A “Flexible Diplomacy” to Link Up with the World

Press Release

Ma Ying-jeou Office
Nov. 20th, 2007

Ma Ying-jeou, KMT Presidential candidate, issues his foreign policy paper in a press conference today. Its full text follows:

A “Flexible Diplomacy” to Link Up with the World

I. Preface

Long-term high-handed tactics by the mainland authorities plus eight years of the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) "scorched earth diplomacy" have left Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, utterly isolated within the international community. The Kuomintang (KMT) champions the adoption of a dignified, pragmatic, and responsive “Flexible Diplomacy” that will blaze a new trail for the Republic of China internationally.

II. Diplomatic Conundrum Created by the DPP

Mainland high-handed tactics in obstructing the Republic of China's (ROC) diplomacy has been a constant for decades. It is an “old” predicament. But over the past eight years, DPP misrule has created a “new” conundrum for Taiwan. Taiwan now has fewer and fewer international friends, wins less and less sympathy, and has become more and more marginalized than before.

The reasons for this are:

-- Amateurism: The DPP regime has no respect for diplomatic professionalism. It mistrusts career diplomats with years of hard-earned experience. Its foreign policy is formed exclusively by Dark Green ideological considerations. Its foreign relations are determined exclusively by domestic election considerations.

-- Brinkmanship: The DPP regime's impetuous, rash, and confrontational diplomacy has frittered away the last remnants of goodwill other nations might have once felt toward the ROC.

-- Capriciousness: The DPP regime's foreign policy is entirely subservient to domestic political or election concerns. It has obliterated Taiwan's international credibility.

-- Dogmatism: The DPP regime is pursuing “de jure independence.” The result has been no improvement whatsoever in Taiwan's international standing. On the contrary, Taiwan has been demoted from "Model Democracy" and "Economic Miracle" to "International Troublemaker."

III. Principles of Flexible Diplomacy

If Ma Ying-jeou and Vincent Siew are elected, we will blaze our diplomatic trail in accordance with the following principles:

-- Defending Sovereignty: We will increase contact with nations with whom we lack formal relations, and attempt to establish formal diplomatic ties. We will defend the Republic of China's national flag, national title, national anthem, and other symbols of sovereignty on the international stage.

-- Economic Strength: In an era of globalization, diplomacy and economics are inseparable. Economics can help promote diplomacy; diplomacy can help defend economic interests. We must learn to make wise use of our economic influence to expand our foreign relations.

-- Flexibility and Pragmatism: As long as membership in international organizations is in Taiwan's interests, the name we use is flexible. In other words, we don't rule out the use of "Republic of China," "Taiwan," or other names consistent with our interests.

-- Equality and Dignity: Participation in the activities of international organizations can be under various names, provided we are accorded dignity, equality, and reciprocity.

IV. A Modus Vivendi

We must think creatively in order to establish new relations with the outside world. If Ma and Siew are elected, we will put an end to pointless "scorched earth diplomacy." On the premise of dignity and common interest, on the foundation of the "1992 Consensus," and under the circumstances of mutual non-denial, we can begin pragmatic negotiations with the other side of the Taiwan Strait in search of a mutually beneficial equilibrium, i.e., a modus vivendi. Future bilateral foreign relations or participation in international organizations need no longer lead to confrontation between the two sides of the Strait and the squandering of resources. Each side will contribute what it can to the world community. Such a win/win/win approach benefits both sides of the Taiwan Strait and is favored by the world community.

V. Expand Bilateral Foreign Relations

1. Strengthen Relations with Allied Nations via Reciprocal and Mutually Beneficial Arrangements

Most of our allies are developing countries. We must do more for them. We must provide pertinent assistance to them in order to establish mutually beneficial relationships. Under the modus vivendi, we do not oppose our allies developing relations with other states or regions, provided the process does not harm the interests of the ROC.

2. Rebuild Trust between Taipei and Washington, Consolidate Bilateral Relations

The US has long been the Republic of China's most important ally. The Bush administration has been the friendliest US administration to Taiwan in recent history. After the DPP took office, mutual trust between Taipei and Washington diminished sharply. If Ma and Siew are elected, the first thing to do is to restore mutual trust. On the one hand, we will urge the US to continue to abide by the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. On the other, as responsible stakeholders, we are determined to bear the responsibilities of our own defense, and to procure necessary defensive equipment.

