Blueprints for War or Peace in Future China-taiwan Relations

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Blueprints for War or Peace in Future China-Taiwan Relations: Two Important DocumentsAuthor(s): Winberg ChaiSource: Asian Affairs, Vol. 31, No. 3 (Fall, 2004), pp. 152-165Published by: Heldref PublicationsStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/30172620

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Blueprintsor Waror Peace in FutureChina-Taiwan elations:TwoImportantDocuments

WINBERGCHAI

t the moment,America's attentioncenters on the Middle East and the warA on terrorism.However, n East Asia there aremanytroublespotsthat could

easily upsetAmerica's foreign policy agendaand engulf the United States in a

war in the FarEast with dire consequences.One of the most pressingof theseissues is the futureof China-Taiwan elations.

Four former U.S. presidents-Jimmy Carter,RonaldReagan, George Bush,and Bill Clinton-have spoken of the complexity of U.S.-China-Taiwan ela-

tions, which areembeddeddeeply in our own domesticpolitics.PresidentCarter

wrote, "In the absence of consistent Presidential eadership,Taiwanlobbyists

seemed able to prevailin shapingthe U.S. policy on this fundamental ssue [ofU.S.-Chinarelations] n the Far East."'

AlthoughCarteraccordedfull diplomaticrecognitionto mainlandChina and

abrogated he U.S.-TaiwanMutualDefense Agreementof 1954, he nevertheless

signedinto law on April 10, 1979, the TaiwanRelationsAct passed by Congresson March29, 1979. Accordingto the act, the United States is obligatedto pro-tect Taiwan n the event of a Chinese attack.Basedon thisact, PresidentsRonald

Reagan and George Bush sold numerousweapons to Taiwan to strengthen ts

defenses againstChina.

PresidentClintonhas been viewed as the most "pro-China" residentn recent

years.He visitedChina nJune 1998 andannounced newpolicyof the ThreeNo's

withrespectto Taiwan.Thispolicy was basedon the threecommuniqu6s etween

152





154 AsianAffairs

mainland,with a contracted nvestmentof more thanUS$80 billion. Tradevolume

reachedUS$58.4 billion in 2003, despitethe effect of SARS (severeacuterespira-

tory syndrome).Furthermore,hemainland s Taiwan'sbiggest exportmarket.3However, hemajorityof Chinesecitizens considerTaiwanapartof Chinaand

will be unhappy f theirgovernmentdoes notpursuereunification,whichtheysee

as the final step to regainingChina'sface, which was lost when the island was

ceded and colonized by Japan at the end of the First Sino-JapaneseWar

(1894-95). The CommunistParty eels that theirlegitimacyrests on maintainingChinese territorialunity and fear a loss of control over the nationif Taiwanis

allowed to become independent. n fact, some fear that such a loss wouldplungeChinainto a

periodof chaos and civil war as various

groups strugglefor

power.Thefollowingdocumentshighlight he differentworldviews betweenmainland

ChinaandTaiwanandwarnof potential-some mightsayinevitable-conflict. For

example, n the "Statement n Cross-StraitsTies," he Chinesegovernmentnsists:

"To the Chinese people, nothing is more importantand more sacred than safe-

guarding he sovereigntyandterritorialntegrityof theircountry. . . [I]f Taiwan

leadersshould move recklesslyto provokemajorincidents of 'Taiwan ndepen-dence,'the Chinesepeople will crush their schemesfirmlyandthoroughlyat anycost."However, n the second document,TaiwanesepresidentChen Shui-bian's

inaugural ddress,Chen statesunequivocally,"Asthepresidentof theRepublicofChina,I havebeen mandatedby the people of Taiwan o defend the sovereignty,

securityanddignityof the nation . "In conclusion, these two documents are essential to understandinghe basic

natureof the potentialfor conflict in the TaiwanStraits.AsianAffairs:An Amer-

ican Reviewpublishesthese documents n theirentirety n Englishfor the bene-

fit of scholars andpolicy makers.

Statement on Cross-StraitsTies

The ollowing is the official translationand the completetextof the statement

releasedMay 17, 2004, by the Office or TaiwanAffairsunder the Central Com-

mitteeof the CommunistPartyof Chinaand the TaiwanAffairs Officeof the StateCouncil.4

At present,the relationsacross the TaiwanStraitsareseverelytested.Toput a

resolute check on the "Taiwan ndependence"activities aimed at dismemberingChinaandsafeguardingpeaceandstability n the TaiwanStraits s the mostpress-

ing task before the compatriotson both sides of the Straits.

