Q: Relations with Japan are one of the key tasks in our country's foreign affairs work. What is the most important positive factor in R.O.C.-Japanese relations at present? And what is the biggest negative factor?
A: Our foreign affairs work, no matter which country it's with, is all important, but the relationship between the R.O.C. and Japan, because of geographical and historical factors, often seems closer than most. Knowledgeable people in both countries are in complete consensus on this point: that good results are produced only through goodwill and cooperation, and that "cooperation is beneficial to both." That consensus is the most important positive factor affecting relations at present.
Be that as it may, a deeply rooted bureaucracy in the current Japanese administration that clings stubbornly to outmoded concepts and is rigid and inflexible in its methods often produces a negative effect on our work.
Q: We have to be pragmatic and flexible in our foreign affairs work these days, but the Japanese are sticklers for names and formal distinctions. How much room do we have to maneuver in?
A: Instead of saying they're sticklers for names, it would be better to say that their methods of adapting to changes in the international situation are rather rigid and ossified. But the essence of diplomatic work lies in gaining a clear understanding of changes in the international situation in order to pursue the nation's highest interest. Placed in an unfavorable situation, we have to adhere firmly to national objectives and open up windows of opportunity by using concerted efforts and flexible methods. Rather than asking how much room we have in our work with Japan, we have to study how we can open up more--how we can make the Japanese adjust their relations with us in line with the trends of the time. To reach that objective, we must use all kinds of methods and channels. We must work patiently, no matter how many obstacles there may be or how much time it may take, and we mustn't give up if there are no apparent results.
Q: Our trade deficit with Japan has been getting worse and worse. What plans do you have in mind to improve it? The officials assigned by the Japanese to trade negotiations don't seem very high-ranking. How can we make them view this problem as of greater significance? Are there any other channels of communication available?
A: I'm no expert on international trade. But since improving the trade deficit is an important part of our work with Japan, I've been constantly observing and studying the issue since taking office and have gained some understanding of it. Trade with Japan currently occupies around 21 percent of our total trade internationally, and our reliance on Japan in terms of production technology exceeds 60 percent. Processed goods made from Japanese spare parts, components and raw materials account for 60 to 70 percent of our exports.
Over-reliance is the main reason for the trade deficit. To improve the balance of trade, both sides have to speak frankly and sincerely, and we must examine the problem thoroughly and comprehensively instead of trying to solve it case by case and not seeing the wood for the trees. In particular, our side has to come up with a way to change our economic structure and upgrade our production technology to lower our reliance on Japan. Only in that way, by improving quality and strengthening our competitive ability, can we exert pressure on Japan and draw their concern, so that they naturally raise the level of the officials consulting with us. Otherwise, simply by pleading, it will always be difficult for us to obtain a response.
The operating system of the Japanese bureaucracy works from the bottom up, though. Even though officials at the section head level may not be very high ranking, they are often keys in influencing policy and the chief players in solving real problems, so their importance mustn't be overlooked.
Q: With the integration of Europe and North America, strengthening regional integration has become a trend of the future. In the Asia/Pacific region, how do you think the R.O.C. and Japan can strengthen integration to their mutual benefit?
A: In strengthening integration in the Asia/Pacific region, primary importance should be attached to the level of economics, without allowing politics to become a stumbling block. Given the present Strength of the two countries, if both of them can move toward shared interests in economic and trade relations and avoid working against each other, they will occupy a decisive position in regional integration and both obtain benefits.
Regrettably, our efforts and achievements in this area have often fallen far short because of interference from political factors. The Chinese Communists are always vociferating about reunification, trying to isolate us internationally and keep us out of international organizations. It's a prime example of political becoming a stumbling block in economics.
Q: Could you make an overall evaluation of R.O.C.-Japanese relations at present?
A: I once made this analogy: R.O.C.- Japanese relations are like those of a divorced couple. Superficially, we may not have formal relations, but actually there are many practical problems that need to be solved. The optimal way of solving them is what we Chinese call "putting a broken mirror back together" [a marital reconciliation]. It's simple to say, but not easy to do. That's the direction that my office is working toward.
Q: Has your being a member of the Chiang family led the Japanese to react any differently to you? Has it been a help or a hindrance in your work?
