“As a fully fledged democracy, Taiwan is committed to meeting its obligations as a responsible member of the international community,” Lin said. “Viable diplomacy, along with adhering to international law and safeguarding national sovereignty, is a cornerstone of this approach.”
Lin made the remarks at a one-day Taipei City forum on Taiwan’s domestic and external policy environment in 2015. The event was organized by Association of Foreign Relations, U.S. think tank Brookings Institution’s Center for East Asia Policy Studies and Taipei Forum.
According to Lin, viable diplomacy was proposed as a way of expanding Taiwan’s international space by President Ma Ying-jeou when he took office in May 2008. “By implementing this innovative approach, the nation is chalking up significant headway on the domestic and international fronts,” he said.
“The most obvious comes in the shape of visa waivers,” the minister said, adding that 140 countries and territories offer ROC nationals visa-free travel, up from 54 six years ago.
Another indicator is Taiwan’s expanded participation in international organizations. “The country now enjoys formal membership in 34 international organizations and observer or other status in 21 others, including the World Health Assembly and International Civil Aviation Organization,” Lin said.
According to the minister, viable diplomacy has also removed obstacles preventing the country from cooperating more effectively with its diplomatic allies and trading partners.
“In recent years, Taiwan signed bilateral investment agreements with various economies: Japan in September 2011 and New Zealand and Singapore in July and November 2013, respectively,” he said. “The possibility of reaching economic cooperation agreements with India, Indonesia and the Philippines has also opened up.”
Such momentum is adding luster to Taiwan’s credentials as an ardent free-trader and improving its chances of commencing similar negotiations with the EU and U.S., Lin said. These are key precursors to joining more expansive and potential-laden undertakings, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, he added.
The minister said cross-strait relations have also played a part in this healthy state of affairs. “By engaging with mainland China on the basis of the 1992 consensus and principles of no unification, no independence and no use of force, the government has helped create peace and stability across the strait for the benefit of the people of both sides.
“Under the guidelines of equality, respect and reciprocity, Taipei and Beijing have signed 21 cross-strait agreements and reached two points of consensus, raising cross-strait relations to their best level in 65 years.”
Much in the same vein as viable diplomacy, the East China Sea Peace Initiative proposed in August 2012 by Ma has added new vigor to Taiwan’s efforts at promoting peace, prosperity and stability in East Asia, Lin said.
“Since then, Taiwan has signed landmark fisheries agreements with Japan and the Philippines, respectively, bringing peaceful resolution to decades of maritime disputes in the region.”
Ma winning the prestigious Eisenhower Medallion in September underscores his wide-ranging efforts in promoting regional collaboration instead of confrontation, the minister said. “It also illustrates global recognition of Taiwan’s peaceful approach to international affairs, which will continue as a key plank in the country’s development.
“Through cooperative contribution, Taiwan acts globally as a peacemaker, provider of humanitarian aid, promoter of cultural exchange, creator of new technology and possibility and standard-bearer of Chinese culture, Lin said. “We trust Taiwan will continue receiving the support of the international community in its pursuit of viable diplomacy.” (YHC-JSM)
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