The new administration which will be installed on May 20 must end what is commonly called a fool’s diplomacy that has been a serious drain on the national treasury.

Taiwan maintains diplomatic relations with 23 countries. It really does not matter if the number comes down to the teens or even lower. Remember that almost no countries in the world recognized Spain at one time? Soviet Russia was a diplomatic pariah shortly after its inception and all world powers tried to contain Communism within its doors.

A smaller membership in Taiwan’s diplomatic club does not practically affect its survival as a sovereign, independent state. Nor will it lessen the chances of Taiwan’s participation in international activities. Taiwan can never join the United Nations or its affiliated organizations with the support of these diplomatic allies. Even without it, Taiwan can play a role in the non-diplomatic arena of the world.

And there has been a subtle change in China’s hitherto harsh stand vis-a-vis Taiwan’s diplomatic sallies. Beijing, as well as Taipei, knows full well China can buy out all of our diplomatic allies. The Holy See is more than eager to switch recognition to Beijing, which does not deem it urgent to give any more concession to compel the Vatican to dump Taiwan. China has all the money to persuade the remaining 23 countries to switch sides, if it really so wishes. But China hasn’t done so. Why?

The answer is not too far to seek. For one thing, Beijing does not want to close Taipei’s club out of concern that the people of Taiwan would not tolerate a Taiwan totally isolated diplomatically.

Chinese leaders know the people take pride in the sovereignty of their homeland. There is no reason why China should hurt their pride, while Chinese leaders are convinced Taiwan will return to its fold sooner or later. In other words, Chinese reunification is on Beijing’s political backburner in a far corner. That does not mean Beijing will cease to oppose Taiwan’s admission to governmental organizations of the world.

It will continue its military buildup to try to threaten Taiwan into submission. But it will keep on strengthening trade, investment and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait to create a more favorable climate for unification of China.

To all intents and purposes, there exists a diplomatic truce between Taipei and Beijing. All Taipei has to do in the next four years is not to try to acquire any more diplomatic relationships by hook or by crook. If any ally wishes to desert, let it go. Taiwan will survive.

1|2

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 1000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos Respond to this email