The New Role of Taiwan in the World Community

Lung-chu Chen

With Chen Sui-bian's new administration in the making, the Taiwanese people are increasingly concerned what role should Taiwan play in the international community? As a sovereign independent state, Taiwan should strive to be a "normal" state both in name and in fact, and participate actively in the international arena. It should do its utmost to enhance international peace and security as well as Taiwan's national security and sustained development.

In order to overcome its diplomatic isolation, Taiwan must break away from the bounds and limits of traditional diplomacy. It should keep in tune with the international civil society and network with transnational non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It would be important for Taiwan to accentuate its democratic diplomacy, diplomacy through economy and trade, good-neighbor diplomacy, all people's diplomacy, humanitarian diplomacy and environmental diplomacy.

Here I'm making three concrete suggestions:
First, Taiwan's diplomacy should be Taiwan-oriented. Whether in bilateral or multi-lateral arenas, Taiwan should be proud to call itself Taiwan, and not to be confused with China. Such a clear national identity is crucial for Taiwan to win international respect and support.

Second, it is time to establish an all-people's academy for diplomacy. Such an academy would be designed neither for high academic research nor for educating degree recipients. The idea is to train tens of thousands of people from all walks of life so that they may become de facto goodwill ambassadors when they are abroad.

The third proposal is to establish an International Caring Fund of Taiwan, and extend, out of " love-your-neighbor-like-yourself, " a helping hand to people in distress in foreign lands.

The new era will bring new challenges and new opportunities. The island nation of Taiwan must get out of the trap of " one China, " and become a normal state free of fear as soon as possible.