Blueprints for War or Peace in Future China-Taiwan Relations: Two Important Documents

Author(s): Winberg Chai

Source: Asian Affairs, Vol. 31, No. 3 (Fall, 2004), pp. 152-165
Published by: Heldref Publications
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Blueprintsfor Waror Peace in Future
China-Taiwan Relations:Two Important
Documents

WINBERGCHAI

t the moment,America's attentioncenters on the Middle East and the war

A on terrorism.However,in EastAsia thereare many troublespots that could
easily upset America's foreign policy agenda and engulf the United States in a
war in the Far East with dire consequences. One of the most pressing of these
issues is the futureof China-Taiwanrelations.
Four former U.S. presidents-Jimmy Carter,Ronald Reagan, George Bush,
and Bill Clinton-have spoken of the complexity of U.S.-China-Taiwanrela-
tions, which are embeddeddeeply in our own domestic politics. PresidentCarter
wrote, "In the absence of consistent Presidentialleadership,Taiwan lobbyists
seemed able to prevail in shaping the U.S. policy on this fundamentalissue [of
U.S.-China relations]in the Far East."'
Although Carteraccordedfull diplomaticrecognitionto mainlandChina and
abrogatedthe U.S.-TaiwanMutualDefense Agreementof 1954, he nevertheless
signed into law on April 10, 1979, the TaiwanRelationsAct passed by Congress
on March29, 1979. According to the act, the United States is obligated to pro-
tect Taiwanin the event of a Chinese attack.Based on this act, PresidentsRonald
Reagan and George Bush sold numerous weapons to Taiwan to strengthenits
defenses against China.
PresidentClintonhas been viewed as the most "pro-China"presidentin recent
years.He visitedChinain June 1998 andannounceda new policy of theThreeNo's
with respectto Taiwan.This policy was based on the threecommuniqu6sbetween

152
Future China-TaiwanRelations 153

the United Statesand China-the ShanghaiCommuniqu6of 1972, the JointCom-

muniqudon Establishmentof Relationsin 1979, andtheAugust 1982 Communiqud
on U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan.Clinton explained the policy duringhis summit
meeting with ChinesepresidentJiangZemin in Beijing on June 27, 1998:
I hadthechanceto reiterateourTaiwanpolicy.Wedon'tsupportindependence
for
Taiwan[thefirst"no"],ortwoChinas,oroneTaiwan,oneChina[thesecond"no"].
Andwe don'tbelievethatTaiwanshouldbe a memberof anyorganization
forwhich
statehoodis a requirement
[thethird"no"].2

President George W. Bush initially was more pro-Taiwanand seemingly

againstChina.For example, Bush refused to call PresidentJiang Zemin immedi-
ately aftera U.S. spy plane collided with a Chinese fighterjet over Chinese terri-
tory in April 2001. Such a call would have permittedthe Chinese leader to save
face and release the twenty-fourAmericancrew memberswho were being held
in Chinese territoryafter a crash landing on HainanIsland. China specialists in
the United States felt Jiangwas waiting for such a call, which was the reasonthe
reportof the crash-and the Chinese fighter pilot's death-did not immediately
appearin the Chinese state-controlledmedia.However,as a resultof the perceived
slight by Bush, China held the U.S. crew membersfor more than a month, and
therewas fear thatthis incidentwould ignite new animositybetween the nations.
However, after the September 11 terroristattacks, Bush switched to a more
pro-Chinaattitude,visited Chinatwice, and publicly statedsupportfor the "One
China"policy of the previous administration.However, Bush continued to sell
arms to Taiwanas authorizedunderthe TaiwanRelationsAct of 1979; his poli-
cies satisfied neitherChina nor Taiwan.
In 2004, both China and Taiwan issued their latest and authoritativefinal
assessmentsof their positions in two separatedocuments.These two documents,
a statementon Cross-Straitties (issued by the Office of TaiwanAffairs) and Tai-
wan presidentChen-Shui-ban'sinauguraladdress,are of paramountimportance
to find a solution to the issues between China and Taiwan.
The People's Republic of China and the Republic of China on Taiwanclaim
sovereigntyover the island of Taiwan.MainlandChinahas not revokedits right
to use militarymeans, if it is deemed necessary,to forcibly "reunite"Taiwanwith
the mainland,as China sees Taiwanas a "renegadeprovince."
Taiwan,on the other hand, views itself as an independentand separatenation
from the mainland.It is now a functioningdemocracy,whereas mainlandChina
is still underthe authorityof the Chinese CommunistParty.The United States is
involved in this dispute because of the TaiwanRelationsAct.
Optimistsnote thatthe increasingeconomic ties betweenthe mainlandandTai-
wan create an interdependencythatwould hurtboth nations,perhapsirrevocably,
should a war occur between them. Accordingto statisticsfrom the Chinese Min-
istryof Commerce,Taiwaninvestorshavefundedmorethan70,000 projectson the
154 Asian Affairs

