Tien: I would like to make it clear the ROC government has never practiced so-called "dollar diplomacy." In the past, the ROC put a considerable focus on economic cooperation and overseas humanitarian assistance. For example, when Hurricane Mitch devastated Central America, we provided emergency funds to the countries devastated by this natural disaster to help their people rebuild their nations.
Moreover, we have for years sent technical teams to less developed countries to help them build their economies from the bottom up, and much of this assistance focuses on helping improve the vocational and technical skills that their workers and farmers need. These projects are mostly done under the sponsorship of bilateral or multilateral cooperation programs.
Over the years, Taiwan's contributions have gained worldwide recognition, and we are often praised for the way in which we share our economic success with others around the world.
TT: To what extent does Taiwan's stagnant economy during the past year affect the foreign ministry's work in expanding Taiwan's external relations?
Tien: It is true that Taiwan's economy, like most economies in the region, has been in a downturn for about a year. The psychological frustration derived from the economic downturn seems to have gradually sunk into people's morale, lowering their confidence about the country's prospects. Meanwhile, the budget of the foreign ministry has also shrunk due to a shift in exchange rates and budget cuts, thus limiting resources available for foreign affairs. All of these have had a strong impact on the Ministry's work. Nevertheless, the government is trying to make the most of the present limited resources in order to strengthen relations with allied countries and forge substantial ties with the US, European countries and Japan, among others.
TT: From your point of view, to what extent has China's rising power in economic terms been reflected in its efforts to further isolate Taiwan internationally during the past year?
Tien: We feel that Beijing now has more financial and economic resources that can be channeled into diplomatic purposes. We feel that they are using their economic resources increasingly and more effectively, and we feel the challenge because of that. Those challenges are real. In my position as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I have to read the reports sent back from our overseas embassies and representative offices. Through those reports, I can feel the impact of the more assertive efforts on the part of Beijing, and these diplomatic challenges are quite real. We have to face up to them and get on with our work.
TT: Many years ago, you were a member of the World United Formosans for Independence. To what extent does this background serve as an asset or liability to your current job as the foreign minister of Taiwan?
Tien: I'd like to believe that it's rather irrelevant. I think we are talking about something that happened when I was a student, and that was decades ago. One had to keep in mind that in the 1960s many young people felt that the political system in Taiwan was repressive, and it was not the same as now, obviously. And furthermore, in those days any student who felt concerned about social and political progress would participate in activities that were likely to be highly critical of the government. But the situation has changed considerably. Even the most persistent advocates of certain political courses have returned to Taiwan to run for office through the democratic process, etc. So I don't think anything that one participated in several decades ago, under an entirely different circumstances, should have any impact at all on what one is doing today in an entirely different political system.
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