We will open up cross-Straits direct maritime and air transportation links, allowing Taiwan to become the springboard to the Chinese mainland for US and other multinational businesses. We will enhance communication with the US on such issues as non-tariff barriers, intellectual property rights, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, government procurement and investments. We hope to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with the US.

3. Support the US-Japan Security Treaty, Improve Taiwan-Japan Relations

Taiwan and Japan have long enjoyed close and amicable relations. Japan is an economically prosperous, politically democratic, and socially advanced country. Over the past two decades both Taiwan and Japan's political and economic environments have undergone huge changes. A new generation of political figures has debuted. Taiwan-Japan relations require wide-ranging, in-depth exchanges and networking among peoples of various circles, so as to enhance understanding and improve bilateral relations.

We support the US-Japan Security Treaty as an important mechanism for East Asian security. Taiwan should establish strategic business alliances with Japan, and together develop the mainland Chinese market. We hope to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Japan at an early date. We will adopt an objective, rational, and pragmatic attitude in discussing controversial issues between Taiwan and Japan, while safeguarding our sovereignty.

4. Love Thy Neighbor, Expand Asian Pacific Relations

As a member of the Asian Pacific region, we are eager to participate in the region's economic integration. We applaud and value ASEAN's achievements since its inception. We hope to sign separate Free Trade Agreements with its members, eventually achieving the goal of linking up fully with "ASEAN 10 + 3." We welcome peace on the Korean Peninsula and the development of stable relations between Taiwan and Korea. We also welcome Australia, New Zealand, Russia, India and Canada's new orientation toward Asia. We look forward to increasing bilateral and multi-level ties of cooperation with these countries.

5. Learn More about the European Union (EU)'s Achievements, Deepen EU Relations

We must actively strengthen bilateral relations with European countries. We must increase our exchanges with the EU and the European Parliament. We will strive to seek friendly measures by the European Commission and the European Parliament. We will provide European businesses with better investment opportunities in Taiwan, and encourage and assist more Taiwan businesses to invest and operate in Europe. We will provide scholarships for youths studying in Europe, and European youths studying in Taiwan. We will establish a "European Information Center" to enhance contact with European missions and personnel stationed in Taiwan.

VI. Join in International Organizations

1. Promote our Return to the United Nations

The Republic of China is a founding member of the United Nations. After losing representation in the United Nations, the Republic of China continued its struggle in the world community. In 1993, the KMT government started our "Back to the UN" movement. We are currently promoting our "Return to the UN Referendum," which is only a part of KMT’s long-term efforts. We realize that returning to the UN will be no easy matter, but constant effort should be a necessary ingredient for success.

2. Focus on Three Functional Organizations

Taiwan should not be marginalized in the globalized world. If Ma and Siew receive a popular mandate in 2008, we will first seek a return to the World Bank (IBRD), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Health Organization (WHO). We will also actively pursue a role in those specialized agencies of the UN and other functional international organizations that are pertinent to Taiwan’s economic development. In doing so, we will first seek observer status, then membership status. The name to be used would be flexible as long as we are accorded dignity.

VII. Maximize Taiwan's Soft Power

Taiwan's geographical location, cultural tradition, democratic institutions, free economy, open society, warm hospitality, multitude of highly active Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), and home-loving expatriates throughout the world are all important sources of our soft power. Once Ma and Siew assume office, we will make good use of these resources, injecting life into our “Flexible Diplomacy”. We will also adopt an "any man's death diminishes me" outlook and provide humanitarian assistance to nations and peoples in distress.



VIII. Conclusions

Taiwan's diplomacy must be predicated upon the principles of dignity, pragmatism, and flexibility, so that we may fulfill our responsibilities as citizens of the world. We hope that the world community will appreciate Taiwan's economic development and democratic achievements, and give Taiwan an opportunity to join like-minded countries with shared interest in creating a peaceful and prosperous world.

If Ma and Siew assume office in 2008, we promise to put an end to "scorched earth diplomacy," changing it to a “Flexible Diplomacy” that will blaze a new trail for Taiwan. We are convinced we can create a win/win/win situation in which both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the world community can coexist and prosper.

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