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05/27/2004
Dealing with China
Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian excerpts from his May 20
inauguration speech.
“The Beijing authorities must understand the deep conviction
held by the people of Taiwan to strive for democracy, to love
peace, to pursue their dreams free from threat, and, to embrace
progress. But if the other side is unable to comprehend that this
honest and simple wish represents the aspiration of Taiwan’s 23
million people, if it continues to threaten Taiwan with military
force, if it persists in isolating Taiwan diplomatically, if it keeps
up irrational efforts to blockade Taiwan’s rightful participation in
the international arena, this will only serve to drive the hearts of
the Taiwanese people further away and widen the divide in the
Strait.”
“History has given rise to the development of two very different
political systems as well as two dissimilar ways of life on either
side of the Taiwan Strait. However, if we make a concerted
effort to find some positive aspect of our differences and
commonalities, perhaps we shall discover a wonderful
opportunity, a catalyst for building a co-operative and mutually
beneficial relationship.”
“Taiwan is a completely free and democratic society. Neither
single individual nor political party can make the ultimate choice
for the people. If both sides are willing, on the basis of goodwill,
to create an environment engendered upon peaceful development
and freedom of choice, then in the future, the Republic of China
and the People’s Republic of China – or Taiwan and China – can
seek to establish relations in any form whatsoever. We would
not exclude any possibility, so long as there is the consent of the
23 million people of Taiwan.”
“For more than a decade, interaction between the peoples on both
sides has grown closer and more intense. This development
bears great significance and increases the importance of
furthering cross-strait relations. In the future, we hope to
continue pushing forth current liberalization measures while
expanding cross-strait exchange across the spectrum – from
journalism and information to education and culture, to
economics and trade ”
“We have taken note that Chinese Communist Party leaders
repeatedly emphasize the importance of steady development for
the welfare of mainland China’s 1.3 billion people, hence, the
espousal of ‘peaceful emergence’ as its tone for developing
international relations. We have no doubt the Beijing authorities
recognize that maintaining the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan
Strait is of vital importance to sustainable development for our
respective sides and for the stability of the Asia-Pacific region as
a whole.”
“I have set a goal for myself, that, during the next four years, I
will continue to uphold the principles of sincerity and honesty,
compassion and benevolence, unselfishness and impartiality in
leading our country down the ‘middle road,’ I ask my fellow
compatriots to stand by me in this endeavor. I will be counting
on your support and encouragement.”
[Source: South China Morning Post / AP]
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Hott Spotts returns 6/3. Singapore’s Prime Minister Goh and his
thoughts on the war on terror.
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