplomatic needs hurt by domestic politicking

On Sunday, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) will attend the First Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit in Palau with leaders of Taiwan's six South Pacific allies. He will then pay a visit to Nauru.

The state visits coincide with the upcoming sit-in initiated by former Democratic Progressive Party chairman Shih Ming-teh (施明德). Appealing to "revolutionary but nonviolent means" to depose the president, Shih wants Chen to step down to take full responsibility for the indictment of members of his family and aides over a series of scandals.

Shih's camp has urged Chen to cancel his trip and stay home to accept the protesters' demands. The pan-blue camp has slandered the president's trip, describing it as "running away."

The government has been planning the summit and state visits for more than six months. It is a pity to see all this over-politicization of domestic issues impacting on the nation's foreign affairs.

The Chen-haters' reaction to his diplomatic agenda, as well as the pan-blue camp's sabotaging of Taiwan's diplomatic efforts, are nonsense. They ignore the increasing imbalance between Taiwan and China in terms of diplomatic strength.

The timing of Chen's tour of the South Pacific is significant in a strategic way, given that Beijing bought off former ally Chad early last month. The fact that China has reached out to the world and exerted increasing influence in global affairs in recent years through frequent state visits to its allies constitutes a tremendous challenge to Taiwan's already-fragile foreign relations.

As China targets Taiwan's South Pacific allies, it is imperative that Chen increase diplomatic efforts to consolidate the nation's relationship with its diplomatic allies.

Chen's trip has two important functions. One is to correct any perception that opposition kowtowing to Beijing is representative of public opinion in this country. It is necessary for the government to launch an extensive international campaign to counter Beijing's divide-and-conquer strategy.

More importantly, Taiwan must develop a new foreign policy agenda in reaction to China's incorporation of "great nation diplomacy."

Since last year, Chinese leaders have toured South Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, the US and Africa. Constructive and strategic partnerships have been strengthened between China and many countries.

What can Taiwan do to counteract Beijing's growing international presence, particularly as China accelerates its activities rooting out Taiwan's allies in Africa and the South Pacific?

An increase in high-level official visits is a fundamental step in curing the regions of spreading China fever and strengthening Taiwan's diplomatic relations.

It is shameful to witness the pan-blue opposition and the Shih camp using Chen's overseas tour for domestic political ends.

Taiwan is a free and pluralist society. Demonstrations are protected by the law.

However, having the right to speak does and putting the nation at risk are different things.

In addition to maintaining a level of support from its allies, Taiwan should move beyond the narrow focus of political interests or the China factor to focus on creating long-term, stable relationships with members of the international community.

This must take place if the international community is to acknowledge the importance of Taiwan's democratic achievements and if Taiwan is to participate in the international order.

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