mainland,with a contractedinvestmentof morethanUS$80 billion. Tradevolume

reachedUS$58.4 billion in 2003, despitethe effect of SARS (severeacuterespira-
tory syndrome).Furthermore,the mainlandis Taiwan'sbiggest exportmarket.3
However,the majorityof Chinese citizens considerTaiwana partof Chinaand
will be unhappyif theirgovernmentdoes not pursuereunification,which they see
as the final step to regaining China's face, which was lost when the island was
ceded and colonized by Japan at the end of the First Sino-Japanese War
(1894-95). The CommunistPartyfeels thattheirlegitimacy rests on maintaining
Chinese territorialunity and fear a loss of control over the nation if Taiwanis
allowed to become independent.In fact, some fear that such a loss would plunge
China into a periodof chaos and civil war as variousgroups strugglefor power.
The following documentshighlightthe differentworldviews betweenmainland
ChinaandTaiwanandwarnof potential-some mightsay inevitable-conflict. For
example,in the "Statementon Cross-StraitsTies,"the Chinesegovernmentinsists:
"To the Chinese people, nothing is more importantand more sacred than safe-
guardingthe sovereigntyand territorialintegrityof their country.. . . [I]f Taiwan
leaders should move recklessly to provoke major incidents of 'Taiwanindepen-
dence,'the Chinese people will crushtheir schemes firmly and thoroughlyat any
cost." However,in the second document,TaiwanesepresidentChen Shui-bian's
inauguraladdress,Chen statesunequivocally,"Asthe presidentof the Republicof
China, I have been mandatedby the people of Taiwanto defend the sovereignty,
securityand dignityof the nation.. "
In conclusion, these two documents are essential to understandingthe basic
natureof the potentialfor conflict in the TaiwanStraits.Asian Affairs:An Amer-
ican Reviewpublishes these documentsin their entiretyin English for the bene-
fit of scholars and policy makers.

Statement on Cross-StraitsTies

Thefollowing is the official translationand the complete text of the statement

released May 17, 2004, by the Officefor TaiwanAffairs underthe Central Com-
mitteeof the CommunistPartyof Chinaand the TaiwanAffairsOfficeof the State
Council.4
At present,the relationsacross the TaiwanStraitsare severely tested. To put a
resolute check on the "Taiwanindependence"activities aimed at dismembering
Chinaand safeguardingpeace and stabilityin the TaiwanStraitsis the most press-
ing task before the compatriotson both sides of the Straits.
Four years ago, Chen Shui-bianpledged himself to the so-called "five no's"
policy. His trackrecord,however,was one of brokenpromises and bad faith. He
said he would not declare "independence,"but he has musteredtogetherall kinds
of separatistsfor "Taiwanindependence"activities.He said he would not change
Taiwan's so-called "nationaltitle,"but he has incessantly clamored for "rectifi-
Future China-TaiwanRelations 155

