A fool's diplomacy

A fool's diplomacy

The China Post Editorial, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
April 27, 2007

It's a fool's diplomacy. Why? The reason is that a fool is trying to conduct Taiwan's foreign relations in such a way as to fool a small number of fools.

We are referring to Premier Su Tseng-chang's announcement of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and St. Lucia ahead of time.

St. Lucia first set up diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1984. It switched recognition to Beijing in 1997. It is said to have decided to switch it back to Taipei -- shortly. As a matter of fact, its minister of external affairs, Rufus Bousquet, said the Cabinet has reached a consensus "for the renewal of full diplomatic relations with Taiwan and at the earliest possible opportunity."

Bousquet, however, made it clear that this consensus should not be construed as severance of the relationship St. Lucia has with the People's Republic of China.

That means St.Lucia, a small Caribbean country with a population of 170,000, wants Beijing to ante up its stake. If China offers extra financial aid, the deal with Taipei will be called off.

Of course, that's clear to Su, President Chen Shui-bian, and above all Foreign Minister James Huang, who tried to make that deal by visiting St. Lucia. They know, too, that even if the diplomatic knot were tied, a divorce would come anytime. In three months? A half year? But they don't care.

Their only purpose is to get the premier, whom President Chen favors, to win the Democratic Progressive Party primary and -- hopefully -- its nomination for 2008.

Or President Chen may declassify his "secret diplomacy" dossier and claim that part of a public fund under his control for the conduct of "affairs of state" was used to buy St. Lucia's recognition. Remember he was questioned on the fund from which his wife claimed a NT$14.8 million reimbursement? The first lady is now standing trial for corruption, and her husband, when questioned by the prosecution, insisted that he spent most of what she claimed and more on his "secret diplomacy." Prosecutors, however, were not fooled. They wanted proof. Chen has it now.

Vice President Annette Lu also knows the ins and outs of what's going on. She said she was "extremely saddened" by Premier Su's jumping the gun.

Well, there aren't many fools who can be fooled by a fool's diplomacy. That's just a little comfort Taiwan may take in this diplomatic farce being played out in the Caribbean.

Practically all of us know an addition of a country to Taiwan's club of diplomatic allies means next to nothing. Taipei maintains diplomatic relations with 24 countries. Is there any difference between 24 and 25?



(Courtesy of the China Post, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC)

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