Fouryears ago, Chen Shui-bianpledged himself to the so-called "five no's"

policy. His trackrecord,however,was one of brokenpromisesand bad faith.He

said he would not declare"independence," ut he has mustered ogetherall kinds

of separatists or "Taiwanndependence" ctivities. He said he would notchangeTaiwan's so-called "national itle,"but he has incessantlyclamored for "rectifi-



Future China-TaiwanRelations 155

cation of Taiwan'sname"and "disunification"n Taiwan.He said he would not

pushfor the inclusion of the so-called "state-to-state" escription n the "consti-

tution,"but he has dished out a separatistpropositionof "one countryon eachside."He said he would not promote"referendum o change the statusquo in

regard o thequestionof independenceorunification," ut he hastriedevery pos-sible means to promote"Taiwan ndependence"by way of referendum.He said

there was no questionof abolishingthe "NationalUnification Council" and the

"NationalUnificationGuidelines,"but he has long since shelved them, lettingthem exist only in name. What's more, Chen Shui-ban has left Taiwansociety

deeply torn with his vicious mischaracterization f the popularwill of Taiwan

people,his unbridled

nstigationof

hostilityand

animositytowards he mainland,

and his frenziedprovocation o the statusquo that both the mainlandand Taiwan

belong to the one and same China. He has even putout a timetableto move the

island to independencethroughthe makingof a new constitution,thus pushingthe cross-Straitsrelationsto the brinkof danger.

"Taiwan ndependence"does not lead to peace, nornationaldismemberment

to stability.We will nevercompromiseon the one-Chinaprinciple,nevergive upour efforts for peace negotiations,never falter in our sincerepursuitof peace and

developmenton both sides of the Straits with our Taiwancompatriots,never

waver n ourresolveto safeguardChina'ssovereigntyand territorialntegrity,andneverput up with "Taiwan ndependence."

No matterwho holds power in Taiwan n the next four years, as long as they

recognize that there is only one China in the world and both the mainland and

Taiwan belong to that one and same China, abandon the "TaiwanIndepen-dence" stance andstop the separatistactivities, then,cross-Straitsrelations canhold out a bright prospect of peace, stability and development along the fol-

lowing lines:

* Resumptionof cross-Straitsdialogue and negotiations,formalending of thestate of hostility throughequal-footedconsultations,establishinga mechanism

of mutual trustin militaryfield, andjointly buildinga framework or peace-ful, stable andgrowingcross-Straitsrelations.

* Maintaining lose links in anappropriatemannerbetweenthe two sides of the

Straits so as to addressthe problemsin cross-Straitsrelationsthrough imelyconsultations.

* Realizing comprehensive,direct andtwo-way "three inks" so as to facilitate

commerce, trade,exchanges, travel,tourismand other activitiesby compatri-ots on both sides.

* Establishingcloser economic cooperationarrangement n the basis of reci-

procity and mutual benefit. Taiwan can optimize its industrialstructureand

upgrade ts enterprisecompetitiveness n the course of cross-Straits conomic

exchangesandcooperationandjoin the mainland n meetingthe challengesof



156 AsianAffairs

economic globalization and regional integration.Taiwan can also acquire

greatermarketaccess on the mainland or its agricultural roducts.

* Increasingexchangesbetween the compatriotson the two sides of the Straitsin the interest of removing misunderstanding, nhancing mutual trust and

buildingcommonground.* The Taiwancompatriotscan realize theiraspirations or cross-Straitspeace,

social stability and economic prosperitywhile enjoying harmonyand tran-

quilityin cross-Straits ies.* Properly addressing, throughconsultations,the issue of international iving

spaceof the Taiwanregioncommensuratewithits statusso as to share hedig-

nityof the Chinese nation.

If, however,the Taiwan eaders shouldcling to their"Taiwanndependence"

positionandtheirseparatist onecountryon each side"stance, heafore-mentioned

prospectwill not come true.What is more,hopes forpeace, stability,mutualben-

efit and a win-winscenario n cross-Straits elationswill evaporate.The Taiwan eaders have before them two roads: one is to pull back immedi-

ately from their dangerouslurch towardsindependence,recognizing that both

sides of the TaiwanStraitsbelong to the one and same China anddedicating heireffortsto closer cross-Straitsrelations.The otheris to keep following theirsepa-ratistagendato cut Taiwan rom the rest of Chinaand,in theend, meettheir owndestructionby playing with fire. The Taiwan eaders must choose between such

two roads. The Chinesepeople are not afraidof ghosts, nor will they be intimi-datedby brutal orce. Tothe Chinesepeople, nothing s moreimportant nd moresacredthansafeguarding he sovereigntyand territorialntegrityof theircountry.We will do our utmost with the maximumsincerityto strive for the prospectof

peaceful reunification of the motherland.However, if Taiwan leaders should

move recklesslyto provokemajor ncidents of "Taiwanndependence,"he Chi-

nesepeople

will crush theirschemesfirmly

andthoroughly

atany

cost.