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

push for the inclusion of the so-called "state-to-state"descriptionin the "consti-
tution,"but he has dished out a separatistpropositionof "one country on each
side." He said he would not promote "referendumto change the status quo in
regardto the questionof independenceor unification,"but he has triedevery pos-
sible means to promote"Taiwanindependence"by way of referendum.He said
there was no question of abolishing the "NationalUnification Council" and the
"NationalUnification Guidelines,"but he has long since shelved them, letting
them exist only in name. What's more, Chen Shui-banhas left Taiwan society
deeply torn with his vicious mischaracterizationof the popularwill of Taiwan
people, his unbridledinstigationof hostility and animositytowardsthe mainland,
and his frenziedprovocationto the statusquo thatboth the mainlandand Taiwan
belong to the one and same China. He has even put out a timetableto move the
island to independencethroughthe making of a new constitution,thus pushing
the cross-Straitsrelationsto the brinkof danger.
"Taiwanindependence"does not lead to peace, nor nationaldismemberment
to stability.We will never compromiseon the one-Chinaprinciple,never give up
our efforts for peace negotiations,neverfalterin our sincere pursuitof peace and
development on both sides of the Straits with our Taiwan compatriots,never
waverin ourresolve to safeguardChina'ssovereigntyandterritorialintegrity,and
never put up with "Taiwanindependence."
No matterwho holds power in Taiwanin 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 "Taiwan Indepen-
dence" stance and stop the separatistactivities, then, cross-Straitsrelations can
hold out a bright prospect of peace, stability and development along the fol-
lowing lines:

* Resumptionof cross-Straitsdialogue and negotiations, formal ending of the

stateof hostility throughequal-footedconsultations,establishinga mechanism
of mutualtrust in militaryfield, and jointly building a frameworkfor peace-
ful, stable and growing cross-Straitsrelations.
* Maintainingclose links in an appropriatemannerbetween the two sides of the
Straitsso as to addressthe problems in cross-Straitsrelationsthroughtimely
consultations.
* Realizing comprehensive,direct and two-way "threelinks" so as to facilitate
commerce, trade,exchanges, travel,tourismand other activities by compatri-
ots on both sides.
* Establishingcloser economic cooperationarrangementon the basis of reci-
procity and mutual benefit. Taiwan can optimize its industrialstructureand
upgradeits enterprisecompetitivenessin the course of cross-Straitseconomic
exchanges and cooperationandjoin the mainlandin meeting the challengesof
156 Asian Affairs

economic globalization and regional integration.Taiwan can also acquire

greatermarketaccess on the mainlandfor its agriculturalproducts.
* Increasingexchanges between the compatriotson the two sides of the Straits
in the interest of removing misunderstanding,enhancing mutual trust and
buildingcommon ground.
* The Taiwancompatriotscan realize their aspirationsfor cross-Straitspeace,
social stability and economic prosperitywhile enjoying harmony and tran-
quility in cross-Straitsties.
* Properly addressing,through consultations,the issue of internationalliving
space of the Taiwanregion commensuratewith its statusso as to sharethe dig-
nity of the Chinese nation.
If, however,the Taiwanleaders should cling to their "Taiwanindependence"
positionandtheirseparatist"onecountryon each side"stance,the afore-mentioned
prospectwill not come true.What is more, hopes for peace, stability,mutualben-
efit and a win-win scenarioin cross-Straitsrelationswill evaporate.
The Taiwanleaders have before them two roads:one is to pull back immedi-
ately from their dangerous lurch towards independence,recognizing that both
sides of the TaiwanStraitsbelong to the one and same Chinaand dedicatingtheir
efforts to closer cross-Straitsrelations.The otheris to keep following their sepa-
ratistagendato cut Taiwanfrom the rest of Chinaand, in the end, meet theirown
destructionby playing with fire. The Taiwanleaders must choose between such
two roads. The Chinese people are not afraidof ghosts, nor will they be intimi-
datedby brutalforce. To the Chinese people, nothingis more importantand more
sacredthan safeguardingthe sovereigntyand territorialintegrityof theircountry.
We will do our utmost with the maximum sincerity to strive for the prospect of
peaceful reunification of the motherland.However, if Taiwan leaders should
move recklessly to provokemajorincidents of "Taiwanindependence,"the Chi-
nese people will crush their schemes firmly and thoroughlyat any cost.

