The Republic of China's Role in Regional Security and the Relationship Between Europe and East Asia

Philip Yang
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science
National Taiwan University

The Republic of China is a significant factor in East-Asian regional security. (Photo by Huang Chung-hsin)

Initially, it would appear that there is little relationship between the security interests of Europe and the East Asian countries. Although the Asia-Europe Meeting stresses trade, we are convinced that international security should also be a priority concern. The following three crucial factors link the security of Europe and East Asia:

First, the multilateral security system that has gradually developed in Europe since World War II has significantly influenced the security of East Asia.

Second, the process of European integration has inspired East Asian countries to develop an Asia-Pacific community concept.

Third, since the interaction between Europe and Asia has continued to grow steadily, the European countries are now more concerned with the economic development, peace, and security of the East Asian region.

These three critical elements generate equivalent security concerns for Europe and East Asia. Since the Republic of China is a major economic power in the East Asian region, it is consequently a significant factor in regional security.

The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) Process, developed by the European countries to maintain security during the Cold War, has redefined the concept of security. Countries in the region now explore methods of promoting common security through multilateral cooperation, confidence-building measures, and preventive diplomacy. In addition, they have further expanded the concept of security to include economics, social stability, and human rights.

After the Cold War, the Asia-Pacific region followed the European example by establishing regional and multilateral security dialogue and cooperative security mechanisms, primarily through the ASEAN Regional Forum and, secondarily, through non-government organizations (NGOs).

Unfortunately, interference by the authorities on the Chinese mainland has prevented the Republic of China from participating in the official organizations and conferences on East Asian multilateral security. However, the East Asian countries realize that the ROC's absence from the official meetings adversely affects its potential contribution to regional security, so they regularly invite representatives from Taiwan to "non-official" meetings, such as CSCAP, which are, in essence, "official." Such arrangements not only have enabled the ROC to gain a thorough understanding of multilateral security developments in East Asia, but have also assisted East Asian countries to acquire a greater appreciation of Taiwan's changing security requirements.

Over a period of five decades, Europe has gradually integrated, based on its experiences in mutual cooperation. It is obvious that the East Asian nations have a considerable way to go before they can organize themselves into a community similar to the EU. However, a sense of community is gradually being developed among the East Asian nations, based on economic interests and the necessity of maintaining regional security, through such mechanisms as the APEC meetings.

Although East Asian nations differ widely in terms of political systems, economies, social conventions, and cultures, these countries share common economic and security interests. The integration of Europe can serve as an example for East Asian nations, which now frequently consult each other in making and implementing policies.

In recent years, relations between Europe and East Asia have made significant progress. Specifically, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in 1996 resulted in more frequent and broader official contacts between these two regions. Private investment is also increasing, with Europeans seeking East Asian business partners, and East Asian businessmen developing markets in Europe. The increasing economic and trade interdependence between Europe and East Asia generates an urgent need for these two regions to cooperate closely in economic, energy, political, and security affairs.

With its economic strength, its democratic political system, and its responsibility for maintaining regional security and peaceful relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, the ROC is vital to the security of East Asia. Since the ROC is a major capital exporter, it is familiar with the investment climate and business operations in Europe.

As mentioned earlier, political issues between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have prevented the ROC from attending many official European and East Asian meetings. However, economic and political realities indicate that the ROC's absence from international organizations and official meetings is detrimental to the common interests of the European and East Asian countries.

Therefore, the European and East Asian nations should arrange more frequent contacts with the ROC and welcome the ROC's positive contributions to the steady development of relations between these two regions.