Taipe's New Tack In Foreign Relations

Diplomacy on a platter. With more than 70 foods specialties, Representative Raymond L. S. Wang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Officer (TECO) in Manila said yesterday his government is adopting this new tack to foster better relations with the Philippines and the rest of the world. "We call it 'food-macy' or food diplomacy", said the representative Wang at the launch yesterday of Officer's Food Culture website to introduce and promote Taiwanese food to foreigners, and also attract more tourists to visit Taiwan. In recent years, Taiwan has steadily become known for its food and food culture, most notably its unique night markets. Since food is one of the core parts of Taiwanese culture, Wang emphasized that it is the perfect representation of Taiwan to the international community. "Food itself is a basic human need and a crucial part of any society, not merely as a source of nourishment, but more importantly, as one of the most important trademarks of a culture. Indeed, a nation's cuisine is the embodiment of its culture, and serves as a link to its people's feelings and memories".,he added.