"Pavingthe Way for a Sustainable Taiwan"

The ollowing is theofficialEnglishtranslationand thecompletetextof Pres-

ident Chen Shui-bian'sinauguraladdress,given on May20, 2004.5Heads of States, DiplomaticEnvoys and Foreign Dignitaries, Distinguished

Guests,and Fellow Citizens:

Firstly,I wish to thank our honorableguests, at home andfrom abroad,who

havejoined us todayfor the InaugurationCeremonyof the 11 h-TermPresidentand Vice President of the Republicof China.6What we have come togetherto

witness are theprogressivestepsof Taiwan'sdemocracy,as well as a story,writ-

tenjointlyby the 23 millionpeopleof Taiwan-one that s extraordinaryndtrulyremarkable.



FutureChina-TaiwanRelations 157

On thisjoyous occasion of nationalcelebration, will assume the solemndutybestoweduponme by thepeople.At thismoment,that which fills my mind is not

eloquent words of glory and exaltation,but rather,weighty thoughtsof biggerresponsibility,greaterhumility,anddeeperself-reflection.

In the finalyearof the twentieth entury,Taiwan rosseda historicdoorsill,com-

pletinganunprecedentedransfer f powerbetweenpoliticalparties,andusheringin a new erain our nation'sdemocraticdevelopment. nthattimeof changeover-between the old and thenew century-our fledgling democracy ound itself stum-

blingdown a ruggedpathof trialand tribulation.Taiwan'smaidenvoyage into the

new centurycame wroughtwith turbulenceas the old and the new,the weak and

thestrong,

theemergence

of crisis and the rise ofopportunity-all

cameclashinginto co-existence.

In the eyes of Chinese societies and other emergingdemocraticstates, Tai-

wan'sdemocracyembodies notmerelya democraticexperimentation;t signifiesanexemplarysuccess. The standard f democracyachieved in Westernnationsis

the resultof long yearsof refinement. ncomparison,Taiwan'snewfounddemoc-

racy,afterweatheringroughwaters,has burgeoned nto an even more precious

accomplishment.Ourexperiencealso serves as a testament hatdemocracydoes

not come ready-made,nor is it a Utopian deal. There s no expresstrain o trans-

portus to the final destination.Democraticadvancement ccursonly throughcon-stant andgradualendeavor,one step at a time.

In the initialstageof Taiwan'sdemocratization-from the liftingof the martial

law,completere-electionof the nationalegislature o directpresidential lection-

we have vestedsovereigntywith thepeopleandbegan fosteringTaiwan'snational

identity. n the secondstage,a greateremphasis s placedon the establishment fa civil societyand on the rebuildingof unity througha sense of shareddestiny.

From ncreasedcommunityandcivic consciousnessto broaderparticipationn

publicaffairsandnationalpolicymaking-including theholdingof areferendum,

the rightsandduties of citizens in a civil society have been affirmedand furtherimproved;and thereby,the developmenttowards a more matured,rational,and

responsivedemocracy.Wemust seek to establisha civil society,andthrough oint

participation nd collectiveefforts,to createan identitywiththis land and a com-

monmemory f we are to transcend he limitationsof ethnicity, ineage, languageandculture,and to build a new and unified sense of shareddestiny.

In today's society, issues of identity and ethnicity are a serious matterthat

cannotbe deniedor deliberatelyoverlooked.My colleagues andI, in the Demo-

craticProgressive Partyas the governing party,will lead the way in addressingsuch issues. We will take the first step andbegin with candid self-reflection.

It was several hundredyears ago thatthe generationsbefore us traversed he

"Black-waterChannel"[TaiwanStrait]or crossed the greatocean to find a safe

havenin Taiwan.No matterwhat year they arrived,regardlessof their ancestral

originsandtheirmother ongues,even in spiteof theirdifferenthopesanddreams,



158 AsianAffairs

all are our forefathers;all have settled down here andtogetherfaced a common

destiny.Whether ndigenouspeoples or "newsettlers," xpatriates iving abroad,

foreign spouses or immigrantworkers who laborunderTaiwan'sblazing sun-all have made a uniquecontribution o this landandeach has become an indis-

pensablememberof our "NewTaiwan" amily.Variousethnic groups,because of theirdisparatehistoryand distinctive sub-

cultures, understandablyhold divergent views and values. Recognizing such

inherentdifferences,we should embraceone another with more tolerance and

understanding.The authoritarian overnmentof the past exploited inequality

among different ethnic groups, suppressing native languages and cultures.

