Aswathy K: Good morning sir, you have been both a professor and a diplomat, which would you say you prefer more? What is the biggest difference between both when it comes to representing Taiwan?
Dr Chen Mu-Min: I have been teaching International Politics for more than 15 years. For me, becoming a temporary diplomat is a rare opportunity. In the past, I just taught in classrooms and learnt everything from books. But right now I have the chance to see the real world. I cherish this opportunity to work as a diplomat but my profession is that of a scholar. I am glad to have this opportunity to serve my country and to do something for promoting Taiwan-India partnership. But comparing both, it is hard for me to choose which profession I like more. I like both positions.
A: A lot of criticism against academicians is that they live in an ivory tower and do not understand reality. Did you ever feel like that?
CMM: There is a misrepresentation of the academic world. The knowledge produced by the academic world is still one of the most important channels. Academia has come up with a lot of theories to explain behavior to understand patterns of inter-state relations in international politics. Practitioners can also learn from such insights. Some professors do distance themselves from the real world, which is why there is criticism. But there is only a small portion of academia that can be deemed as living in ivory towers because scholars have to pay attention to the developments of the real world to find the best topics for research. The situation is more complicated than you think.
A: Do you think there is an opportunity for Taiwan in face of the India-China conflict?
CMM: The conflict between India and China is very tragic but the event also brought Taiwan into focus- how this small island has been standing alone against China for so long while becoming an economic powerhouse. Indians now have come to realise what all Taiwan can offer India in several fields.
A: Do you think Taiwan should become an active part of QUAD?
CMM: Yes I think Taiwan should find a way to participate in major international coalitions, including QUAD. As an island located in the center of the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan deserves to be a part of it. QUAD addresses issues that are very important to Taiwan- maritime security and regional political stability.
A: What do you think are the first steps India should take towards enhanced economic engagement with Taiwan?
CMM: Taiwanese know very little about the potential of the Indian market. India should promote itself in Taiwan through media and other channels. After COVID-19, try to get more Taiwanese citizens to visit India. Encourage Indians to visit Taiwan to improve bilateral relations. We need to have a deeper understanding of each other. This is the first priority. Secondly, India should train its professionals, experts and officials to know more about Taiwan. There are already about 3000 Indian students enrolled in Taiwanese universities but that is not enough. I hope in the future there will be more Indian students, experts, scholars who know about Taiwan. Because if you don’t know about Taiwan, you won’t be able to attract their investment here. More interactions can happen also through increased bilateral trade. This would also lead to both countries being dependent on each other and thus making it easier for Taiwanese business to come to India. Trade should come before investment, an increase in the former will lead to an increase in the latter too.
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