The public has responded positively to seasoned diplomat Hu Wei-jen's appointment as secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC). The NSC is the top strategic reference agency for the president, but its role should not be confined to that of national security and should be expanded to one with a broader vision and a wider strategic perspective. Taiwan is facing the three biggest economies in the world -- the United States, Japan, and China -- and the relationships among the three are sensitive and complex. To ensure national security and enhance the nation's wellbeing, it is in Taiwan's best interests to maintain balanced and complementary relations with each of the three. The Chinese classic 'Sun Tzu on the Art of War' says strategy is the top approach to victory, and this is what we hope for in the new NSC secretary-general. In reality, although the three countries are 'strategic cooperation partners, ' they are also enemies when their interests -- especially their economic interests -- clash, and it is for this reason that the NSC should not confine itself only to national security. In terms of strategic planning, the economy should be further liberalized so that Taiwan can become a bridgehead for other countries making inroads into the Chinese market and other countries will be persuaded to set up their Asia- Pacific operations headquarters here. Taiwan should also use all its available resources and non-conventional strategies, including networks, international publicity campaigns, lobbying and even humanitarian assistance to upgrade the nation's image internationally and solicit international support. Adopting such an approach would be the best policy for consolidating Taiwan's security. (Feb. 22, 2010) 