Nonetheless, we mustacknowledge

thatexcept

for a few individuals npower,membersof all ethnicgroupshave been victimized.TheFebruary 8 Incidentand

the "WhiteTerror,"f which the victims include both theBen-sheng(Taiwanese)and the Wai-sheng(Mainlanders),were not historicalrepresentations f subju-

gation by ethnicgroups,rather,abuse of powerby a ruling government.The fabric of Taiwansociety todayis comprisedmainlyof diverseimmigrant

groups. It is not a minority-ruledcolonial state; hence, no single ethnic groupalone should undeservinglybear the burdenof history.Presently,regardlessof

one's birthplace-be it Guangdongor Taitung,regardlessof the origin of one's

mother-be it Vietnamor Tainan,andregardlessof whether an individual den-tifies with Taiwanor with the Republicof China,per se, a commondestinyhas

bequeatheduponall of us the sameparityanddignity.Therefore, et us relinquishdifferentiationbetween native and foreign, and between minorityandmajority,for the mostcomplimentaryand accuratedepictionof present-dayTaiwan s of a

people "ethnicallydiverse,but one as a nation."A sharedsense of belonginghas

become the common denominatoramongall the 23 million people of Taiwan.

This year's presidentialelection was markedby an exceedingly spiritedcam-

paign,hithertounseen in history.The close resultshavepromptedoppositionpar-

ties toquestion heprocessand file legal chargescontestingthe resultsof the vote.As the incumbentpresident, have,withthe utmostsincerity,expressedmy high-est respectfor the independenceand fairness of ourjudicial system. I have also

vowed to accept the result of its investigationregardlessof the final outcome. It

is my firm belief thatabidingby andacceptanceof the ruleof lawis theonly con-

duitthroughwhich we can resolveconflicts-for, if we were to rebukethe trust

placed by thepeople in Taiwan'sdemocracyandindependentudiciaries,the end

resultwouldbe that"everyone oses."Today'stimely springshowerwill calmour

spiritsandclear ourminds.

In a democraticsystem, scheduledelections are designed for the exercise of

sovereignty by the people. They also providea channelthroughwhich popularwill and social values can beregularly eassessed.Fiercecompetition n the realm

of politics forcespoliticiansto undergo he most directform of evaluation,which

often serves as theirgreatest inspiration.My campaign,likewise, was subjected




to rathertough scrutiny duringthe election, as was my administration,but we

have learnedandimprovedas a result. Inanyelection, sharpdifferencesbetween

competing political factions are inevitable. This could include contrasting de-ologies, disparity n policy platforms,even variation n methods used to mobilize

supporters.However,a democraticelection is not equal to a "winnertakes all"

wager;nor should it lead to purposefullyfueled antagonismamong voters. The

checks and balancessystemof multi-partypolitics constitutesa solid framework

for democraticgovernance.An accountablegoverning partyand a loyal opposi-tion, togetherrepresent he voice of the people;both arepoliticalassets of a free

nation and a freepeople. Be it thegoverningpartyor theopposition,theirrespec-tive roles are

inherentlybestowed

bythe

peoplewith an

opportunityas well as a

responsibility.In my opinion,the ultimatechallenge of this pastelection lay not as much in

garneringa mandate as in the post-election hurdleof how to scale the wall of

antagonism,and in findingways to reconcile the deep divide causedby distrust.

We must not allow the narrowmarginof victory to become a source of greaterconflict in society.Thus,I herebypledge to listen,to understand,o abideby laws

andreasoning,andto striveto unify the people of Taiwan-so as to dissipatethe

animosity engenderedby the campaignand rebuild a "bridgeof trust"between

the governingandoppositionparties.Unite Taiwan,stabilize cross-straitrelations,seek social harmony,and rein-

vigoratethe economy.These arethe earnesthopes of the people and the preem-inent mission of my new administration.But none of these objectives can be

accomplished hroughan individualeffort,nor can one political partydo it alone.

I shallgo to the people with my plea for support, ust as I stand heretoday,call-

ing on the opposition partiesand the voices of public opinionto join me in thishistoric endeavor.

BELIEVEINTAIWAN-We mustcontinueto foster nationalcompetitiveness

and cultivate an atmosphereof humanitarianism,nvironmentalprotection,andsustainabledevelopment.

