Apparently, South Korea has sided with China, as far as Taiwan, Korea and China realtions are concerned. We only hope South Korea can adopt a more balanced policy and refrain from making any devastating moves against Taiwan. Encouraging South Korea to stand at the center of the Taiwan-China issue is profitable for all three parties.
TT: Over the past 10 years since Taiwan and South Korea severed diplomatic ties, bilateral relations haven't made any progress. South Korea has even been opposed to Taiwan's bid for entry into international organizations like the WHO. Do you think Roh's new government will move to resolve the pending bilateral issues, such as Taiwan's trade deficit and the resumption of air links?
Lee: Taiwan's huge trade deficit is a structural problem. We can't change it by policy, given we are both under the WTO framework. It can be improved only if we establish a permanent presence in Korea to promote Taiwan's products and encourage exports to Korea.
As for the resumption of air links, charter flights are only an expedient measure rather than a far-sighted permanent practice. But, through that policy initiative, Taiwan has shown its good will. The resumption of aviation links can be reached only when both sides sit down to talk.
And an agreement can be reached only when the talk is conducted under the principles of national dignity, mutual interest, equality and reciprocity.
We must be practical and rational, so as to maximize the efficiency of the favorable elements to bilateral relations. Meanwhile, South Korea shouldn't underestimate Taiwan's national strength. In terms of average per capita purchasing power, Taiwan is the biggest buyer of South Korean products.
TT: Do you have any concrete plans to push for substantial Taiwan-Korean relations during Roh's administration?
Lee: Diplomacy is the art of strength and managing trends. It has been our goal to create a new trend through our strength.
It's also our basic diplomatic stance to maintain a balanced approach between the ruling and opposition camps in Korea. Over the past years, we have invited many influential legislative leaders from both camps who have helped promote bilateral links.
Chyung Dai-chul, for example, who visited Taiwan last year, was the chief campaign manager of Roh's presidential bid.
Two members of the "Taipei club," which attended President Chen Shui-bian's (
Chung Sye-kyun, chairman of the Korea-Taiwanese friendship association, has a certain influence within the Millennium Democratic Party. All those friends of ours could serve to strengthen our relations with the Roh government. Translated by Lindy Yeh and Jackie Lin
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