For decades, Taiwan and China have tussled with each other in far corners of the globe, fighting for allies through "dollar diplomacy." Now, it seems, China may be gaining the upper hand, sustained by deeper pockets, growing global clout and an unlikely ally: members of Taiwan's parliament.
Prying Taiwanese legislators want to know how the Foreign Ministry spends its money, putting a crimp in the practice of quietly handing out cash to foreign politicians and sweetheart foundations abroad.
Technorati: [Taiwan]
Good thing too! A bit(lot) more oversight on all government slush funds can only be progress. The article was a bit confused though - why are they talking about the Vatican, when that's the only non-dollar-diplomatic link Taiwan has? They're not implying that CSB slipped the new Pope a nice fat hongbao are they?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think Taiwan should cut back its 'aid programs' to all these countries (maybe keep Palau coz the diving is good, and it's always fun seeing Taiwanese politicians who can't swim floundering in the water there). What good do those allies do anyway?
What good do they do? Don't you realize that without them Taiwan would be a diplomatically isolated island not recognized by any major power?
ReplyDeleteHey...wait a minute....