PERSISTWITHREFORM--Weshallforgeahead n responseto the people'sdemand or reform n ourpoliticaland udicial system,in the educationalsystem,andin our financial and fiscal infrastructures;or improvement n the qualityof

ourmedia;and for comprehensivesocial reform.We shallbe empoweredby our

faith nTaiwan;and we shallpersevere n striving o achieveourgoals.Theefforts

put forthtoday will translate nto an enduring egacy for the futuregenerations:ajust, new Taiwanwheresocialjustice, economicjustice, fairness n ourjudicial

system, gender ustice, and internationalustice are realized.

In our face-off with increasingly ierce andvigorouscompetitionon the inter-

nationalfront,coalescing the power of the people andworking expeditiouslyto

enhance the efficiency of governmentmechanisms-these are tasks vital to Tai-

wan's sustaineddevelopment.Yet,we mustbearin mind that historicalandpolit-



160 AsianAffairs

ical circumstancesconfine us to an existing constitutional ramework hat now

poses the most directimpediment o effective governance.

The Constitution tands as the supreme egal basis of a nation,symbolizingaparamount ontractbetween the governmentand the people. Our currentConsti-

tutionwaspromulgated ndercircumstances hatwereverydifferent romthe soci-

ety we know today,and the majorityof the articles n the Constitutionno longeraddress the present-much less the future-needs of Taiwan.The promotionof

constitutional e-engineeringand the re-establishment f the constitutionalorder

are tasks thatcorrespondwith theexpectationsof thepeopleand are in accordance

with the consensussharedby all political parties.The constitutionale-engineering rojectaims to enhancegood

governanceand

increaseadministrativefficiency,to ensurea solid foundation ordemocratic ule

of law,andto foster ong-term tabilityandprosperity f thenation.Therearemany

problems n our currentConstitution hat need to be tackled,amongstwhich themore mmediateandobvious nclude:whether o have athree-branchrfive-branch

separationof power;whether to adopta presidentialor parliamentary ystem of

government;whether he presidentshould be electedby a relativemajorityor an

absolutemajority; eformof the national egislatureand relevantarticles; he role

of the NationalAssemblyand its retainment ersusabolishment;whether o sus-

pendor abolishtheprovincialgovernment;oweringof votingage;modification fcompulsorymilitary ervicerequirements; rotection f basic humanrightsand the

rightsof the disadvantaged; nd,principlesgoverning he runningof the national

economy.Indeed,this will be a projectof grandscale that s certain o have a sig-nificant mpact.

To avoidrepeating he same mistakesby past administrations-six rounds of

constitutional mendmentsn tenyears-the proposed onstitutional eformprojectmust not be monopolizedby one personorby a single politicalparty,nor should t

be undertakenmerelyfor the short-term.n the future,we will invite membersof

therulingpartyandtheoppositionparties,as well as legal experts,academic chol-ars andrepresentativesrom all fields andspanningall socialclasses,to collaborate

in forminga "Constitutional eformCommittee."Our aim will be to generate he

highestlevel of social consensuson the scope andprocedureof the constitutional

reform,all of whichare to be opento public scrutiny.

By the time I complete my presidency n 2008, I hope to hand to thepeopleof

Taiwanandto ourcountrya new versionof ourConstitution-one that is timely,relevantand viable-this is my historicresponsibilityandmy commitment o the

people. In the samecontext,I amfully aware hatconsensushasyet to be reached

on issues related to national sovereignty, territory and the subject of

unification/independence;herefore, et me explicitly propose hattheseparticularissues be excluded fromthe presentconstitutional e-engineeringproject.Proce-

durally,we shall follow the rules set outin theexistingConstitution ndits amend-

ments.Accordingly,after the passage by the national egislature,membersof the




firstandalso the last ad hoc NationalAssemblywill be elected andchargedwith

the task of adoptingthe constitutionalreformproposalas passedby the legisla-

ture,abolishing he NationalAssembly,andincorporatingntothe Constitution hepeople's rightto referendumon constitutional evision.By so doing, we hope to

lay a solid foundation or the long-termdevelopmentof ourconstitutionaldemoc-

racy,and the people's right to referendumon legislative proposalsfor constitu-tional revision.

Duringthe lastfouryears,we have witnessed dramaticpoliticaland economic

changesin the world.Taiwan, n the face of a new international rder,must stand

firmyet persevere n our ongoing quest to become a better and strongernation.

We must also endeavor tore-position

ourselves in equilibriumbetweenglobalcompetitionand international ooperation.

