Ryan Kaley
POLS 315
02/13/06
Taiwanese Foreign Relations
Section A and B
Since the forces of Chiang Kai-shek retreated to Taiwan along with millions of
refugees, the principle goal of the government and its foreign policy initiatives has been
to sustain the island against takeover attempts from the mainland. The first such initiative
was convincing the U.S. to intervene in the context of fighting the spread of communism
by neutralizing the Taiwan straights. This move temporarily assured Taiwan’s survival
because the Peoples Republic of China, weakened from Japanese occupation and the civil
war, was unable to reunify the country by force.
Over the next 55 years however the Chinese have increased their military and
economic strength substantially. They have reclaimed territories such as Hong Kong,
Macau, and have now only to annex Taiwan in order to reunify the country. Graphs 1 and
2 show that mainland China’s power index is projected to continue increasing
exponentially while Taiwan’s will remain relatively weak and inactive. As China’s power
dwarfs Taiwan’s and challenges the supremacy of western countries, it may become
emboldened to take more aggressive action in pursuit of its goals. Countries sympathetic
to Taiwan such as the United States may be less willing to confront China as their own
power index diminishes (Graph 3). Foreign policy priorities have also changed from
preventing the spread of communism to fighting the war on terrorism. In future scenarios,
the next “ism” may prove to be more important to some nations than assuring Taiwan’s
independence. Some allies may decide their limited resources and foreign policy efforts
would be more effectively used elsewhere. It therefore becomes increasingly important
for Taiwan’s security to revamp old alliances and create new ones.
Although Taiwan enjoys relative prosperity in the region as one of the “four tigers” of
Asia, it is nevertheless a small country with limited influence. It does not have the
necessary leverage to sway other nations and is therefore dependent on their internal
motivations. Its power index rating of 0.8 cannot compare to the PRC rating of 10.8.
Economic ties to a newly free-market driven China has also put Taiwan at a
disadvantage, as it sees more and more foreign firms moving to the mainland. This partly
explains the power shift shown in the three graphs, and has motivated Taiwan’s to gain
support and recognition from as many nations as possible.
To date, Taiwan has established full diplomatic relations with 28 countries and
operates 92 representative offices or branch offices in the capitals and major cities of
another 59 countries. Taiwan continues to enhance diplomatic ties or substantially
improve relations with other nations of the world primarily on the basis of mutual goals
and economic interests. In addition to the exchanges made possible by these missions
abroad, 48 countries which have not assumed formal diplomatic relations have
established 58 representative offices or visa issuing centers in Taiwan.
Most of Taiwan’s offices situated around the world carry out the functions of
embassies and consulates although they are instead called various names such as Taipei
Representative Office, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, or Trade Mission of the
Republic of China. * This masking of diplomatic activities is often necessary because of
intense pressure from China on other nations not to recognize Taiwan as a sovereign
state. China’s “diplomatic blockade” has limited Taiwan’s ability to participate in
political, economic, business, scientific, and cultural activities. It has therefore been a
primary goal of Taiwan’s foreign policy to strengthen ties with likeminded countries such
as the U.S. and Japan in order to maintain a balance of power. Efforts are concurrently
being made to coax China toward a more democratic form of government, relax hostile
diplomatic initiatives, and cease military deployments directly across the Taiwan Straits.
If these goals can be accomplished, some believe reunification with China may one day
occur. Until then Taiwan will pursue a foreign policy promoting greater freedom to
participate in bilateral agreements, humanitarian relief, scientific exchanges, promotion
of human rights, environmental protection, and maintenance of regional and global peace.
* http://english.www.gov.tw/Yearbook/index.jsp?categid=156
Section C
Taiwan’s primary foreign policy objective in the upcoming simulation will be to
gain independence from the Chinese mainland. Recognition as a sovereign state and full
diplomatic relations will also be sought from all countries involved.
The current policy carried out by the People’s Republic of China to isolate
Taiwan from the international community is not acceptable. It will be the position of
Taiwan’s administration that in order to normalize relations with China, it must first
proceed with democratic reform, cease hostile diplomatic initiatives, and remove military
deployments directly across the Taiwan Straits. Until China is willing to change its
policies, Taiwan will continue to strengthen ties with likeminded democratic countries in
order to maintain stability in the region.
Once China’s “diplomatic blockade” can be overcome, Taiwan intends to
continue negotiating bilateral agreements to the benefit of itself and other members of the
international community. These agreements would allow more opportunities scientific
exchanges, humanitarian relief, promotion of human rights, environmental protection,
and maintenance of regional and global peace.
Debra Vele
February 2, 2006
POLS 315 Essay 1
Part C
Taiwan Expenditure
The expenditure in Taiwan has constantly rise over the years. The expenditure in some
factors in improving the nation is greatly increased, however they all remain an important
element in surviving as a nation. One of the great stable growth of expenditure is
education, agricultural, etc. Somehow they all contribute to a higher rate of expenditure.
Taiwan GDP Growth Rate
Taiwan’s economy has rise in high rates over the years. Taiwan is a highly respected
trading partner of the U.S., Japan, Hong Kong, and several other European countries.
