Want China Times
Editorial
Date: 2015-04-14

In his new book Reflection High in the Cloud, Chu Yun-han of Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s

Representatives from 21 countries sign an MOU on the establishment of the AIIB at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Oct. 24, 2014. (File photo/CNS)

foremost research institution, points to the critical importance for Taiwan in coping with the burgeoning non-Western world headed by China, which has eclipsed the global order dominated by Western nations. The viewpoint highlights the urgent need for Taiwan to discard a number of old concepts and take action, including participation in the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

For the sake of Taiwan’s development, membership of the AIIB will bring benefits that outweigh potential side effects by far. The AIIB will become a vital platform funding the economic development of Asia and membership for Taiwan, even though founding membership now seems impossible, will increase the country’s international visibility and clout, paving the way for it to take part in other international economic bodies. In addition, AIIB membership will facilitate Taiwan’s effort to join the integration of the Asian economy, which may become a key growth driver of the global economy.     [FULL  STORY]