Taiwan is leaning on charity work and international service groups to build goodwill abroad, a positive but modest form of soft power for a country shut out of most global bodies.

• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim received Rotary Foundation trustee chair Jennifer E. Jones and her delegation in Taipei.
• Taiwan recently hosted the Rotary International convention, using it to show off local hospitality and deepen ties with members worldwide.
• Hsiao linked Rotary's "Service Above Self" motto to Taiwan's "Taiwan Can Help" slogan, pledging continued contributions on health, humanitarian aid and children's welfare.
• The pitch is aimed at visibility: with formal diplomacy blocked by Beijing, Taipei courts civic and business networks instead.

Outlook: Expect Taiwan to keep using large international gatherings and aid work as its main route to global recognition.