On December 2, 2011, Chyungly Lee, Associate Professor of the National Chengchi University of Taipei, visited our faculty and gave a lecture on cross-state relations and Taiwan’s international role.
At the beginning of her lecture, she outlined the role and importance of Taiwan and the region with special emphasis on historical aspects and the relationship between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China. Additionally, different approaches and circumstances had to be clarified during the lecture, which explained how the international community’s and the leading power’s perception has changed over time vis-á-vis these countries.
Beyond the historical background, Ms. Chyungly Lee regarded it important to mention the actors who were keen on working for improved relations and the special events, which shaped the relationship between the PRC and Taiwan. She mentioned semi-official talks, for example the Koo-Weng meeting in Singapore in 1993, between the representatives of Taiwan’s Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and the PRC’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS).
Additionally, several foreign policy initiatives were taken into account during her lecture. She examined how different governments handled the tense relationship between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China, tried to improve their relations and strengthen diplomatic ties with other countries. For example, during the presidency of Lee Teng-hui the emphasis shifted from the representation of China to the representation of Taiwan. Lee conducted a very pro-active foreign policy and visited several countries in order to strengthen Taiwan’s position. Regarding relations with China, Ms. Chyungly Lee said, that in spite of the improvements in economic relations, political tensions and military threat were still present. Nevertheless, she also mentioned a remarkable process since Ma Ying-Jeou took office in 2008. As president he recommended taking a new stand on the relations with China with the ‘1992 consensus’, by which both sides agreed to accept the concept of only one China, but with their own interpretations. Ma also highlighted that there would be no unification, no independence, but prosperity, security and dignity.
What Taiwan really aimed at was meaningful participation in international organisations. Among others Taiwan gained observer status in the annual meeting of the World Health Assembly, the WHO’s executive body. Additionally, in 2009 Taiwan signed the World Trade Organisation’s Government Procurement Agreement, which can be deemed a great success.
At the end of her presentation, Ms. Chyungly Lee answered the questions of the students and mentioned the coming elections and the possible results as well. However, until we do not know the composition of the government, we can only suppose the potential changes, their expertise, and politics, she said. However, she definitely finished her lecture with the hope for bright future prospects and encouraged the students of the faculty to turn their attention towards this beautiful country.
