[Asia Round-up] Taiwan’s challenges over its sovereignty

By the NUMBERS

(Photo : AP/NEWSis)

Taiwan’s challenges over its sovereignty

The debate over Taiwan’s sovereignty, status as a nation-state or part of China is being rekindled with its recent loss of diplomatic ties with Gambia. Many speculate about Taiwan’s position and role in the international community. In light of this, Taiwan’s “soft power” becomes even more important in order to maintain a unique image different from mainland China, shore up its credibility within the international community, and allow its participation in international decision making bodies.

22
The number of countries that recognize Taiwan as a sovereign country after Gambia’s diplomatic break

38
The number of Chinese language centers that Taiwan hopes to create under an eight year plan

9 million
The record goal Taiwan authorities set for total number of foreign visitors to Taiwan by the end of 2014

5 billion
The cost of a facility in NT that will house a national cultural center to reinvigorate Taiwan’s film industry

PHOTO report

(Photo : AP/NEWSis)

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy, left, shakes hands with Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima after she handed a copy of a visa application form of her father President John F. Kennedy, which was issued when he visited Japan, Feb. 12, 2014. Kennedy has made her first visit to Okinawa, hoping to get support for a controversial plan to relocate a U.S. military base.

(Photo : AP/NEWSis)

In this Feb. 10, 2014 photo, Russian President Vladimir Putin, background center, watches a wushu school fighter training session, as he visits China House, located in the Zhemchuzhina Hotel on the Black Sea coast in Sochi during the 2014 Winter Olympics.