The China Post
Date: November 7, 2016
By: Stephanie Chao
TAIPEI, Taiwan — The Tsai Ing-wen administration has quickened its pace significantly over the “New
In a photo dated Oct. 14, Thais mourn as they wait to pay their final respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the grounds outside the Grand Palace during a royal procession led by son and heir apparent, crown prince Vajiralongkorn in Bangkok, Thailand. Bhumibol, the world’s longest reigning monarch, died last month at age 88. (AP)
Southbound Policy,” with more and more news emerging on the activities it is undertaking to pivot from mainland China to ASEAN.
Negotiation parties have headed to countries in the region, notably Indonesia. In the Philippines, ministry-level economic dialogue opened for the first time in four years.
These moves come after months of a “wait and see” attitude among critics, with some observers seeing the government’s promise of a pivot to Southeast Asia as a check destined to bounce.
Despite recent encouraging signs, there are clear hurdles ahead for Tsai’s “New Southbound Policy” that have the potential to derail even the most meticulously planned programs.
As we look toward the ASEAN region for more mutually beneficial opportunities for bilateral cooperation, it behooves us to be aware of inconsistencies in Taiwan’s policymaking and the limits in our understanding of our neighbors, who we hope to deepen relations with. [FULL STORY]