Taiwan is also a major investor in China, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and
Vietnam (www.geocites.com/apapadimos/Taiwan_Pages.htm#Foreign_relations). “For
the past 20 years, Taiwan has had one of the fastest growing and most dynamic
economies in the world. With over $80 billion US in foreign capital reserves, an average
growth rate of 7.8 percent between 1986 and 1996, and a per capita gross domestic
product (GDP) of $15,000, Taiwan has become a powerhouse in the global economy. Its
remarkable success comes after five decades of hard work and sound economic
management that have transformed Taiwan from an underdeveloped agricultural island to
a leading producer of high-technology goods (www.free-essays-freeessays.com/dbase/3a/euz280.shtml).”
After countless years of bad treatment and unfair challenges in many aspects of their
country by motherland China, Taiwan wants to go on their own. In other words or
specifically, to gain independence from China. The call for Taiwan’s independence has
rise tension between Taiwan and China. In 1999 President Lee Teng-hui redefined the
relationship between Taiwan and China as being that of ‘special state-to-state’ but does
not declare Taiwan an Independent nation (www.WUFI.org). In regards to the GDA
Model, our main goal is to become Independent. In that sense, we should be recognized
as an independent country rather that just a friendly or enemy state together with China.
However, Taiwan cannot predict whether they will become independent or not, but for
known reasons Taiwan is giving their very best to achieve their goal.
As a member of the World United Formosans Independence, we fully support the
call for Taiwan’s independence. The “ WUFI is dedicated to the establishment of a free,
democratic and independent Republic of Taiwan in accordance with the principle of self-
determination of peoples. We are committed to the fundamental freedoms and human
rights embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and we therefore
repudiate all forms of foreign domination and intervention that run counter to the
interests of the 23 million Taiwanese people (www.WUFI.org).” We believe it is a long
road to success and no doubt will we encounter obstacles, however we believe what is
rightfully belong to the people of Taiwan, Taiwanese.
In looking at some aspects of the Taiwan government and country as a whole,
they are most likely to succeed without China’s help. This is been proven by the fact that
Taiwan is a major investor in other parts of the world and is also a trading partners with
several other countries (www.google.com). Taiwan is under no condition of planning a
regional war with China in the meantime. However, we can predict that there might be a
war between the two countries because China is expanding and is hoping to reunite
Taiwan peacefully but with force (www.seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion). “China is also
doing everything it can to stop Taiwan from gaining international recognition or even
participating in international forums and organizations. For example, despite the need for
all Asian nations to work together to combat avian flu, China has blocked Taiwan's
efforts to join the World Health Organization (www.seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion).”
In terms of economic, Taiwan cannot beat China. That also does not stop Taiwan
from achieving their goal, but Taiwan must be considerate of that fact. Taiwan’s
economy can either fail or succeed in general, which is the only frustration in obtaining
such a hard goal, is facing the consequences especially the unexpected and bad ones. To
look at Taiwan’s economy, we should be positive that it will rise to a greater amount in
order to provide for itself if declare an independent nation.
The issue of Taiwan independency has been very contradictory especially
regarding their relationship with China. According to a commentary made by Tkacik, “
since China claims that independence for Taiwan would lead to war, therefore anything
Taiwan does to assert the legitimacy of its democratic system against China's assaults is
seen as a crisis. It's just too complicated to confront China, so why not beat up on Taiwan
instead ( Taiwan’s Independent Streak).” However, this has not stop Taiwan in achieving
their goal for independency. Taiwan has taken steps under their capabilities to be called
and be an independent state rather than a China province or territory.
First, Taiwan has look into strengthening their relations with allies and also their
trading partners in order for support in development of any kind in their country or
government. Taiwan is willing to support and promise that they will do their best to make
contributions to the economic and social development of its allies ( “President Pledges”).
In hope of this promise and goal, Taiwan’s allies will do the same for them in return. For
instance, some of these countries will back up and support Taiwan in declaration of their
support and recognition in international organizations. In terms of economy, Taiwan will
work in perhaps increasing a little percentage of their exports (or can be any other
economic services) so there economy would increase to a bit higher than previous years.
In relation to economic subjects, Taiwan has also work in extremely good relations with
the EU strengthening their trading ties.
Overall, Taiwan is progressing extremely well in terms of economic, social, and
political. Although China opposes some of their political and social acts in many ways,
Taiwan have no intentions of doing anything bad to China. Somehow, Taiwan focuses
more on its development alone rather than worrying of any of China’s acts towards
Taiwan in any way. For as much as Taiwan is concern, they are further strengthening ties
with their allies and hope to see a new Taiwan in the near future, an organized and
independent state of Taiwan.
________________________________________________________________________
Zach Ryan
CMO
The Power index of Taiwan is important to recognize especially when it comes to the
country’s future. A sudden drop within the next few years is followed by a projected
steady increase for the next thirty. Although this increase may seem miniscule to other
nations in the simulation it is important to note that Taiwan faces a potential boom within
the next few years. This increase in the power index can be due to rises in the nation’s
GDP which means more funds available for military spending. This economic boom also
may lead to better living conditions that can attribute to a population boom that may
seriously boost military
numbers
.
