Following Foreign Minister Lin Chi-jung’s (林佳龍) announcement of his comprehensive diplomatic strategies earlier this August, several pro-independence civil groups have urged the government to advance diplomacy under the name of Taiwan rather than the Republic of China.
In a press conference held at the Legislature on Thursday, Taiwan Society Chairman Weng Ming-jang (翁銘章) argued that Taiwan’s value-based diplomacy focuses on reciprocity, whereas China’s “One Belt, One Road” policy promotes looting and economic colonialism. He criticized China’s strategy as harmful both to itself and to the countries involved.
Weng calls on the public to support the government’s value-based diplomacy and economic policy. Additionally, he recommends the government to openly promote the country as Taiwan on the global stage to prevent China from undermining Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts.
Northern Taiwan Society Vice Chairman Lo Chun-hsuan (羅浚晅) observed that the world has changed and the anticipated benefits from the Chinese market have diminished. He expressed hope that Taiwanese people will unite to demonstrate the nation’s strengths in technology, culture, economy, medicine, and public health, thereby highlighting Taiwan’s contributions to the international community.
Taiwan Association of University Professors (TAUP) Chairman Chen Li-fu (陳俐甫) mentioned that Taiwanese people often assess the government’s diplomatic success by the number of diplomatic allies. He further noted that this perspective has fostered a negative public attitude towards the government.
Chen suggests that diplomacy should be seen as a responsibility for all citizens and government entities. He believes that comprehensive diplomatic strategies require collaboration across various sectors to achieve global recognition and, ultimately, a return to the United Nations.