MANILA -- Due to mere numbers, the Taiwanese will always be the underdog in their dispute with China. Arguably, the most important advantage of the islanders in this confrontation is their domestic political order. In spite of constant partisan bickering, Taiwanese democracy may well be termed a source of political stability.

Now the government in Taipei is seriously considering the advantages the domestic political order may have in terms of foreign politics. In talks with foreigners from Western countries, Taiwanese diplomats always quote -- what they call -- a moral obligation of the democratic community of states to defend their country against the authoritarian rulers in Beijing. Seen through Taiwanese spectacles, it is highly unfortunate that foreign policy is all too often not guided by principles but by other -- more profane -- motives.

Still, in today's world international relations are not the exclusive domain of governments. More and more, nongovernmental actors and also political parties assume an active role. The diplomatically isolated rulers in Taiwan have discovered space for outward-reaching activities. In a few weeks, the governing Democratic Progressive Party, the party of Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian will join the London-based Liberal International, an international federation of liberal parties, as a full member.