The steady projected rise in Taiwan’s GDP leads to increased spending in all areas.
The projected population rise for Taiwan can only help this country. Over the next few
years this increase will cause increased production for this nation. This increase in
production may lead to increased spending and the ability to build up its armed forces.
The objectives of Taiwan’s armed forces are to protect the nation’s territory and
its people. At this time the most direct threat to national security is Beijing’s refusal to
abandon the use of military force against Taiwan. In 2005 China passed its “anti
separation law” in order to adopt military force to “coerce” Taiwan into submission
(GIO). Taiwan’s March 2005 election included a “defense referendum” which has been
urged by the executive Yuan. The two referenda that faced voters was the purchase of
anti-missile systems, and whether a peace framework for addressing cross straight
differences should be adopted. Both referenda failed to achieve the required over 50%
support from voters (Dept. of State).
The aims of Taiwan’s national defense can be summed up by its constitution that states:
“Article 137. The national defense of the Republic of China shall have as its objective the
safeguarding of national security and the preservation of world peace.
The organization of national defense shall be prescribed by law.
Article 138. The land, sea, and air forces of the whole country shall be above personal,
regional, and party affiliations; shall be loyal to the state; and shall protect the people.
The ROC National Defense Act 國防法 states in Article 2: The goal of the ROC's national
defense is to protect national security and safeguard world peace through display of national
strength as a whole and building of a national defense military force” (GIO).
Taiwan’s armed forces weapons are obtained primarily from the US, although some ties
have been made with other western nations. It is Taiwan’s goal to stress military self
reliance. Taiwan adheres to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has stated that it
does not intend to produce nuclear weapons (Dept. of State).
-
Taiwan’s objective is to protect the nation’s territory and its people.
-
-
To obtain capabilities in missile defense and anti-submarine warfare to remedy
vulnerabilities in countering the P.R.C.'s accelerated military modernization
(Dept. of State).
Will respond to terrorism and other contingencies.
http://www.gio.gov.tw/taiwan-website/5-gp/yearbook/p104.html#1
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35855.htm
(GIO)
(Dept. of State)
Dawn Egusa
Political Science 315
Professor Richard W. Chadwick
21 February 2006
Taiwan’s Economy
Economically, Taiwan is doing very well. “Through nearly five decades of
hard work and sound economic management, Taiwan has transformed itself from
an underdeveloped, agricultural island to an economic power that is a leading
producer of high-technology goods” (Wikipedia). Taiwan’s 2005 GNP was $328
billion. A member of the World Trade Organization, Taiwan keeps its economy
strong through foreign trade. Its main export partners are China, including Hong
Kong, 37%; the United States, 15.3%; and Japan, 7.7%. Taiwan’s exports are
made up mainly of electronics, computers, textiles, frozen pork, fish, aquaculture
and sea products, canned and frozen vegetables, and grain products. Its main
import partners are Japan, 26%; the United States, 12%; China, including Hong
Kong, 12%; and South Korea, 7%. Imports are made up mainly of raw materials,
energy suppliers, wheat, corn, and soybeans, the last three of which come
mostly from the United States. Additionally, agriculture imports are expected to
increase. Although no longer very strong in agriculture production, Taiwan’s
main crops are rice, sugar cane, fruit, and vegetables.
The following are some graphs predicting certain aspects of Taiwan’s
future. First is a graph of exports:
Next is a graph of agricultural imports:
And the last graph shows private consumption in billions of dollars:
Thus, from these graphs we are able to tell that private consumption goes
up a lot. This means that Taiwan’s people will become wealthier so that they will
be spending more money. This is a good sign for Taiwan’s economy. Although
exports don’t have as big an increase as in the private consumption graph, there
is still an increase. This is also a good thing for Taiwan because other countries
will continue to trade with Taiwan and supplement their economy. As for the
agricultural imports, this graph is a little hard to read. Perhaps we start producing
more of our own agriculture and therefore don’t need to import as much.
Thus, for the simulation, Taiwan should establish relations with Japan, the
United
States, China, and South Korea. However, Taiwan “depends on an open world
trade regime and remains vulnerable to downturns in the world economy” (Travel
Document Systems). Without trade, Taiwan’s economy would be very poor.
Taiwan is going to remain in the World Trade Organization and perhaps establish
additional trade laws to help our country flourish. Taiwan should also work to
become a little more independent and a little less dependent on other countries.
According to Wikipedia, “Meat production and consumption are rising sharply,
reflecting a rising standard of living.” Therefore, perhaps with a wealthier
population, Taiwan can produce goods and services that their own people will
start to purchase and they will become more self-sufficient, rather than being so
reliant on other countries. Taiwan also must make sure to keep up with the rising
standards of production. For example, currently India is very efficient in
producing goods. Since Taiwan does not plan to outsource its labor, it must
make sure to keep up with the best technology so that they may still compete
with labor-intensive countries such as India.
Works Cited
Wikipedia. “Economy of Taiwan.”
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Taiwan>
The World Factbook.
<http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/print/tw.html>
Travel Document Systems. <http://www.traveldocs.com/tw/economy.htm>
.