"Paving the Way for a Sustainable Taiwan"

Thefollowing is the official English translationand the completetext of Pres-
ident Chen Shui-bian's inauguraladdress, given on May 20, 2004.5
Heads of States, Diplomatic Envoys and Foreign Dignitaries, Distinguished
Guests, and Fellow Citizens:
Firstly,I wish to thankour honorableguests, at home and from abroad,who
have joined us today for the InaugurationCeremonyof the 11th-TermPresident
and Vice Presidentof the Republic of China.6What we have come together to
witness are the progressivesteps of Taiwan'sdemocracy,as well as a story, writ-
tenjointly by the 23 million people of Taiwan-one thatis extraordinaryandtruly
remarkable.
Future China-TaiwanRelations 157

On thisjoyous occasion of nationalcelebration,I will assume the solemn duty

bestowed upon me by the people. At this moment,thatwhich fills my mind is not
eloquent words of glory and exaltation, but rather,weighty thoughts of bigger
responsibility,greaterhumility,and deeper self-reflection.
In the finalyearof the twentiethcentury,Taiwancrosseda historicdoorsill,com-
pleting an unprecedentedtransferof powerbetweenpoliticalparties,and ushering
in a new era in our nation'sdemocraticdevelopment.In thattime of changeover-
betweenthe old and the new century-our fledgling democracyfound itself stum-
bling down a ruggedpathof trialand tribulation.Taiwan'smaidenvoyage into the
new centurycame wroughtwith turbulenceas the old and the new, the weak and
the strong,the emergenceof crisis and the rise of opportunity-all came clashing
into co-existence.
In the eyes of Chinese societies and other emerging democratic states, Tai-
wan's democracyembodies not merely a democraticexperimentation;it signifies
an exemplarysuccess. The standardof democracyachievedin Westernnationsis
the resultof long years of refinement.In comparison,Taiwan'snewfounddemoc-
racy, after weatheringrough waters, has burgeonedinto an even more precious
accomplishment.Our experience also serves as a testamentthat democracydoes
not come ready-made,nor is it a Utopianideal. Thereis no express trainto trans-
portus to the final destination.Democraticadvancementoccursonly throughcon-
stantand gradualendeavor,one step at a time.
In the initial stage of Taiwan'sdemocratization-from the lifting of the martial
law,completere-electionof the nationallegislatureto directpresidentialelection-
we have vested sovereigntywith the people and beganfosteringTaiwan'snational
identity.In the second stage, a greateremphasisis placed on the establishmentof
a civil society and on the rebuildingof unity througha sense of shareddestiny.
Fromincreasedcommunityand civic consciousnessto broaderparticipationin
public affairsand nationalpolicymaking-including the holding of a referendum,
the rights and duties of citizens in a civil society have been affirmedand further
improved;and thereby,the developmenttowardsa more matured,rational,and
responsivedemocracy.We must seek to establisha civil society, and throughjoint
participationand collective efforts, to createan identitywith this land and a com-
mon memoryif we are to transcendthe limitationsof ethnicity,lineage, language
and culture,and to build a new and unified sense of shareddestiny.
In today's society, issues of identity and ethnicity are a serious matterthat
cannot be denied or deliberatelyoverlooked. My colleagues and I, in the Demo-
cratic ProgressiveParty as the governing party,will lead the way in addressing
such issues. We will take the first step and begin with candid self-reflection.
It was several hundredyears ago that the generationsbefore us traversedthe
"Black-waterChannel"[TaiwanStrait]or crossed the great ocean to find a safe
haven in Taiwan.No matterwhat year they arrived,regardlessof their ancestral
originsandtheirmothertongues,even in spite of theirdifferenthopes anddreams,
158 Asian Affairs