A: I can't deny I'm a member of the Chiang family, but even more importantly, I'm Chinese. Whether in my work or in my personal life, I have always and everywhere been proud to be Chinese, and I have never tried to highlight the fact that I'm ascendant of Chiang Kai-shek. People here, perhaps unavoidably, reacted differently at first because of my special family background, but they soon began treating me like any other Chinese, so it hasn't been either a help or a hindrance.
Q: What differences have you experienced working and living in Japan after having been posted to Singapore?
A: There hasn't been too great a difference, basically, working in Japan after being posted to Singapore--just some minor changes because of different customs the countries have. People in Singapore aren't very fussy about formalities, for instance, and you may not have to wear a formal suit many times in a whole year. But in Japan they pay more attention to etiquette and formalities. I often have to change clothes several times a day to suit different occasions.
Q: What have your feelings been over the past year as a front-line diplomat faced with recent incidents and the complex historical relationship between the R.O.C. and Japan.
A: Frankly speaking, the only reason I wanted to take on my present position is to do my duty for the country as a citizen. The thing I've felt the most pressure and helplessness about over the past year is that my colleagues and I have often been subject to incorrect criticism and accusations before the real truth has come out, and after it has we haven't been given an opportunity to clear ourselves. A diplomat not only has to bear the burdens of his office but also has to tolerate libel and slander, it seems.
Faced with all the numerous problems between the R.O.C. and Japan, we must search in trust and goodwill for the underlying causes and a way of appropriately solving them. We must avoid at all cost being hasty or impetuous and creating even more serious aftereffects that make the problems even harder to handle. The only proper course is to seek for the long-term national interest.
Q: At your inaugural press conference, you indicated that one of your weak points was your poor Japanese and that you would try to improve it during your spare time. How has your progress been, given your busy schedule?
A: Government personnel stationed overseas don't work according to fixed hours, and it's very hard to set aside time for a regular program of study. I've only been able to pick up some simple Japanese from everyday life--but my wife takes six hours of classes a week to make up for me.
Q: What recreational activities do you take part in outside of work? And what is your greatest wish?
A: My only recreation here so far has been walking, which gives me some exercise and allows me to see something of the everyday life of the Japanese at the same time. Now that I've become more familiar with the situation here, I'm thinking about inviting people I deal with in Japanese political circles to get together for golf to increase our opportunities for contact.
As for my greatest wish, I hope my work can bring relations between the R.O.C. and Japan back to where they can be of mutual help and trust and get along harmoniously together. As for myself personally, I hope that when I feel the time has come to call it quits I can step down gracefully and delve into philosophy in retirement--in that way I won't have lived in vain.
[Picture Caption]
Several visits to Japan prior to his appointment enable Chiang Hsiao-wu to make friends with elder statesmen and rising figures on the Japanese political scene, friendships which have proven of major help to him in his diplomatic work.
Representative Chiang presents Kuwabara Shouji, a Japanese scholar of mainland China issues, with the Grand Cordon of the Purple Order on behalf of the president.
"A diplomat not only has to bear the burden of his office but also has to tolerate libel and slander," Chiang indicates.
Major R.O.c. -Japanese Diplomatic Events Over the Past 1O Years
(by Ventine Tsai)
As the youngest-ever R.O.C. representative to Japan and a member of the Chiang family, Chiang Hsiao-wu has received a great deal of attention. (photo from Sinorama files)
Chiang Hsiao-wu and his wife pose in front of their residence.
The greatest difference in living in Japan as compared with Singapore is the emphasis on etiquette and formalities. He often has to change clothes several times a day.
Representative Chiang presents Kuwabara Shouji, a Japanese scholar of mainland China issues, with the Grand Cordon of the Purple Order on behalf of the president.
"A diplomat not only has to bear the burden of his office but also has to tolerate libel and slander," Chiang indicates.
Major R.O.c. -Japanese Diplomatic Events Over the Past 1O Years （by Ventine Tsai）
As the youngest-ever R.O.C. representative to Japan and a member of the Chiang family, Chiang Hsiao-wu has received a great deal of attention. （photo from Sinorama files）
Chiang Hsiao-wu and his wife pose in front of their residence.
The greatest difference in living in Japan as compared with Singapore is the emphasis on etiquette and formalities. He often has to change clothes several times a day.
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)