Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Soft Diplomacy

Annette Lu, the Vice President of Taiwan, has often put forward the concept of 'soft power' in making a way for Taiwan in the world. The Taipei Times reported today on NGOs as diplomatic organs.

But in dwelling only on such challenges, experts say, many forget that there is another diplomatic track -- through the power of civil society. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play an important role in furthering the nation's efforts to gain international recognition, by expanding Taiwan's "soft power" throughout the globe.

"Through international cooperation, Taiwan can put `people's diplomacy' into action and gradually Taiwan can find its place in the international community," said Lin Teh-chang (林德昌), director of the Center for International NGO Studies.

(Hat tip to Eccentric Star)

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