President Ma Ying-jeou says his administration’s policy of viable diplomacy has produced positive results for Taiwan. This flexibility in the realm of diplomacy is a reference to an unspoken agreement between Taiwan and China not to lure away one other’s allies.
In the past, vying for allies has resulted in China blocking Taiwan’s participation in the international community.
Ma said with the policy of “viable diplomacy”, Taiwan has cultivated a much improved international image over the past seven years. He said that Taiwan passport holders are now welcomed in countries around the world.
“Between 1997 and 2007, the year before I assumed office, only 54 countries and territories granted ROC nationals visa-waiver, landing-visa, or other visa privileges," said Ma.
"Today, 99 more jurisdictions grant us these privileges, for a total of 153.”
Ma said since he took office in 2008, Taiwan’s efforts as a peacemaker and provider of humanitarian aid have come to fruition. He said Taiwan has won recognition from the international community for its humanitarian assistance.
The president also spoke about a fisheries agreement that Taiwan signed with Japan in 2013. He said it has ended a 40-year fisheries dispute related to the Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea.