Dr. Fredrick F. Chien: Diplomat par excellence

The Chinese believe that talented people are the basis of national revival. Among those who have contributed the most to national development is an outstanding standard-bearer, Dr. Fredrick F. Chien, vice minister of foreign affairs. Many people both inside and outside the Republic of China have come to admire the political skills he has shown over the past 20 years, but few know how much his achievements have cost him in terms of hard work and perseverance. He has truly earned his current good reputation, and the respect of associates and Chinese and foreign friends.

Some people attribute his smooth progress in his career to a good family and educational background, and outstanding probity, wisdom and memory. Others point to his happy family life, based on an understanding wife and adorable children. He always laughs away such praise with the words "I do not deserve these compliments." His self-confidence enables him to stick to his principles even in the face of criticism from others.

Dr. Chien admits that he is always serious in his attitude to life, study, work and self-improvement. At every stage of his life, he has always faced problems with a conscientious, austere and respectful attitude. Though he claims he is not an outgoing person who enjoys social life, he has always managed to convey statesman-like attributes such as confidence, intellectual achievement and a regal bearing.

Background: Born in Peiping in 1935, Dr. Chien is the youngest of three brothers. His grandfather was a special court judge in Shanghai. His father is former president of the National Taiwan University and currently heading the Academia Sinica, foremost academic institution in the Republic of China. Dr. Chien says: "While my family background has helped to cultivate my personality, disposition, and methods of study and work, it has had little influence on my promotion. I remember that when I returned from the U.S. with a Ph.D. degree from Yale University, I couldn't find a job for six months. I was discouraged but my father refused to help me out."

During his childhood, Dr. Chien and his two brothers were instructed by a tutor. Since most of his father's associates are leaders in academic and social circles, they set a good example for him. Dr. Chien is widely read, as shown by the collection of books which line the walls of his house.

Dr. Chien's sense of patriotism runs in the family. His grandfather was assassinated when Dr. Chien was a child because of his refusal to go along with a Japanese attempt to control the Chinese court system. This event caused the idea to form in Fredrick's young mind that the Chinese people should live in dignity and fight back against such unreasonable and humiliating treatment as the establishment of foreign settlements and enclaves in his homeland.

By the time his family moved to Tai wan in February 1949, Dr. Chien had completed his junior high school education. During a three-year course at the Chienkuo High School, he resolved to be a diplomat. When he entered the department of political science at the National Taiwan University, he reached a new stage of development. As well as browsing through books on history and legend, Dr. Chien overcame an inborn shyness and modesty by taking part in extracurricular activities, attending seminars, and publishing a journal entitled "Today's Generation" for campus circulation. He also attended seminars for foreign students visiting Tai wan to exchange views with them. In 1955, he was elected chairman of the students' union at the NTU, and visited the Middle East, Europe and the United States in a three-month summer vacation. Through these activities, he was able to meet new friends, increase his knowledge, enlarge his experience, sharpen his receptivity and cultivate a hardworking and team spirit. Immediately after his graduation from the NTU in 1956, he passed the higher civil service examination in diplomatic and consular service. He completed 18 months of military service for reserve officers, and went on to obtain a research scholarship from the Yale School of International Relations in 1959.

Dr. Chien recalls that Yale had admitted few Chinese students up to that time, but he met the challenge with his usual hardworking, studious and per severing spirit. Outside class, he spent most of his time in the Yale library.

Dr. Chien recalls; "All my efforts have been rewarded. Though I found many of the courses hard going, the things I learned are still fresh in my mind 20 years later."

He consulted all the reference books on international relations and diplomacy (his major), and publications on history, politics, law, economics, and international organizations. His outstanding academic performance in his first year won him permission from his professors to take his doctor's degree without first obtaining his master's. In a record two years, he had passed the comprehensive test and was granted a Ph.D. after his thesis was approved. Not surprisingly, he was offered promising jobs by four universities (including Yale), and by an international research laboratory.

But Dr. Chien's mind was set on serving his motherland, and he turned down all the offers. He explained that he always takes the long view. Though he knew he would have high academic status and good pay if he stayed in the United States, he chose to serve his country.

Dr. Chien recalls that during his sojourn at Yale, the time he spent eating twice a day at the dining hall of the school of law was the only leisure he had. But he used it productively by exchanging views with students from different nations and backgrounds. When he first went to the U.S., he knew his reading and listening abilities were good, but that his speaking capability needed to be upgraded. His English improved rapidly as he became accustomed to stating simple facts about China at first, and then moving to the expression of ideas and describing the traditions and ideology of his country. Soon he found he had no problem in discussing and debating subjects in fluent English. Dr. Chien confessed: "I am not an outgoing or socially minded person by nature. I prefer to bury myself in books. But in order to carry out my goals and ideals, I force myself to listen and to talk. In the end, I not only improved my ability to speak English, but I also came to understand the ideology and concepts of different people. This kind of knowledge cannot be gained from books."

Six months after his return to the Republic of China, Dr. Chien was still waiting for a vacancy in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Despite his anxiety to get on with the job, he bided his time patiently. His Ph.D from the Yale did not preclude him from taking the civil service examination like everybody else. But he did not feel frustrated. He felt so confident of his capabilities that he did not care for rank or pay.

Once in harness, Dr. Chien tackled basic problems in a humble and diligent way. All his knowledge, ambitions and ideals were put aside temporarily as he patiently did such chores as writing official memoranda, arranging conference records, doing public relations work and collecting materials for senior officers.

"I never regarded these duties as chores. I know many young men detest preparing official papers, and even more so shuffling them from department to department. They argue that too much red tape slows down the proceedings. I never look at it this way. A nation is different from a family. It may not be disastrous if a member of a family breaks his promise. State affairs, however, should be clearly defined and documented. This is so because a man is usually more composed and careful when he is writing than when he is talking. Furthermore, all the departments concerned will have more time to study each case. I am always careful to use a brush or pen to prepare documents, because a ballpoint pen may smudge and fade with the passage of time."

Dr. Chien's really lucky break came when he was recommended to be the English translator for the late President Chiang Kai-shek. The following 10 years were an unforgettable experience. He says: "Sometimes I did oral translation four to five times a day. I was lucky to come into contact with the late President and leaders of many other nations. I was greatly enlightened by listening to their conversations."

He was particularly impressed and moved by the fact that in his old age, the late President still upheld the spirit of learning. To keep up-to-date with the latest knowledge and ideas, he would ask friends to buy new books for him. Inspired by the late President's example, Dr. Chien became familiar with a wide range of literary works.

A book which impressed him particularly was the "Autobiography of Katsu," based on the story of the Shogun Katsu in 19th century Japan. Even though he was living in a closed society, Katsu became an expert in foreign affairs and strongly supported the adoption of scientific and technical knowledge from the West. Though the ships of his day were structurally weak, and he lacked navigational aids, Katsu braved rough seas to cross the Pacific Ocean and reach landfall in the United States. Dr. Chien considers that people today have much to learn from the Shogun's indomitable spirit.

His job as translator to the President precluded him from serving abroad during his early career with the Ministry. He won steady promotion however, from section chief to department director, director-general of the Government Information Office, and finally vice minister of foreign affairs.

Since he observes a strict code of conduct himself, Dr. Chien demands similar devotion to duty from his staff. He apportions blame and praise without fear or favor. Despite his high official status, Dr. Chien still enjoys reading. He browses through more than 30 newspapers each day and more than 100 periodicals each month, covering subjects such as politics, diplomacy, military affairs, the economy, women's affairs and family life, yet still finds time to read novels, and appreciate art and movies. His associates are astounded by the speed with which he reads.

Dr. Chien believes that a competent diplomat must have the following qualities: 1) knowledge and resourcefulness, 2) sufficient wisdom to pass judgment, 3) fluency in languages, 4) ability to respond coolly and appropriately when the circumstances demand and 5) continuous self-fulfilment through keeping up-to-date and accepting all challenges. To acquire these attributes, one must constantly observe, discuss, think carefully, and above all, read.

One of Dr. Chien's greatest gifts is his ability to make impromptu speeches. He says: "There is no secret formula. As long as you keep up-to-date with the latest in formation, you will be able to cope. Al ways watch for audience reaction, and change the content and length of your speech to fit in with the mood of your listeners."

