By Fong Yuen

The U.S. Congress recently passed the Taiwan Assurance Act as a part of the fiscal spending appropriations for the next year. It called for normalizing arms sales to Taiwan, supporting the meaningful participation of Taiwan in international organizations, and supporting Taiwan’s enhancement in self-defense capabilities. Not long ago, The Economist announced the most-improved countries of 2020, and Taiwan made it on the shortlist. Although it was not selected in the end, it proved that Taiwan’s overall performance of this past year was among the best in the world.

At the same time, in the most recent report by human rights organization Civicus, “People Power Under Attack 2020” assesses the civic space from various countries from the perspectives of the freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression. Taiwan was rated as the only truly “open” country in Asia. All other Asian countries are either listed under “repressed”, “obstructed”, or “closed”. Mainland China was listed under “close’.

The Taiwan government has handled the Wuhan virus remarkably with significant results. The number of infections has been kept low, and there have only been seven deaths. What is even better is that the government has adopted flexible epidemic prevention measures that interfere very little with the people and their normal social life. Taiwan’s success has proven to be a model of international recognition.

Moreover, while countries around the world are in dire straits from the epidemic, with their economies hit hard, Taiwan has truly stood out with its brilliant economic performance, the return of capital, increased foreign investment, and the booming stock and property markets. In the fourth quarter of last year, Taiwan saw a 3.38% economic growth rate. Its annual GDP was revised from the original estimate of 2.64% to 2.73%, ranking it first among the Four Asian Dragons.

As for diplomacy, since last year, Taiwan has gained more recognition from the international community. The U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Kelly Craft, said in a speech at American conservative think tank Heritage Foundation, that China is known for “egregious examples of human rights abuses”. She called China’s election to the council an “outrage” and said it “stands in stark contrast to Taiwan, a true force for good in the world”.

Taiwan has been under the suppression of the CCP for a long time, and since severing diplomatic ties with the U.S., the Republic of China has been in a very isolated position in the world. Even the dozen or so little-known island nations that remain are constantly being separated by the CCP’s money. For a while, Western large countries did not dare to interact with Taiwan, let alone talk about Taiwan’s participation in various international organizations.

However, Taiwan’s diplomatic situation has improved significantly this past year. Recently, the U.S. and Taiwan signed the U.S.-Taiwan Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement, and another bilateral trade agreement discussion is currently underway. Taiwan’s Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office is soon to become the Taiwan Representative Office.

Major high tech companies from around the world are setting up branches in Taiwan. Not only is Taiwan’s own technological strength the attractive factor for such foreign investments, but more importantly, the social atmosphere on the island of Taiwan is harmonious, the democratic system is stable, the freedom of information and the Internet are fully protected, coupled with the stability and prosperity of life, the vibrant cultural environment, it is definitely an ideal place to stay.

This past year, Taiwan has acquired a large number of advanced defensive weapons from the U.S. It is also using its own local scientific research capabilities to develop and build new types of naval and air weapons and equipment. These have improved Taiwan’s defense capabilities, and a huge boost of confidence in Taiwan becoming independent amidst the world of cultures.

Taiwan’s current situation was unimaginable two years ago. The significant change was after the anti-ELAB movement in Hong Kong. Because of Hongkongers’ resistance, the Taiwanese have been able to get a clearer view of the true face of the CCP and the true nature of the so-called “one country, two systems”. The DPP won an overwhelming history in last year’s presidential election and local elections. Taiwan’s political situation has seen much more clarity, and the DPP has more confidence in governing.

Taiwan’s current situation also partly benefited from the deterioration of U.S.-Sino relations. As the U.S. returns to the Pacific Ocean to besiege the CCP, Taiwan has become an important part of the U.S.’ global strategy. Selling advanced weapons to Taiwan, the U.S. has increased the frequency and depth of the exchange between the two countries, allowing Taiwan’s international visibility to improve.

The grand scheme of democratic transformation and economic development pioneered by Chiang Ching-kuo has now fully blossomed. Over the years, Taiwan has adopted retreat as a means to advance. It has been improving itself, accumulating its wealth of strengths, and going for depths in oppose to distance. Once the international environment improves, it will appear with a brand new image that will surprise everyone. Suddenly, the world realizes that this small island in Asia with 20 million people is in fact a peaceful and livable paradise. To be a great environment, its richness of culture and history, its guaranteed freedom and human rights, have propelled Taiwan to the ranks of developed countries, and made it the spiritual home of the Chinese.

Of course, Taiwan has its own problems. However, with the foundation of universal values at its core, as long as it can avoid war, focus on developments, consolidate existing achievements, broaden the prospects, the sky will be the limit for Taiwan’s future.

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