中華民國外交部

Foreign Policy Guidelines

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is responsible for Taiwan’s foreign policy and international affairs. Article 141 of the Constitution states: “The foreign policy of the Republic of China shall, in a spirit of independence and initiative and on the basis of the principles of equality and reciprocity, cultivate good-neighborliness with other nations, and respect treaties and the Charter of the United Nations, in order to protect the rights and interests of Chinese citizens residing abroad, promote international cooperation, advance international justice and ensure world peace.” This article points out the fundamental spirit and principles underlying our foreign policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs upholds these principles as it pursues and safeguards Taiwan’s national interests in the international community.

The ultimate goal of foreign policy is to ensure a favorable environment for a nation’s preservation and sustainable development. The history of the Republic of China is marked by the struggle for national preservation and international presence. Since the advent of the 21st century, globalization has profoundly impacted the security, energy, economic and environmental concerns of all countries. It has also posed a great challenge to Taiwan in the international community. Taiwan has experienced a second turnover of power, showing the high expectations that its people have of the new administration to lead Taiwan in overcoming the tests posed by globalization, while stimulating the economy, improving national security and ensuring the people’s livelihood.

One of the most important tasks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to create a favorable environment for economic development. We have to compete with other countries as we try to cooperate with them in this age of globalization. We also have to assist countries less developed than Taiwan, especially our diplomatic allies, by sharing our development experiences with them and providing humanitarian aid to them as needed. The greatest challenge that globalization has brought is the sustainable development of the environment. In the end, we are all living in the same global village, and Taiwan has a role to play in achieving this aim. Therefore, we must enhance our comprehensive national strength while fulfilling our obligations as a citizen of the world.