Taipei Times: What is the most important task you will face after you take up the office of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission (OCAC,
Chang Fu-mei: The OCAC has long been criticized as being inefficient and dysfunctional. Some people even suggested the organization be abolished. It is true the OCAC is a rather obsolete institution, and its close liaison with the KMT Overseas Affairs Department (
Another issue that needs to be brought into light is a clear definition of the term overseas Chinese (
PHOTO: GEORGE TSORNG, TAIPEI TIMES
In my opinion, "overseas Chinese" should only refer to those people with ROC citizenship who, though residing in other countries, still retain close connections with the motherland. The extant definition is too ambiguous and makes it difficult for the commission to figure out who the service should be targeted at.
I also recommend setting up a system in Taiwan to track down people who immigrate to other countries. The migrants may be citizens of another country, yet we still consider them our countrymen if they keep their status as ROC citizens.
Another way to distinguish the two is from the perspective of cultural recognition. I know some Chinese who have been living overseas for generations and no longer consider themselves ROC overseas Chinese. Their ties to the ROC are extremely weak. It is irrational to include them as objects of our service.
Of course, China's interference has made it a thorny issue. Both China and Taiwan are competing against each other to attract as many overseas Chinese as possible. It is like soliciting customers. But is such competition worthwhile?
I find it outmoded to include all ethnic Chinese as ROC overseas Chinese. The service should be re-prioritized. Due to the limited budget, overseas Chinese holding ROC citizenship should have first priority. The old policy tends to favor "old overseas Chinese" (老僑), many of whom are in fact irrelevant to Taiwan, while the new immigrants (新僑), who maintain much closer ties with us, are left neglected. I think this unfair treatment should be corrected.
TT: Since you voiced your views on the re-distribution of resources, there has been some backlash from the old overseas Chinese who threaten they would shift support toward China. How would you tackle the situation?
Chang: Their reactions are predictable. However, we need to think more deeply over what should be given top priority. Government reports show the annual budget for the OCAC only accounts for 0.01 % of the entire national budget.
It is not wise to spend such limited resources on catering to unreasonable requests from the old overseas Chinese. I would never say we should sever the ties with the old overseas Chinese, or to elbow them out of our service. As long as they show good will to our policy and recognize our cultural traits, we are more than happy to retain an amicable relationship with them.
TT: Ethnic conflicts are frequently heard in some Southeast Asian countries between the locals and the Chinese community. How can you assist the Chinese there without running the risk of upsetting the local governments?
Chang: It is commendable that these Chinese, though residing in foreign countries for centuries, would still like to retain their Chinese roots. Our underlying policy states we will stand up for those who are willing to maintain friendly relations with us. I would also like to offer succor to these people by any possible means. I think one of the most effective and non-threatening measures is to help them promote Chinese language education there. By retaining the language, one can be expected to have a better grip on the culture.
TT: The OCAC is often ridiculed as a neglected governmental agency. How can you turn the OCAC into a more active and instrumental institution?
Chang: In the past, the role played by the OCAC was rather passive. It has been an organization that copes with problems solely on an ad hoc basis. Under my administration, I would like to take more initiative. Taiwan is an isolated island with restricted land and resources but inhabited by a huge population.
Migration should not be discouraged by labeling the migrants "unpatriotic." Rather, we should consider them an extension of our national force overseas. To be more supportive, the OCAC needs to first locate overseas Chinese, and then try to initiate programs that will fulfill their needs.
Another mission is to integrate the OCAC with domestic administrative departments, so the duties can be accomplished more smoothly. Overseas Chinese need assistance in a variety of areas and the OCAC alone cannot perfect the job. The commission retains a close relationship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Instead of fighting for limited resources, the two organizations should be supplementary for each other.
Moreover, we need to be more supportive to the overseas Chinese youths who intend to study in Taiwan. Concerning this issue, the OCAC has to work closely with the Ministry of Education.
The role played by the OCAC can be more dynamic and constructive if the authorities approach the matter more actively.
TT: Will the OCAC shift its focus in terms of geographic location?
Chang: The emphasis of the OCAC's undertaking has long been placed on the US and Japan. This effort, without question, will be continued because support from these two countries are of substantial importance to us. However, I have noticed an enormous distance between Taiwan and the European Community. European countries, to my knowledge, are in fact stronger when it comes to countering intimidation from China. I think we need to make greater efforts in that region.
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