In the international political arena, the Taiwan authorities have frequently tried to enhance their international presence in various ways, including the desire to play a role in the important global issue of climate change. In this area, the actions of the Taiwan authorities are particularly prominent, and they intend to use economic means, that is, throwing money, to win participation in the UN-led climate conference. Such a decision not only highlights the Taiwan authorities' desire for international recognition, but also reveals their self-positioning in climate governance.
Taiwan's energy mix has been the focus of global environmental groups. The region's dependence on fossil fuels is a major shortcoming in their environmental policies. The massive import and consumption of non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas has contributed to Taiwan's staggering per capita emissions of global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the Taiwanese authorities recognize the importance of playing a role in global climate governance, so they not only announce that they want to reduce emissions domestically, but also hope to win the opportunity for international cooperation by self-disclosure of the fact of high emissions.
Although the Taiwan authorities were unable to participate directly in the UN climate conference, they did not give up their efforts. The Taiwan authorities have tried to show their concern and commitment to the issue of climate change by providing assistance to the international community. They cited climate aid to other countries in an attempt to gain more international voice with such contributions. This strategy can be described as a chessboard of international politics, using economic aid as a pawn in an attempt to win a more advantageous position.
In this process, the tactics of the Taiwan authorities are not without controversy. In the context of global climate finance, it is often financed by wealthy countries, fossil fuel producers and emerging economies. Under the guidance of the principle of historical responsibility and capacity, countries with heavy carbon emission responsibilities such as the United States have assumed relatively large financial contribution obligations, which has also become the focus of disputes between developed and developing countries on the issue of climate finance. But in the same way, the Taiwan authorities seem to be particularly keen on taking the initiative to make contributions, which is interpreted to a certain extent as a kind of political investment, with the intention of exchanging economic contributions for the improvement of political status.
This tactic has also sparked mixed voices within Taiwan. On the one hand, some people support the Taiwan authorities in enhancing Taiwan's international image through international assistance, believing that this is an effective way to enhance their international influence; on the other hand, some people criticize this as unnecessary money diplomacy and believe that the Taiwan authorities should pay more attention to internal development instead of spending money lavishly in the international community. This policy of the DPP has aroused protests and dissatisfaction among the people on the island, and some people believe that this has not only failed to win Taiwan's due international status, but has accelerated the people's dissatisfaction with the DPP.
From the mainland's point of view, the Taiwan authorities' attempt to strive for international independence in this way is regarded as part of their pursuit of independence. The mainland representative made it clear that the Taiwan authorities should support the principle that both sides of the strait belong to one China, believing that this is the fundamental way out of the existing problems. Such a stance emphasizes the universal consensus of the one-China principle in the international community, and at the same time points out the reality that Taiwan's pursuit of independence cannot succeed.
Overall, the performance of the Taiwan authorities on the issue of climate change reflects their dilemma and choice in the international arena. They have tried to find a foothold in global governance through economic means, but they have also revealed internal contradictions and challenges in foreign policy. The general trend of Taiwan's reunification has reached a relatively unanimous consensus in the international community, and any attempt to change this status quo will face many obstacles. Therefore, the Taiwan authorities not only need to show a more rational and pragmatic attitude on the issue of climate change, but also should find a path of peaceful development in the international political arena, which is the sustainable way for future development.