all are our forefathers;all have settled down here and togetherfaced a common
destiny.Whetherindigenous peoples or "new settlers,"expatriatesliving abroad,
foreign spouses or immigrantworkerswho labor underTaiwan'sblazing sun-
all have made a unique contributionto this land and each has become an indis-
pensable memberof our "New Taiwan"family.
Variousethnic groups, because of their disparatehistory and distinctive sub-
cultures, understandablyhold divergent views and values. Recognizing such
inherentdifferences, we should embrace one anotherwith more tolerance and
understanding.The authoritariangovernment of the past exploited inequality
among different ethnic groups, suppressing native languages and cultures.
Nonetheless, we must acknowledge that except for a few individualsin power,
membersof all ethnic groupshave been victimized.The February28 Incidentand
the "WhiteTerror,"of which the victims include both the Ben-sheng (Taiwanese)
and the Wai-sheng (Mainlanders),were not historical representationsof subju-
gation by ethnic groups, rather,abuse of power by a ruling government.
The fabric of Taiwansociety today is comprisedmainly of diverse immigrant
groups. It is not a minority-ruledcolonial state; hence, no single ethnic group
alone 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,and regardlessof whetheran individualiden-
tifies with Taiwanor with the Republic of China, per se, a common destiny has
bequeathedupon all of us the same parityanddignity.Therefore,let us relinquish
differentiationbetween native and foreign, and between minority and majority,
for the most complimentaryand accuratedepictionof present-dayTaiwanis of a
people "ethnicallydiverse, but one as a nation."A sharedsense of belonging has
become the common denominatoramong all the 23 million people of Taiwan.
This year's presidentialelection was markedby an exceedingly spiritedcam-
paign, hithertounseen in history.The close resultshave promptedoppositionpar-
ties to questionthe process andfile legal chargescontestingthe resultsof the vote.
As the incumbentpresident,I have, with the utmostsincerity,expressedmy high-
est respect for the independenceand fairness of our judicial system. I have also
vowed to accept the result of its investigationregardlessof the final outcome. It
is my firmbelief thatabidingby and acceptanceof the rule of law is the only con-
duit throughwhich we can resolve conflicts-for, if we were to rebukethe trust
placed by the people in Taiwan'sdemocracyand independentjudiciaries,the end
resultwould be that"everyoneloses."Today'stimely springshowerwill calm our
spirits and clear our minds.
In a democraticsystem, scheduled elections are designed for the exercise of
sovereignty by the people. They also provide a channel throughwhich popular
will and social values can be regularlyreassessed.Fiercecompetitionin the realm
of politics forces politiciansto undergothe most directform of evaluation,which
often serves as their greatestinspiration.My campaign, likewise, was subjected
Future China-TaiwanRelations 159

