The China Post > Editorial > "Who are Taiwan's allies?

Editorial: "Who are Taiwan's allies?

2005/2/7

China's rise to being a great economic power has served notice on Taiwan that it can no longer outspend Beijing in the contest to secure "allies" in the great international diplomatic game.

Some "allies" are attracted to Taiwan by what is called "cupboard love" -- what's in the cupboard for them, not what's in the heart. When someone else's cupboard is looking better stocked, the ally will move the better stocked cupboard. It is no accident that cupboard love rules, because Taiwan's allies tend to be small and poor. Grenada is one case of cupboard love. The case of Vanuatu shows that Taiwan can be outspent and out maneuvered by Beijing, even though the situation there remains uncertain.

One ally tied to Taiwan by more than cupboard love is the Vatican. The Vatican knows that Taiwan has a proud tradition of religious freedom, while the mainland Communists oppress all movements they can't control. Until Beijing comes to some agreement with the Vatican about the freedom to worship and the freedom to appoint bishops and other church officials, the Vatican will recognize Taiwan.

This gives Taiwan a clue about way to go. Expect defeats in the diplomatic small fry, but cultivate relationships with those who have a free and open society in common with Taiwan. Some, such as Australia, will be under pressure from Taiwan's major real ally the United States, to come to Taiwan's aid in the event of war. These are the sorts of countries Taiwan should cultivate, not the mendicants.

Many of the current allies appreciate Taiwan for its good points -- a free, prosperous and democratic society, but in the long run, Taiwan should cultivate those with genuine community of interests - those who wish to see peace in the Asian region and want to see Taiwan prosper - those are the sort of allies Taiwan really needs. With appropriate cultivation, they might be expected to support Taiwan in cases where Taiwan has a good case -- for example, for entry into the World Health Organization. Then it would be not just a case of walking in with the U.S. and saying "I'm with him," like a gatecrasher at a party.

Less face may be involved in being a "representative" rather than an "ambassador" but Taiwan should spread its message wider than just among the allies. Taiwan's fight for international breathing space is commendable, but it needs to tell its story to a wider audience.