Taiwan's ong-termfriendshipswith the UnitedStates,Japanand our allies in

the rest of the world have beenfoundedon thesafeguarding f our common inter-

ests. More importantly, t is an alliance of core values that we share:freedom,

democracy,humanrightsandpeace.Taiwan'sdemocraticdevelopment,andpeaceandstability n the TaiwanStrait,

remainsa focal pointof international ttention.On behalf of ourgovernmentand

people, I would like to once again express our heartfeltgratitude or the friend-

ship that has been extended to us-reminding me of the old adage "togetherthough apart."The people of Taiwan embracepeace. Needless to say, Taiwan's

nationalsecurity s of greater oncern o us than oanyoneelse in the world.Faced

with an ever-increasingmilitarythreat rom across the Strait, t is imperative or

all thepeople, includingpoliticaladversaries, o forgea strongwill to defend our-

selves, proactivelystrengthening ur defense equipmentandupgradingour self-defense capabilities.It is our sincere hope that our friends in the internationalarenawill continue to render heir valuable attentionandassistance to the cause

of peace in the TaiwanStraitandstability n the Asia-PacificRegion. Let us take

the opportunity o give a warmroundof applauseto our internationalallies fortheirfriendshipanddedication.

Taiwanstandsreadyto continuein its role as activeparticipant nd contribu-

tor to international ociety-this is the rightof Taiwan's23 million people; like-

wise, it is our duty as citizens of the world community.In the global campaign

against terrorism,Taiwan has never been absent. In internationalhumanitarian

assistanceefforts,Taiwanhas always been there. Otherrecentaccomplishmentsinclude the foundingof the PacificDemocraticAlliance andtheestablishmentof

the Taiwan Foundation or Democracy.We can show a vigorous record of par-

ticipationin internationalnon-governmentalorganizations NGOs), in addition

to our collaborationwith other members of the global village in advocacy and

defense of the universalvalues of freedom,democracyandhumanrights.At present,Taiwan is the world's fifteenthlargest tradingnation, with high

rankings n international ompetitiveness.Yet, it took twelve years of strenuous



162 AsianAffairs

effort for Taiwanto become the 144th member of the WorldTradeOrganization

(WTO).We are still fightingrelentlesslyto join the World HealthOrganization

(WHO).Lastyear'soutbreakof the SARS epidemichas taughtthe world a hardlesson, that we are all equals in sickness and disease. Nevertheless,despite the

WHO's creed that healthcare-encompassing medicine, public health and dis-

ease control-is abasic humanrightand shouldheed no borders,Taiwanremains

unjustly ocked out. Let us come together n a continuouseffort towardourgoalto join the WorldHealthOrganizationn two years.

Not long ago, the EuropeanUnion (EU) welcomed the accession of ten new

memberstates.Followingseveraldecades of effort,withrespectfor eachcountryand

bythe free choice of citizens,the EU has

successfully ntegratedhe common

interestsof thepeopleof Europe.Suchavaluable xperiencehasfar-reachingmpli-cations and will impactworld orderin this new century.From this we see that

regional ntegrations notmerelyanongoingbut also a future rend.Thistrend, n

addition o globalization,has led to fundamental hangesin conventionalhinkingof nationalsovereigntyand territorial oundaries, uch thatenvisioning"universal

harmony"will no longerbe an intangible deal.

With the new century upon us, let the leaders on both sides of the Strait, n

strivingto attain the greatestwelfare for theirpeoples, heed this new trendby

adoptinga brandnew frame of mind-together, let us take a fresh,unparalleledapproach n addressing uturecross-strait ssues.

Thepeopleon bothsides sharea commonancestral, ulturalandhistoricalher-

itage. Inthepast century,both have endured herepressionof foreign powersand

the dominationof authoritarian ule. Both ourpeoples now share an indomitable

resolve to standup and be the mastersof their own destiny,a sentiment that is

worthyof ourfull, mutualunderstanding.Wecan understandwhy the governmenton the other side of the Strait, n light

of historicalcomplexititesandethnicsentiments,cannotrelinquish ts insistence

on the "OneChinaPrinciple."By the same token, the Beijing authoritiesmustunderstand he deepconvictionheldby thepeople of Taiwan o strivefordemoc-

racy, to love peace, to pursue their dreams free from threat, and, to embrace

progress.But if the other side is unable to comprehend hat this honestandsim-

ple wish represents he aspirationsof Taiwan's23 million people, if it continues

to threatenTaiwan with militaryforce, if it persists in isolating Taiwandiplo-

matically, f it keeps up irrational fforts to block Taiwan'srightfulparticipationin the international rena, his will only serve to drive the heartsof the Taiwanese

people furtheraway and widen the divide in the Strait.

