How Far Can the ROC`s Informal Diplomacy Go?

Abstract

ne Republic of China`s (ROC`s) informal diplomacy has the essential nature of diplomacy. As patterns show, Taipei will continue exercising informal diplomacy in order to obtain international acknowledgment and recognition of its statehood. However, the inability to solve the sovereignty issue, enormous cost, and inconvenience mean that the informal diplomacy has its limitations. Taipei`s strategy has been to minimize many barriers imposed by Peking (Beijing). While most scholars have complained about the inconvenience of these practices, the speed, privacy, and flexibility of the practices have facilitated many exchanges. Most significantly, the experience that the ROC has gained over the two decades has helped Taipei to deal with Peking and to develop a subtle, informal relationship.