Taiwan's foreign policy is not in conflict with cross-strait relations, said Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate Tien Hung-mao (
Tien said the new government's foreign policy should not be viewed in terms of "independence versus unification" because the foreign ministry is responsible for executing policies consistent with the country's Constitution, regardless of any change in government.
"There is no `independence versus unification' problem in our foreign policy, nor are there any hidden agendas," Tien told reporters during a luncheon yesterday.
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES
Tien suggested Taiwan could use mechanisms under the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum or, in the future, the WTO as a vehicle for improving cross-strait relations.
"We hope to improve relations under APEC and WTO structures, and to replace confrontation and competition with cooperation," Tien said.
To assure Taiwan's diplomatic allies of the new government's recognition of traditional diplo-macy, Tien stressed the importance of maintaining formal ties to the country's sovereignty.
"The state and government of the ROC needs diplomatic recognition from other states, it's an important precondition," Tien said. "If there is no diplomatic recognition, then what are we? Are we the same as Hong Kong? Such a scenario is unacceptable to our citizens."
The new government's proposed reassessment of Taiwan's foreign aid and the new government's emphasis on informal "track two" and "track three" diplomacy have raised concern among some of the country's diplomatic allies.
"I hope our diplomatic friends will not have reservations about the new government," Tien said.
Tien added that the new government will follow the consensus made by the National Development Conference in late 1996, which concluded Taiwan should strive for membership to the UN.
Tien said although the government would also submit a bid this year, it will also "review and evaluate" the entire scope and direction of Taiwan's foreign policy including the annual bid to enter the UN.
"We will review what kind of strategies and directions we should take ... so it [the annual attempt to enter the UN] does not become just a formality," Tien said.
Tien stressed that Taiwan's main diplomatic strength lies in the country's economic prowess and democratic system, as well as the direction of the new government's foreign policy is based on the three principles of "democracy, civic participation and public consensus."
He also emphasized the new government will take note of public opinion when formulating policies.
"We want to conduct polls ... and actively review what the public thinks of our foreign policy," Tien said.
"Diplomacy should reflect the fact that we are a democratic country ... our foreign policy should be complimentary rather than against public opinion."
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