The ROC's economic growth and prosperous lifestyle have grabbed headlines worldwide, but the accompanying signs of social dislocation have inevitably had a negative impact on our international image. It would be useless at this stage to attempt a superficial whitewash job; far better to take positive action to remedy the situation.

As a diplomatist, I think the best way to help improve the ROC's international image is to fulfill our international obligations.

Today the international community is an interactive whole. No country can afford just to feather its own nest, and wherever it can it ought to share its wealth with others.

Our economic achievements are of course the fruit of four decades of common endeavor by our government and people combined. At the same time we must acknowledge the wide market provided by the international community and the assistance given by other countries during this period. Now that we have economic muscle, is it incumbent upon us to share the benefits with the international community?

For instance, we have set up an International Economic Cooperation and Development Fund to provide economic and technological assistance to friendly countries in developing their economies; and our Humanitarian Fund for International Disaster Relief is aimed at extending a helping hand to countries stricken by major disasters by assisting in relief and reconstruction.

Recently, in line with UN resolutions, we have joined in condemnation of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and donated US$30 million to the Middle Eastern countries worst affected. This action has been widely praised by the international media.

Some of our citizens have criticized the ROC government for engaging in "dollar diplomacy," but what does US$30 million really count for in terms of Taiwan's economic might? After all, how much do we spend on brandy in a year?! Can we be so generous to ourselves and yet be mean towards others?! Surely we should be grateful enough to the world community for our prosperity today to give a little back in return?!

Also, I very much hope that the unique character of Chinese traditional culture will once again make its presence felt in our society and allow us to display our good side to the world.

Traditionally we Chinese are hospitable, polite and diligent, as well as having the virtue of modesty and being the most patient of people. Now more than ever we need to make the most of our unique quality of patience to uphold social order and harmony.

Our people today are generally impatient; for example, we tend to lose our temper when the traffic lights are against us. Impatience means a lack of fellow-feeling, and without fellow-feeling how can we expect to have a peaceful, harmonious society that is both prosperous and courteous?

Wealth must not lead us to neglect our excellent traditions. Restoring our traditional spirit is not a matter for the government sector alone, it depends on a cooperative effort by everyone.

Government actions, private activities, even individual behavior and attitudes are all important factors in forming our international image. Trade and business contacts, academic scholarly exchange, events sponsored by private groups, and overseas tourism by ordinary citizens are all channels for showing people overseas the good side of our people and for demonstrating the united effort being made inside and outside government. This is how a good international image is built up.

I very much hope our society will soon become "both prosperous and courteous." Our country is fulfilling its international obligations and is one member of the world community that is willing to assist others. If we can all share this consensus and join in our common endeavor, I believe that our international activity will enjoy even wider scope in the future.