Of all the high points in Dr. Chien's career, none impressed the public as much as his superb performance at a press conference held during the visit of the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher after the break in relations between the United States and the Republic of China. Millions of television viewers were moved by the serious and righteous tone he conveyed in a speech which was delivered in flawless English. Dr. Chien recalls: "That was not my opinion only. I was speaking from the point of view of my country. Though I received warm praise for my speech, my heart was still heavy, since the break in relations seemed to show that all the efforts of diplomats, including myself, had been in vain."

Dr. Chien admitted that many people accused him of being too pro-American before the break in relations. He explained: "The general public does not understand the significance of diplomatic work. It is more of an art than maneuvering on the battlefield. In the process of give and take, you have to act as a buffer between two parties. No position is unchangeable, other-wise people would resort to war too easily. Today's victory may sow the seeds for tomorrow's defeat. That is why all the heroes are in the military, and not in diplomatic service."

He continued: "In my opinion, a diplomat must be unselfish, attentive to the interests of his nation, and able to make an appropriate response. Even a weak country should have diplomats to win support and understanding from international circles in a quiet way. Though the Republic of China is in a difficult position today, it is launching all kinds of development projects. As long as we all stand firm, together we will form a mighty force.

"The changing world situation has caused us to adopt a policy of flexible diplomacy. It is only natural that we modify our diplomatic efforts to fit in with actual circumstances."

Finally, Dr. Chien called on young people to take up the challenging career of being a diplomat. "In the past 20 years, I have expended a lot of sweat and tears, but I believe a fruitful harvest will make it all worthwhile," he said.

[Picture Caption]

Left: Though he claims he is not a good speaker by nature, through years of strict self-discipline, Dr. Chien has become noted for his enlightening conversation. Right: Dr. Chi en concentrates on his work until the task is finished, no matter how large the pile of official papers.

1. Accompanied by Vice Minister Chien and his wife, Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese P. Mara of Fiji and his daughter stand before the statue of President Chiang Kai-shek at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. 2. Vice Minister Chien and Maureen Reagan, daughter of the U.S. President, exchange views during a meeting. 3. Julie Tien, Vice Minister Chien's wife, helps to receive guests. In this picture, she is seen conversing with Charles Dube Molopo, minster of foreign affairs of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Julie Tien works at the Central Bank of China as well as looking after the family. She enjoys attending social gatherings and traveling abroad with her husband.

1. Vice minister Chien introduces Tainan Mayor Su Nan-chen to Dominican Republic President Antonio Guzman Fernandez at a party. 2. Dr. Chien receives the Vice Speaker of the Antiguan Congress Vere Bird, Jr. 3. Julie Tien sees off the wife of Dominican Republic President Guzman off at the airport. Handsome, dignified and fluent in English, Mrs. Chien is the capable wife of a top-notch diplomat.

Right: Julie Tien graduated from the department of English of the National Chengchi University. Married 18 years, the couple have two outstanding children and a happy family life. Below: Whenever he has a spare moment, Dr. Chien immerses himself in a book. The rich world of literature is a source of great joy to him.

Dr. Chi en concentrates on his work until the task is finished, no matter how large the pile of official papers.

Accompanied by Vice Minister Chien and his wife, Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese P. Mara of Fiji and his daughter stand before the statue of President Chiang Kai-shek at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei.

Vice Minister Chien and Maureen Reagan, daughter of the U.S. President, exchange views during a meeting.

Julie Tien, Vice Minister Chien's wife, helps to receive guests. In this picture, she is seen conversing with Charles Dube Molopo, minster of foreign affairs of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Julie Tien works at the Central Bank of China as well as looking after the family. She enjoys attending social gatherings and traveling abroad with her husband.

Vice minister Chien introduces Tainan Mayor Su Nan-chen to Dominican Republic President Antonio Guzman Fernandez at a party.

Dr. Chien receives the Vice Speaker of the Antiguan Congress Vere Bird, Jr.

Julie Tien sees off the wife of Dominican Republic President Guzman off at the airport. Handsome, dignified and fluent in English, Mrs. Chien is the capable wife of a top-notch diplomat.

Julie Tien graduated from the department of English of the National Chengchi University. Married 18 years, the couple have two outstanding children and a happy family life.

Whenever he has a spare moment, Dr. Chien immerses himself in a book. The rich world of literature is a source of great joy to him.