Past foreign ministers rarely met the press outside of a few formal meetings; Lien not only meets with his "media friends," but also even accepts calls from the press at home. He sees the press as an ally, and although they may occasionally "draw blood" with a story, Lien values their reports and commentaries on foreign affairs.

Lien argues that in a democratic society, all policy--including foreign policy--must have public support and understanding to work. "Strengthening relations with the press is a major task of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

Lien is from Tainan in Taiwan Province and is 52 this year. He received his B.A. in Political Science from National Taiwan University, his M.A. in International Law and Diplomacy, and a Ph.D. in Political Science, both from the University of Chicago, and has served as Director of the Graduate School of Political Science at National Taiwan University, Ambassador to EI Salvador, Director and Vice-Secretary General of the Department of Youth Affairs in the Kuomintang, Director of the National Youth Commission, Minister of Communications, and Vice-Premier.

Some viewed the move from Vice-Premier to Foreign Minister as a demotion. Lien just laughs and says, "I am a government officer; if I can be of service to the country then any post is fine."

Because Lien has been twice before interviewed in these pages, this interview focuses on key foreign policy questions.

Recently, the R.O.C. decided to allow a delegation to attend the International Council of Scientific Unions in Peking. This is seen as the most important foreign affairs decision since the family visitation policy was liberalized. Aside from pressure from the academic community, it was due mostly to the new cabinet's commitment to the "new politics." And the Foreign Minister's high profile role has been seen by many as Lien's "warm-up."

Lien notes that the council is a non-governmental organization of which the R.O.C. is a member. Because this meeting is to be held in Peking, the government had to carefully weigh the valued ties to the organization and the possible reactions of the public and academic community against the policy of no official contacts with Peking. Lien explains that "official contacts" are not thinkable, but that it was easier to allow the delegates to attend in a private capacity.

However, "it is hard to say" if this is a precedent. "We are a member of the organization, and should fulfill our responsibilities and exercise our rights, so we handled the matter as we did. To compare every matter with this one would not be very 'flexible'!"

On the subject of flexibility, many wonder if this new byword means a new direction. Lien points out that R.O.C. foreign policy has continuity and is decided on both objective and subjective factors. Flexibility is appropriate where there is autonomy, equality, and mutual benefit. As for the three principles of consolidating and expanding diplomatic relations, strengthening substantive relations, and actively participating in international organizations, the government has continually been striving in these directions.

Recently many scholars have urged that the R.O.C. put aside the problem of designation and participate in international organizations with observer status. Lien argues that the R.O.C.'s international difficulties result from international reality and the damage caused by the Communist Chinese, and cannot be solved with a simple concession on designations.

Currently, the government is striving to maintain R.O.C. positions in intergovernmental organizations and to expand participation in non-governmental groups. Currently plans are being made to reenter the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

Lien stresses that reentering international organizations requires long preparation. Efforts to reenter intergovernmental organizations like the United Nations are likely to be blocked by the Communist Chinese, and obtaining observer status is limited by objective and subjective conditions.

The government is also establishing an "Overseas Economic Cooperation Development Fund," capitalized at US$3 billion to start, to engage in economic cooperation with friendly countries and to build upon the R.O.C.'s economic successes by sharing the Taiwan experience and winning friends. Area of cooperation could include direct or indirect loans, investment or investment guarantees, technical cooperation, or use of funds by international financial organizations.

One problem facing the R.O.C. is the South Korean opening to the Communist Chinese. Lien argues that geography, strategic interest, and factors such as the Olympics have caused the R.O.K. to make contact with Peking, but that the R.O.K. has assured Taipei that the current relationship will not change. Besides, Peking still supports Pyongyang in the Korea conflict and has no plan to establish relations with Seoul. The R.O.C. has made known its "deep concern" over developments, and Lien points out that political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations are flourishing.

Lien also hopes to improve relations with Western Europe, about to move to the unified market in 1992, and Southeast Asia, which hosts a large amount of R.O.C. foreign investment.

As foreign minister, Lien is busy as never before, putting in twelve-hour days even without counting obligatory social events. As opposed to the Vice-Premier-ship, where he had flexibility in his schedule, most things at the ministry are "emergencies." He has already given up his regular sports activities and finds leisure only in "thinking and listening."

At the end of the interview Lien emphasized the importance of building confidence in the country and neither underestimating oneself nor engaging in wishful thinking. The R.O.C. should act uprightly, reasonably, and courageously to solve its problems in the area of foreign affairs.

[Picture Caption]

Foreign Affairs Minister Lien Chan has earned favorable marks with the media for his affability and openness. (photo by Vincent Chang)

Lien Chan and Ting Mau-shih, the R.O.C.'s new representative to the U.S., toast each other at a ceremony to celebrate their change of office.

Lien Chan and his wife Fang Yu. (photo by Vincent Chang)

On a rare free weekend Lien Chan goes to Tamsui to play golf.

After the game Lien Chan lays into a watermelon--how refreshing!

Lien Chan and Ting Mau-shih, the R.O.C.'s new representative to the U.S., toast each other at a ceremony to celebrate their change of office.

Lien Chan and his wife Fang Yu.

On a rare free weekend Lien Chan goes to Tamsui to play golf.

After the game Lien Chan lays into a watermelon--how refreshing!