Faced with China’s “sharp power,” it’s time to redefine the interaction model between Taiwan and international society.

The Diplomat
Date: November 05, 2019
By: Chih-Wei Chen

Credit: Official Photo by Makoto Lin / Office of the President

China’s “sharp power” has increased significantly in recent years, challenging both the regional and international orders by influencing economies and threatening the national security of democratic countries.  This has given rise to both anxieties and vigilance throughout international society. As China’s neighbor, Taiwan stands on the front lines of confrontation with this sharp power. Taiwan suffers intensified pressures daily. Under such circumstances, what could Taiwan do to safeguard the common values of liberty and democracy as well as to respond to national and international changes unseen in decades?

The people of Taiwan have for decades enjoyed a free and democratic way of life, which was forged through the sustained efforts and enormous contributions of numerous democratic pioneers. However, changes in the political environment and economic development, as well as differing mindsets between generations and social groups in Taiwan, together with increasingly severe regional and international situations, all have made it critical to promote transformation in Taiwan.

In response to the current national, regional, and international situation, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the current governing party in Taiwan, embraced a democratic approach by holding comprehensive discussions among generations within the party to produce a progressive framework for the future. The National Party Congress’ September “Resolution on Forging Ahead with the Society together towards Win-win Future among Generations” was the result with the expectation of building broad consensus among generations and ethnic groups in society and further leading Taiwan’s transformation toward a sustainable future.    [FULL  STORY]