President Ma Ying-jeou has told reporters that his administration’s policy of “viable diplomacy” allows Taiwan to make a difference in small but important ways while maintaining its dignity.
Ma was speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday local time in Nicaragua, where he is on the final leg of an overseas tour.
Ma said that while Taiwan may not be able to compete with Mainland China in terms of the volume of aid it gives to allies, Taiwan has its own strengths. He said that Taiwan is able to help improve the lives of local farmers in allied countries.
Ma said that the policy of “viable diplomacy” has also led to Taiwan’s diplomats overseas being treated with greater dignity.
"I have met many of our diplomats, especially in the past seven years, who tell me, “Mr. President, the biggest difference we feel between before and now is that we can now strengthen our backbones and do what we need to do.” I was very moved to hear this," said Ma.
Ma said that “viable diplomacy” does not mean that Taiwan stops providing aid to allies. He said that “viable diplomacy” instead stands in contrast to checkbook diplomacy, requiring careful allocation of funds and allowing Taiwan to reduce spending.