Foreign Minister David Y. L. Lin appeared on the Executive Yuan's "Open Mic" webcast tonight to explain Taiwan's current diplomatic situation and future goals, and to share the outcomes of President Ma Ying-jeou's state visit to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Nicaragua.
During the trip, which took place in July, the president met with leaders of the three diplomatic allies to see progress on recent bilateral cooperative projects, and he transited through the United States. The visit not only raised Taiwan's visibility but also demonstrated its determination to take part in international activities, Lin told webcast host and Executive Yuan Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun.
As for citizens traveling abroad, ROC passport holders now enjoy visa-free or landing visa privileges in 142 countries and territories worldwide, the foreign minister continued. ROC passports were recently ranked 28th in the Passport Index created by financial advisory firm Arton Capital, indicating a relatively high level of travel freedom.
Asked by a viewer how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) helps Taiwanese youths reach out to the world, Lin said his ministry offers a wealth of information to enhance young people's understanding of international affairs. The MOFA also organizes a series of life experience programs such as the Teen Diplomat Envoys Program, which sends senior high school students abroad to interact with their foreign peers; the Youth Ambassadors Program, which sponsors cultural, technological and artistic exchanges between college students in Taiwan and other countries; and the Working Holiday Program, which allows young Taiwanese to work while vacationing in 13 countries.
Minister Lin also talked about the East China Sea Peace Initiative, the South China Sea Peace Initiative, and the island's future role in related issues. Taiwan is closely connected with the two seas and therefore must create a peaceful environment for its own survival and development. The nation aspires to be a peacemaker and contribute to stability in the region. By proposing the peace initiatives, Taiwan hopes that all parties involved in maritime controversies in the two seas can shelve their disputes and tackle common regional issues through dialogue, consultation and peaceful cooperation.
Lin pointed out that the East China Peace Initiative laid the foundation for the signing of a fisheries agreement between the ROC and Japan in April 2013. The agreement protects the rights of fishermen from both sides and helps maintain economic harmony in the region. Based on the success of this model, Taiwan this year proposed the South China Sea Peace Initiative, which has also been welcomed and supported by the European Union and the United States.
As for fisheries disputes between Taiwan and the Philippines, the minister said the two countries have held three meetings on maritime law enforcement and reached consensus on several issues, namely to refrain from the use of unnecessary force or violence when patrolling fishing zones, to establish an emergency notification system for fishery incidents, and to release detained fishing vessels and their crews as soon as possible. Both sides are looking to sign a formal agreement encompassing these resolutions.
In cross-strait relations, Lin said President Ma has been advocating a "viable diplomacy" approach to warm ties with mainland China while expanding the ROC's international space. In addition to the mainland, ROC relations with other countries and allies are equally important. As a trade-driven economy, Taiwan must create a peaceful environment that allows its foreign relations to grow fruitfully.
Responding to a viewer's question of whether Taiwan still engages in dollar diplomacy, Lin said that the government has in fact been able to reduce foreign diplomacy budgets each year thanks to viable diplomacy. When extending foreign aid and promoting cooperation projects, the MOFA follows three principles outlined by the president—that the purposes must be legitimate, the process lawful, and the implementation effective.
Taiwan's cooperation with other countries runs the range from traditional agriculture, fisheries and handicraft to solar power, medicine and education. These efforts demonstrate the great value Taiwan attaches to its allies and will hopefully assist with their continued development, Lin added.
The full webcast of this evening's program is available to viewers on the Executive Yuan's YouTube channel at https://goo.gl/zGIKM5.