Taiwan Foreign Affairs Strategy in the Early 21st Century

In the 21st century, the international community witnessed major changes: the first is the era of globalization, which has gradually been replacing confrontation cooperation. Second, the global economy has slowly shifted to Asia. The rise of Asia has become a new impetus for international growth.
Facing the new trend of international development, Taiwan has been seeking a breakthrough to improve relations with China, to re-join the Asia-Pacific and global economic integration. Then through the "Flexible Diplomacy," Taiwan to pursue a meaningful international participation and strengthen ties with friendly countries and actively contribute to the international community.
Taiwan's natural resources are very limited. Over the past 60 years to build a democracy, Taiwan is now four economic power in Asia east, the 16th largest importer and exporter of the 17th world. Taiwan is the largest direct foreign investor in east Asia after Japan and gave much aid to developing countries and regions.
Relations with China
Since President Ma Ying-jeou came to power in 2008, Taiwan has left the Cold War mentality by actively encouraging "cross-strait reconciliation." Taiwan considers China as the main driving force of Asia's economic revival. Under that policy, currently the two sides signed 15 agreements of cooperation exchanges.
After realizing the direct cross-strait relations, Taiwan to open doors to mainland Chinese tourists, in June 2010 signed the "Agreement of Economic Cooperation Framework" (ECFA) between the two parties. The agreement, in addition to lowering tariffs and opening trade products services on both sides as well as protection of intellectual property rights, also runs a mutually beneficial relationship.
In addition to Taiwan's economic growth in 2010 reached 10.82%, foreign travelers who visited Taiwan reached 5.56juta people. In addition to encouraging prosperity in the country, the first quarter of 2011, Taiwanese exports to Mainland China increased 14% compared to same period last year, reaching more than 30 billion U.S. dollars.
Agricultural products exported to mainland China also grew 15-fold, from 2 million dollars in the first quarter of 2010 to 33 million U.S. dollars in the same period. The first quarter of this year, Taiwan's trade with ASEAN grew by 30%.
International Institute for Management Lausanne Switzerland in May 2011 announced the ranking of world competitiveness report, Taiwan ranked eighth last year from rising to the rank of 6, proving the improved cross-strait relations and Taiwan's foreign trade profitable overall.
In addition, cross-strait reconciliation will also help strengthen Taiwan's foreign relations, especially with the policy of "flexible diplomacy" adopted President Ma. Both sides have to stop the diplomatic battle, gradually forming a good circle.
This year, "the World Health Organization" (WHO) for the third time to invite Taiwan to attend the meeting "The World Health Assembly" (WHA) as observer countries. Of the 53 countries that provide free visas for Taiwan tourists until this year has been to 113 countries, and the number of countries having diplomatic relations remain much as 23, this is proof.
Humanitarian Aid
In addition to the development of pragmatic relations with all countries in recent years, Taiwan is actively participating in international humanitarian assistance. With concrete actions to contribute to the international community, for example, March 11 this year, the Japanese earthquake that triggered the tsunami disaster and nuclear, Taiwan once again plays the role of the spirit of "helping a fellow human being."
Besides immediately sent search and rescue teams participating in rescue activities, the people of Taiwan to contribute as much as 16 billion yen of humanity, the world's highest contributor to the country. Last year an ally of Taiwan, Haiti, hit by the earthquake, teams of volunteers Taiwan is one of the first international rescue teams arrived in the disaster area, had the honor of the international community.
Under the guidance of the policy of President Ma, Taiwan has become a trusted partner for a regional peacemaker and the international community, gain the trust of all countries.
The future, we will continue to promote reconciliation policies, and actively participate in international activities, using the power of cumulative economic development, contribute to the international community. This strategy is a wise choice for future development, under a solid foundation to build peace and international prosperity.

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