LIBERATION: Instead of pursuing traditional allies, the nation should emphasize persistence, as when it campaigned for readmission into the UN, former officials said

Taipei Times
Date: Mar 05, 2018
By: Lu Yi-hsuan and Jonathan Chin  /  Staff reporter, with staff writer

Following the Cabinet reshuffle late last month of national security, defense and foreign affairs positions, retired diplomats yesterday called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to exercise persistence and imagination at a time of diplomatic challenges.

China is campaigning to exclude Taiwan from participation in international organizations, raising fears that Taiwan could be barred from events and organizations this year, such as the World Health Assembly, Interpol and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Beijing has also been systematically targeting Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and forcing Taiwanese trade groups to be subsumed by their Chinese counterparts.

Rumors that the Vatican is on the verge of extending diplomatic recognition to China in exchange for severing ties with Taiwan has also caused alarm within the Taiwanese diplomatic establishment and media.    [FULL  STORY]