The Republicof China now exists in Taiwan,Penghu(The Pescadores),Kin-men andMatsu. This is a fact. Taiwan'sexistence as a memberof international

society is also a fact. Such realitiescannotbe negatedby anyoneforanyreason-

for therein ies the collective will of the people of Taiwan.A half centuryof toil

and laborby the people of this land has culminated n what is now knownas the




"TaiwanExperience," he fruits of which validate the existence of the Republicof Chinaand,what is more,have become the proudassets, not only of the peo-

ples on both sides of the TaiwanStrait,butof all Chinesesocieties.Historyhas given rise to the developmentof two very differentpolitical sys-

tems as well as two dissimilarways of life on either side of the TaiwanStrait.

However, f we make a concerted effort to find some positive aspect of our dif-

ferences andcommonalities,perhapswe shall discovera wonderfulopportunity,a catalystforbuildinga cooperativeandmutuallybeneficialrelationship.Taiwan

is a completelyfree and democratic ociety.Neithersingle individualnor a polit-ical partycan make the ultimate choice for the people. If both sides are willing,on the basis of goodwill, to create an environmentengenderedupon "peaceful

developmentand freedom of choice,"then in the future,the Republicof China

and the People's Republicof China--or Taiwanand China-can seek to estab-

lish relations in any form whatsoever.We would not exclude any possibility,as

long as thereis the consentof the 23 million people of Taiwan.

For more than a decade, interactionbetween the peoples on both sides has

growncloser and more intense. This developmentbears great significance and

increases heimportance f furthering ross-strait elations.Inthefuture,we hopeto continuepushingforthcurrent iberalizationmeasureswhile expandingcross-

straitexchangeacross the spectrum-from journalismand information o educa-tion and culture,to economics and trade-and to promotethe establishmentof

channels for resuming cross-straitdialogue and communication.By building

bridges,we will aim to close gaps and establish a foundation or mutualtrust.

The first two decades of this centurywill be a crucial time for Taiwanto pur-sue a comprehensiveprogramof upgradingandtransformation;t also representsan opportunemoment in history for Mainland China to move forward with

democratization nd liberalization.Therefore,governmentson both sides should

seize this timely opportunity o take on the challenges of global competition,

advocatingfor progressanddevelopment nsteadof dwelling on the impasse ofpolitical debate. We have taken note that Chinese Communist Party leaders

repeatedlyemphasize the importanceof steady developmentfor the welfare of

Mainland China's 1.3 billion people, hence, the espousal of "peaceful emer-

gence" as the tone for developing international elations.We have no doubt the

Beijing authoritiesrecognize thatmaintaining he peaceful statusquo in theTai-

wan Strait is of vital importance o sustainabledevelopmentfor our respectivesides andfor the stabilityfor ourrespectivesides and for the stabilityof the Asia-

Pacificregionas a whole.

It is my belief that both sides must demonstratea dedicated commitment tonationaldevelopment,andthroughconsultation,establish a dynamic "peaceand

stabilityframework" or interactions; hat we must work togetherto guaranteetherewill be no unilateral hangeto the statusquoin the TaiwanStrait;and,addi-

tionally, we must furtherpromote cultural, economic and trade exchanges-



164 AsianAffairs

includingthe threelinks [directmail, transportationndcommerce]-for only in

so doing can we ensure the welfare of our peoples while fulfilling the expecta-

tions of the international ommunity.As the Presidentof the Republicof China,I have been mandatedby the peo-

ple of Taiwan o defend thesovereignty, ecurityanddignityof thisnation, o chart

ourcountry'ssustainabledevelopment, o safeguardpeace andstability n the Tai-

wan Strait, o seek consensus andgarner he collective supportof all the people,and to carefully managefuturerelations across the Strait.TodayI would like to

reaffirm he promisesand principlesset forthin my inauguralspeech in 2000.7Those commitmentshavebeenhonored-they have notchangedover thepastfour

years,norwill they changein the next fouryears. Upon this foundation,my next

step will be to invite both the governingand opposition parties,in conjunctionwithrepresentativesromvariouswalks of the society,to participaten the estab-

lishment of a "Committee or Cross-StraitPeace andDevelopment," ombiningthe collective insight and wisdom of all partiesand our citizenry,to draft the

"Guidelines or Cross-StraitPeace andDevelopment."The goal will be to pavetheway forformulatinga new relationshipof cross-Straitpeace, stabilityandsus-

tainabledevelopment.Honorableguests and fellow citizens, if we look at a map of the world,Tai-

wan, Penghu,Kinmen and Matsumay seem like a tiny cluster of islands in themarginsof the PacificRim.However, f you take a closerlook, whatyou will dis-coverare orchestralmountainranges,paintedwith singingrivers,adorning ome

of the world's most bountifulecological landscapes.Amidstthe lushforestryand

abundantwildlife, there is a human chain linking 23 million warm smiles

descendedfromanethnicrainbow,with a historythatspansacross centuriesand

reflects a myriadof cultural nfluencesjuxtaposedwith political evolution and

economic transformation--enough o fill an encyclopedia.Taiwan s a tolerant,oceanic country,a small butproudisland connected to all cornersof the world.

