In the past Beijing had copied Taiwan in courting overseas Chinese communities. But in recent years, it has pumped vast resources into that endeavor, which involves over 200,000 people across China. By contrast, the OCAC keeps a staff of slightly more than 300, in addition to some 60 staff based in different parts of the world. Also, many have volunteered to help out. However, numbers do not necessarily guarantee success.
TT: Is disagreement about Taiwan's future causing rifts among overseas Chinese groups?
Chen: It is the OCAC's policy to avoid debate on the issue, which will only make its work more difficult. I would say that the makeup of overseas Chinese communities more or less reflects the ecology at home in this regard. Many overseas Taiwanese shied away from contacts with their government, which is understandable, in light of unjust treatments their family members had suffered in the past. But the situation has improved in recent years. Mobilized properly, they can exert great influence in helping the country break the diplomatic isolation imposed by Beijing as part of what analysts refer to as "track two" efforts. Overseas Israelis have set a good example by ferociously lobbying for their home country in times of need.
RSS