A Glimpse Inside Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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Richard Atimniraye Nyelade interviews Taiwan's Minister Joseph Wu

A Glimpse Inside Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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Inside Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: An Ethnographic Glimpse into Minister Joseph Wu’s Office

Taiwan’s unique geopolitical position places it at the heart of global diplomatic challenges, particularly as it navigates tensions with China and strives for international recognition. On August 4, 2023, as part of a research initiative from the University of Ottawa titled “Navigating Sovereignty in a Hostile World,” I joined Professor Scott Simon in an ethnographic visit to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our objective was to explore Taiwan’s diplomatic strategies through direct interaction with Minister Joseph Wu and his team. Minister Wu served until May 20, 2024, when he was succeeded by Lin Chia-lung

This article delves into the nuances of Taiwan’s diplomacy, from its symbolic partnerships with countries like Ukraine to its efforts in Africa, where Taiwan focuses on tangible development aid rather than grandiose promises. Minister Wu’s reflections reveal Taiwan’s pragmatic approach to diplomacy—balancing authenticity and resilience while fostering global partnerships amid ongoing challenges from China’s influence. Taiwan’s journey offers critical insights into how smaller states can assert their sovereignty on the global stage, emphasizing real-world impact and enduring alliances.

The paper draws on Constructivism and theories of small-state diplomacy to examine Taiwan’s foreign policy strategies within a complex international landscape. By highlighting Taiwan’s identity-driven approach and its reliance on soft power, the framework emphasizes how Taiwan builds resilience and forms strategic alliances through values-based diplomacy, even amid challenges from larger geopolitical actors.

Taiwan-Africa Relations: From Past to Present

Minister Wu’s reflections on Taiwan’s historical relationship with Africa since 1945 were both candid and revealing. He acknowledged the challenges Taiwan faces in maintaining diplomatic ties on the African continent, particularly in the face of China’s expanding influence. “The relations between Taiwan and Africa are not very substantial,” he stated, noting that as China’s economic and political reach grew, “they managed to draw diplomatic allies away from Taiwan, one by one.”

Despite these setbacks, Taiwan’s approach to African relations remains grounded in tangible assistance rather than lofty, often unmet, promises. Minister Wu emphasized that Taiwan’s aid is focused on practical benefits—agricultural development, medical assistance, scholarships, job training, and trade opportunities—contrasting with what he described as China’s often hollow grandstanding in the region. He shared an example from Burkina Faso’s agricultural sector, where Taiwan’s hands-on approach yielded significant results. Reflecting on the broader picture, Minister Wu expressed frustration with some African elites who prioritize symbolic gestures over substantive development.

Drawing a parallel to Japan’s engagement in Africa, Minister Wu observed, “Japan is more trusted by Africans,” suggesting that Taiwan could leverage strategic alliances to counterbalance China’s presence in the region.

Taiwan’s Geopolitical Maneuvering Amid Cross-Strait Tensions

Beyond Africa, Minister Wu offered a panoramic view of Taiwan’s broader geopolitical challenges, particularly regarding China’s assertive territorial ambitions. “China views the entire South China Sea as its own,” he remarked, detailing how Beijing has established military outposts and adopted an increasingly aggressive posture in the region. Taiwan, situated at the forefront of this geopolitical chessboard, faces immense challenges in balancing its international relationships while safeguarding its sovereignty.

Minister Wu also highlighted China’s expansionist ambitions beyond East Asia, with moves in regions such as the Solomon Islands and the Indian Ocean, further underscoring Taiwan’s precarious position within the global geopolitical landscape.

Taiwan’s Solidarity with Ukraine

The conflict in Ukraine, though geographically distant, remains close to Taiwan’s heart. Minister Wu underscored Taiwan’s humanitarian contributions, stating, “We’ve tried to assist Ukrainian refugees and have made donations to both the Ukrainian people and government.” Despite a declined offer for intergovernmental aid, Taiwan pivoted toward providing people-to-people assistance, which was warmly welcomed by the Ukrainian public.

One particular gesture stood out: a pair of boxing gloves signed by Kyiv’s renowned mayor, Vitali Klitschko, symbolizing Ukraine’s resilience. This gift, prominently displayed in Minister Wu’s office, represents the profound connection Taiwan has built with Ukraine, reflecting Taiwan’s broader commitment to supporting embattled democracies worldwide.

The Symbolism of Diplomacy: A Gallery of Global Relations

Following our discussion, Minister Wu guided us through his personal collection of diplomatic gifts, each a testament to Taiwan’s international relationships. One particularly poignant artifact was a Ukrainian flag, signed by soldiers—an emblem of solidarity and mutual support. “This flag holds profound significance for me,” Wu said, his voice tinged with emotion. This curated collection was not just a display of tokens from international leaders, but a visual narrative of Taiwan’s enduring commitment to genuine partnerships across the globe.

As we continued our exploration, Professor Simon made a crucial observation: to fully grasp modern Taiwan, one must distinguish between Taiwan and the Republic of China (ROC). While Taiwan’s current identity is shaped by its Japanese colonial past, the ROC, which engaged in struggles with Japan and was a founding member of the United Nations, brings a different historical context. Sun Yat-sen, a central figure in ROC history, continues to cast a long shadow over Taipei. His ideals, encapsulated in an inscription at his former residence in the city, serve as a constant reminder of the ROC’s historical role in shaping international diplomacy.

