People's Diplomacy

As introduced by the Yearbook of the Republic of China:

The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign state with a population of 23 million and a defined territory consisting of the islands of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, and several islets. Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have been governed separately, with neither subject to the other's rule.

Taiwan maintains its own national defense and conducts its own independent foreign policy, including full diplomatic relations with 26 countries and substantive ties with more than 140 others. Its democratically elected government represents the 23 million people of Taiwan, and no other government in the world can legitimately claim to represent them or speak on their behalf.

In a world that places ever more value on democracy and human rights, the continuing consolidation of Taiwan's democracy inevitably earns it greater support from citizens and policymakers throughout the international community. Moreover, it reinforces the fact that recognition of the international and legal status of Taiwan is entirely in accord with the principles, obligations, and values professed in the United Nations Charter. This fundamental truth is buttressed by Taiwanese public opinion, which overwhelmingly supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations. In response to this democratic aspiration, the government of Taiwan continues to strive to expand such participation, and also encourages the active involvement of individuals and domestic NGOs in international forums and UN-sponsored activities.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in the United States and the ensuing war on terrorism have had a massive impact on the international order; however, the values of democracy and international cooperation have only been strengthened. These events have also highlighted the rapid acceleration of interdependence, and how events in one country can affect the whole global village. As a result, foreign relations are increasingly characterized by the development of multilateral institutions dedicated to economic development, peace and security, and democracy and human rights.

Clearly, the exclusion of any single nation from these mechanisms severely compromises their integrity and effectiveness. Taiwan, one of the world's largest economies and trading nations, could work much more effectively to help deal with issues ranging from the provision of international aid to the conservation of endangered species if it were a signatory to relevant international conventions and were invited to attend multilateral fora within the United Nations and other frameworks.

People's Diplomacy

Since taking office, President Chen Shui-bian has placed particular emphasis on "people's diplomacy." This concept includes the engagement of the whole of the Taiwanese people with the peoples of other countries in transnational or intersocietal networks, as opposed to merely interstate ones. It also implies the democratization of foreign policy making, including the principles of accountability and transparency, bringing the public more fully into the process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has launched a series of measures to put these principles into practice. It has initiated a program of ambassadors-at-large that currently involves ten prominent figures from Taiwan's civil society, including NGO and business leaders, each responsible for promoting linkages with the international community in their respective fields. The MOFA's Foreign Affairs Association has organized and sponsors a regular series of lectures and seminars to promote public interest in and awareness of international affairs. In order to encourage more Taiwanese young people to participate in development work overseas, the alternative military service program has been expanded to allow conscripts to volunteer for work in technical missions overseas; 37 young men were successfully trained and deployed in 2001, the first year of the program, 35 in 2002, and 41 in 2003.

The universal values of human rights and democracy have also become core national values and a new focal point for Taiwan's diplomacy. President Chen has committed the government to moving towards full integration of Taiwan in the international human rights system spearheaded by the United Nations, including ratification of both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Taiwan has also become an active participant in international democracy assistance. In June 2003, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) was established with public funding in order to consolidate Taiwan's democratic system, promote democratic development in Asia, and participate in the global democratic network.