Galvanizingthese attributeswill empowerus to expandour vision and unleashour minds farbeyondthe horizon.

Thestoryof Taiwan ouchespeople'shearts.But,what nspiresawe,morethan

its naturalbeauty, s the coloringthat reflects the triumphant xperienceof over-

cominghardship,rialsandtribulations.This is the"Spiritof Taiwan," giftpassed

through he generations,a glow which emits from the faces of the Taiwanpeople.Now, the torch of historyhas once again been passed into my hand;each of

you also holds the torch in yourhands. I have set a goal for myself, that,duringthe next fouryears,I will continueto upholdthe principlesof sincerityand hon-

esty, compassionandbenevolence,unselfishness andimpartialityn leading our

countrydown the "middleroad." ask my fellow compatriots o standby me in

this endeavor.I will be countingon your supportandencouragement.I amjust an ordinaryman. I have always believed that there is no such thing

as a greatpresident, or only a great peoplecan create a greatcountry.Fueledby




the powerof the people, let us worktogether.Together, et us lay the foundation

for ourlong-termnationaldevelopment-for sustainabledemocracy,sustainable

reforms,sustainablehumanities,and sustainablepeace.LetTaiwan, he Republicof China,work toward olidarityandharmony, airnessand ustice, prosperityand

equality.Historyhas endoweduponme thisresponsibility. t is a missionentrust-

ed to me by the people.On February28 of this year,more than one million people stood on the land

of Formosa, rrespectiveof ethnic affiliation,age, or gender.Handin hand,theyformed a mesmerizing"wall of democracy" ome five hundredkilometerslong,

spanningthe full length of the island and completinga breathtakingportraitof

Taiwan.The time has come for Taiwan to standtall,

to reach out withcourageand conviction.Let us marka sustainableandfirmplace in the world.

My fellow citizens, let us be thankful or this land and let us pay tribute o the

greatnessof thepeople.We must unite for the sake of Taiwan.Together,we must

defend our Taiwan,as we strideproudlyforward nto the twenty-first century.Once againlet us hand-in-hand uthor he next chapter n this most inspirational

storyof twenty-firstcenturyTaiwan.

Finally,let us wish the Republicof Chinagreat prosperity.And to all my fel-

low citizens,dearfriendsand honorableguests, mayhealthandhappinessbe with

you always.Thankyou.

NOTES

1. JimmyCarter,KeepingFaith(New York:BantamBooks, 1982), 187.2. CarolGiacomo,"ClintonSpells OutTaiwanPolicy,"Yahoo!News, June30, 1998.3. "TaiwanLeadersat Crossroad: eaceorWar,"ChinaDaily, May7, 2004,5. http://www.chinadaily.

com.cn/.

4. "Curbing TaiwanIndependence'Most UrgentTask,"People's Daily Online, May 17, 2004,

http://english.peopledaily.com/cn/200405/17/eng20040517_143467.html; and "Taiwan Affairs

Office Issues Statement on CurrentCross-straitsRelations,"China.org.cn,http://202.130.245.33/english/2004/may/95545.htm.

5. "PresidentChen'sInauguralAddress:'PavingtheWayfor a SustainableTaiwan,'"GovernmentInformationOffice, Republicof China,http://www.gio.gov/tw/taiwan_website/5-gp/pi2004;nd Tai-wanJournal,no. 21 (May 28, 2004): 2-7.

6. Editor'snote: Chen has adoptedthe official title the Republicof China here in defiance of his

party, he DemocraticProgressive Party(whose chartercalls for a name change to the Republic of

Taiwan).Thus, in his speech, Chen is makinga concession to pressure rom both the United Statesand China to avoid an immediatemilitaryconfrontationand crisis, as China views the name the

Republicof Taiwanas a declarationof independence.7. Editor'snote:Chenpledgedthe "FiveNo's"policy in his 2000 inaugural ddressas follows: no to

declaringTaiwan ndependence; o to changing he nationalname;no to pushingstate-to-state elationswith the mainland;no to promotinga referendum o changethe statusquo; and no to abolishingtheNationalUnificationCouncil,establishedby the previouspresident,who was a memberof the Kuom-

intang.However, he previousdocument romthe People's Republicof China ndicates hat the main-landgovernmentnsists thatChenhas, in fact,broken hepromisesoutlined n his Five No's policy.