Our discussions also touched upon the role of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), a body responsible for managing Taiwan’s intricate and multifaceted relationship with China. Minister Wu’s previous tenure at the MAC underscored its significance as a platform for navigating Taiwan’s complex ties with its giant neighbor. The MAC serves as a testament to Taiwan’s efforts to maintain a delicate balance between preserving sovereignty and engaging diplomatically with China.

Theoretical Framework: Constructivism and Small-State Diplomacy

To analyze Taiwan’s foreign policy through an ethnographic lens, this article utilizes Constructivism as its primary theoretical framework. Constructivism, as introduced in international relations by scholars such as Alexander Wendt, emphasizes the role of ideas, identities, and social interactions in shaping state behavior (Wendt, 1992). For Taiwan, diplomacy is not merely a matter of formal alliances but also involves the construction of a unique identity and the establishment of normative narratives that reinforce its sovereignty. By fostering partnerships with countries based on shared democratic values and humanitarian efforts, Taiwan constructs a narrative of solidarity and resilience that contrasts sharply with China’s approach, particularly in Africa and in relation to Ukraine.

Through constructivist analysis, we see that Taiwan’s approach to diplomacy is not dictated solely by power politics or economic incentives. Instead, it reflects Taiwan’s identity as a small state emphasizing “soft power” (Nye, 2004) — the ability to attract and co-opt rather than coerce. Minister Wu’s statements on Taiwan’s focus on tangible development aid, such as agricultural and medical assistance in Africa, illustrate how Taiwan uses soft power to align its diplomatic initiatives with its values, fostering a sense of trust and goodwill among partner states. Taiwan’s diplomatic strategy, thus, represents a proactive form of small-state diplomacy that leverages identity and ideational factors to build alliances and gain international recognition in the face of adversity.

This focus on symbolic diplomacy aligns with Peter Katzenstein’s insights on how small states construct and defend their identities in international politics. Katzenstein’s work highlights that small states, due to their limited capacity to project power, often engage in diplomacy rooted in moral authority and shared values (Katzenstein, 1985). In Taiwan’s case, this approach is evident in its interactions with Ukraine and African countries, where the emphasis on genuine partnership and developmental aid reflects a strategy that is both pragmatic and aligned with its identity as a responsible global actor.

Additionally, Taiwan’s symbolic gestures — such as the Ukrainian flag signed by soldiers and the boxing gloves gifted by Kyiv’s mayor — serve as powerful artifacts within the constructivist framework. These items encapsulate Taiwan’s identity as a state that empathizes with and supports other nations facing existential threats, reinforcing Taiwan’s own legitimacy and resilience through global partnerships.

This article’s ethnographic approach further enriches the constructivist analysis by providing insights into how Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively shapes and reinforces its international identity through diplomatic artifacts and symbolic acts. Minister Wu’s reflections and Taiwan’s aid strategies underscore a nuanced foreign policy shaped by both practical needs and ideational commitments, illustrating how Taiwan asserts its identity through “everyday diplomacy” (McConnell et al., 2012).

Conclusion: A Diplomatic Ethos Rooted in Authenticity

Our ethnographic journey through Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided more than just a glimpse into the corridors of power—it offered a rare insight into Taiwan’s diplomatic ethos. Taiwan’s approach is rooted in a deep authenticity, emphasizing real-world aid and relationship-building over grandiosity. Minister Wu’s candid reflections revealed a nation that is steadfast in its commitment to global partnerships, even in the face of adversity.

As we peeled back the layers of Taiwan’s diplomatic narrative, we gained a fuller appreciation of its unique geopolitical position and the principles guiding its foreign policy. Taiwan’s story is not just told through formal exchanges or official documents but is also etched into the streets of Taipei, in its monuments and the daily lives of its people. This immersion into Taiwan’s diplomatic world illuminated the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations that define Taiwan’s role on the global stage. Despite the complexities of international relations and the shifting sands of global alliances, Taiwan remains committed to being a force for good in the world, a stance that Minister Joseph Wu articulated with clarity and conviction.

Through a constructivist lens, Taiwan’s diplomatic actions underscore the significance of identity and symbolic engagement for smaller states navigating global politics. Taiwan’s approach not only enhances its global presence but also demonstrates how small states can assert sovereignty and foster meaningful partnerships based on shared values and humanitarian commitments.

This journey was far more than an academic exercise—it was an immersion into the soul of Taiwan’s diplomacy, where the principles of integrity, resilience, and genuine partnership stand at the forefront of its interactions on the global stage.

References

Richard Atimniraye Nyelade

Richard Atimniraye Nyelade is a Sociologist and Anthropologist affiliated with the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (Cameroon) and serves as a part-time lecturer at the University of Ottawa, Canada. His current research interests lie in the fields of international relations, diplomacy, and governance, with a specific focus on Taiwan-Somaliland relations and the unique diplomatic dynamics of unrecognized states. Richard holds a PhD in Sociology and is pursuing a second PhD in Anthropology at the University of Ottawa, where he is conducting fieldwork in Somaliland to investigate strategies in public and informal diplomacy. He has published extensively in both French and English, contributing to several international journals and co-authoring books on African studies, colonialism, and indigenous rights.