Ma: Flexible Diplomacy Demonstrates Soft Power, Wins Respect

Ma: Flexible Diplomacy Demonstrates Soft Power, Wins Respect

Source: KMT Cultural and Communications Committee

August 29, 2013

President Ma Ying-jeou, who doubles as KMT Chairman, yesterday stated that the policy of flexible diplomacy was on the right track over the past five years, which had given our diplomatic allies a positive impression, proving that Taiwan's soft power was substantial.

The KMT Central Standing Committee yesterday heard a special report by Foreign Minister David Y. L. Lin, at its weekly meeting, on President Ma’s recent state visits to five diplomatic allies of the Republic of China. After the report, Chairman Ma stressed that the government would continue to implement foreign aid programs based on the principles of “seeking proper goals,” “lawful procedure,” and “effective administration” in the belief that the ROC would win the respect of the international community.

Chairman Ma noted that Haiti had suffered from the worst earthquake in its history three years ago, and in response the ROC government had provided about NT$ 400 million in aid for reconstruction projects. Ma noted that some in Taiwan had criticized the generous aid, but he insisted that it was our obligation to assist our diplomatic allies.

Chairman Ma stated that when he talked to US officials during his transit in New York, the US side had expressed their concerns over three issues: (1) Cross-Strait relations; (2) The Taiwan-Japan fisheries agreement, and (3) Fishing disputes between Taiwan and the Philippines. Ma explained that from the US point of view, since Japan and the Philippines were both US allies, the US definitely hoped that the respective disputes between these two countries and Taiwan could be resolved as soon as possible.

Chairman Ma stressed that his state visits to the five diplomatic allies had been extremely successful. He said that even though these countries were not big, they always spoke up for the ROC, greatly helping us in the international community.

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