FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Tien Hung-mao: from political scientist to foreign minister

olitical scientist Tien Hung-mao, whose work as (the Institute for National Policy Research), a private Pan astute commentator on foreign policy has think tank established in 1989 by Chang Yung-fa, the spanned three decades, took on a new role as the ROCís Chairman of Taiwanís Evergreen Group. In January Minister of Foreign Affairs in May. This followed the 1998 the INPR reestablished itself as a foundation victory of the Democratic Progressive Party in the independent of the Chang Yung-fa Foundation, with a countryís national elections. newly created board of directors that includes numer- Born in in 1938, Tien graduated from ous business leaders. It remains, however, a nongov- Tunghai University with a BA in Political Science and ernmental body, and is committed to maintaining the pursued graduate studies in the same field at the independence and openness that Tien and his staff have University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States, cultivated throughout its existence. receiving his PhD in 1969. Dr. Tien Hung-mao, who is Adjunct Professor at both National Taiwan University and National Sun Yat-sen University, is perhaps best known for his leadership of INPR

Following the announcement of his appointment, the new foreign minister responds to questions about his views on foreign affairs. Photo: MOFA.

International Cooperation & Development 1 Noted scholar and advisor Policy trends

Since 1969 Dr. Tien has written extensively on the In one of his first public statements, Dr. Tien made Republic of China and its developmentófor example, it clear that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in The Great Transition, Social and Political Change will carry on the existing foreign policy of consoli- in the Republic of China, which was hailed as one of dating ties with the ROCís allies, enhancing substan- the outstanding academic books in 1990. A prolific tive relations with countries with which the country writer, he has also edited or coedited an impressive does not yet have diplomatic relations, and actively list of publications on Taiwan, the mainland, US China participating in international organizations and their policy (Government and Politics in China activities. 1927-1937; Taiwan, Mainland and the U.S. China He stated that the new administration would focus Policy), cross-strait relations, Asian regional econo- on three principles: democracy, nongovernmental mics, and the security environment in the Pacific approach and public opinion. The first of these refers region. Several of these publications were published to his intention to promote ìhuman rights diplomacy,î by the INPR, of which Tien has been president since to help improve not only the condition of ROC citizens 1989 and more recently president and chairman. but also the human rights of people around the world. As Dr. Tien has indicated his intention to follow a The rationale for this approach is to assume a genuine policy of continuity and stability, his ongoing involve- role in developing a sustainable democratic and ment as an advisor to the ROC government on many peaceful international environment. frontsónational unification, Hong KongñMacao Affirming that the ROCís United Nations (UN) bid affairs, national defense, mainland affairs, APEC, is critical to the countryís status, rights and interests social welfareówill serve him well in his role as in the international community, Dr. Tien reported that foreign minister. As will the experience gained through his government would continue pursuing representa- his participation in such organizations as the Inter- tion in the UN, and he emphasized that reentry into national Advisory Council of the Brookings Institution, the world body is still a long-term goal. In view of the US Committee of the Council of Security Coopera- that objective, an important part of MOFAís policies tion in the Asia Pacific, and the Asia Center of Harvard will be to encourage the UN to allow some of its University. His knowledge of American issues, programs to operate in Taiwan. And until that time, acquired as a member of the Wisconsin State Equal he stated, MOFA will continue seeking a way for the Rights Council and as a board member of the voices of ROC citizens to be heard in international University of Wisconsin Law School East Asian Legal forums of all types. Studies Center, not to mention his years of residence Based on the existing foundations, he explained, in the US, will also be invaluable. the government would use ìnew thinkingî to promote His reputation as a scholar of note has brought him comprehensive pragmatic diplomacy. ìThe resources invitations to lecture in many academic institutions, of our society are bounteous,î he said, ìand our overall among which many of the worldís leading universities diplomatic power can be strengthened if only the and foundationsóincluding Harvard, Stanford and government and the public can work effectively Oxford Universities, the London School of Economics together to exert their will.î and Political Science, Australian National University, University of Geneva, University of Toronto, the Japan Forum for International Affairs, and numerous others.

4 International Cooperation & Development Just weeks after assuming his post, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien was in Macedonia, where he met with several officials. Photo with Chairman of Macedoniaís Congress, taken in , courtesy of MOFA.

In order to expand the ROCís diplomatic frontiers, a positive, active way of thinking in this complicated the foreign ministry plans to intensify its cooperation area. The two sides, he avers, would be wise to set with civilian organizations and to cement cooperation aside the endless and irrational ìzero sumî game that with as many countries as possible. It is expected that they have been playing in the diplomatic arena in order MOFA will accelerate its efforts to assist private instead to cooperate for mutual benefits. Tien noted, groups in Taiwan to join nongovernmental inter- however, that the National Security Council may play national organizations and will help them to develop a consultative role in matters relating to foreign policy mechanisms for unofficial dialogue and exchanges. that touches on national security matters. The new minister elaborated on those statements Having served as a director of the ICDF (of which during a meeting of the Legislative Yuanís Foreign he is now chairman), Tien is well acquainted with the and Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee. foreign aid projects being conducted in different parts In keeping with his long-held belief in openness, of the worldóand in June he saw for himself the Dr. Tien suggested that he would be inviting think important work that the ROC is doing in Macedonia. tanks, social groups and even individual members of Focusing on the values of peace and democracy, the public to offer advice to his ministry. ìIn order to Tien noted that these are universal, and that the ROC be viable and responsible,î he told the Legislative is prepared to shoulder its share of responsibility in Yuan, ìpublic policy should be based on public sup- ensuring that these values flourish in the international port.î He and his staff will therefore consider estab- community. lishing public opinion surveys as a reference for adjust- Minister Tien has promised to be a ìhard-working, ing foreign policy initiatives. pragmatic and forward lookingî foreign minister, and On the subject of cross-strait relations, the foreign he has committed himself to rejuvenate the ROCís minister is optimistic that mainland China will respond diplomatic workforce. ìVitality and professionalismî with goodwill to President Chen Shui-bianís overtures. will be guiding principles. He hopes that both sides of the Taiwan Strait can adopt

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