to rathertough scrutinyduring the election, as was my administration,but we

have learnedand improvedas a result. In any election, sharpdifferencesbetween
competing political factions are inevitable. This could include contrastingide-
ologies, disparityin policy platforms,even variationin methodsused 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 balances system of multi-partypolitics constitutesa solid framework
for democraticgovernance.An accountablegoverningpartyand a loyal opposi-
tion, togetherrepresentthe voice of the people; both are political assets of a free
nationand a free people. Be it the governingpartyor the opposition,theirrespec-
tive roles are inherentlybestowed by the people with an opportunityas well as a
responsibility.
In my opinion, the ultimatechallenge of this past election lay not as much in
garneringa mandateas in the post-election hurdle of how to scale the wall of
antagonism,and in finding ways to reconcile the deep divide caused by distrust.
We must not allow the narrowmargin of victory to become a source of greater
conflict in society. Thus, I herebypledge to listen, to understand,to abide by laws
and reasoning,and to striveto unify the people of Taiwan-so as to dissipate the
animosity engenderedby the campaign and rebuilda "bridgeof trust"between
the governingand opposition parties.
Unite Taiwan, stabilize cross-straitrelations, seek social harmony,and rein-
vigoratethe economy. These are the earnesthopes of the people and the preem-
inent mission of my new administration.But none of these objectives can be
accomplishedthroughan individualeffort, nor can one political partydo it alone.
I shall go to the people with my plea for support,just as I standhere today, call-
ing on the opposition parties and the voices of public opinion to join me in this
historic endeavor.
BELIEVEIN TAIWAN-We must continueto fosternationalcompetitiveness
and cultivate an atmosphereof humanitarianism,environmentalprotection,and
sustainabledevelopment.
PERSISTWITHREFORM--We shall forge aheadin responseto the people's
demandfor reformin our political andjudicial system, in the educationalsystem,
and in our financial and fiscal infrastructures;for improvementin the quality of
our media; and for comprehensivesocial reform.We shall be empoweredby our
faithin Taiwan;andwe shall perseverein strivingto achieve ourgoals. The efforts
put forth today will translateinto an enduringlegacy for the futuregenerations:
a just, new Taiwanwhere social justice, economic justice, fairnessin ourjudicial
system, genderjustice, and internationaljustice are realized.
In our face-off with increasinglyfierce and vigorous competitionon the inter-
nationalfront, coalescing the power of the people and working expeditiously to
enhance the efficiency of governmentmechanisms-these are tasks vital to Tai-
wan's sustaineddevelopment.Yet, we must bearin mind thathistoricaland polit-
160 Asian Affairs

ical circumstancesconfine us to an existing constitutionalframeworkthat now

poses the most direct impedimentto effective governance.
The Constitutionstandsas the supremelegal basis of a nation, symbolizinga
paramountcontractbetween the governmentand the people. Our currentConsti-
tutionwas promulgatedundercircumstancesthatwere verydifferentfromthe soci-
ety we know today,and the majorityof the articlesin the Constitutionno longer
addressthe present-much less the future-needs of Taiwan.The promotionof
constitutionalre-engineeringand the re-establishmentof the constitutionalorder
are tasksthatcorrespondwith the expectationsof the people and arein accordance
with the consensus sharedby all politicalparties.
The constitutionalre-engineeringprojectaims to enhancegood governanceand
increaseadministrativeefficiency,to ensurea solid foundationfor democraticrule
of law,andto fosterlong-termstabilityandprosperityof the nation.Therearemany
problemsin our currentConstitutionthat need to be tackled, amongstwhich the
moreimmediateandobviousinclude:whetherto havea three-branchor five-branch
separationof power; whetherto adopt a presidentialor parliamentarysystem of
government;whetherthe presidentshould be elected by a relativemajorityor an
absolutemajority;reformof the nationallegislatureand relevantarticles;the role
of the NationalAssembly and its retainmentversus abolishment;whetherto sus-
pend or abolishthe provincialgovernment;loweringof voting age; modificationof
compulsorymilitaryservicerequirements;protectionof basichumanrightsandthe
rights of the disadvantaged;and, principlesgoverningthe runningof the national
economy.Indeed,this will be a projectof grandscale thatis certainto have a sig-
nificantimpact.
To avoid repeatingthe same mistakesby past administrations-six roundsof
constitutionalamendmentsin ten years-the proposedconstitutionalreformproject
must not be monopolizedby one personor by a single politicalparty,nor shouldit
be undertakenmerely for the short-term.In the future,we will invite membersof
the rulingpartyandthe oppositionparties,as well as legal experts,academicschol-
ars andrepresentativesfromall fields and spanningall social classes, to collaborate
in forminga "ConstitutionalReformCommittee."Our aim will be to generatethe
highest level of social consensuson the scope and procedureof the constitutional
reform,all of which are to be open to public scrutiny.
By the time I complete my presidencyin 2008, I hope to handto the people of
Taiwanand to our countrya new version of our Constitution-one that is timely,
relevantand viable-this is my historicresponsibilityand my commitmentto the
people. In the same context,I am fully awarethatconsensushas yet to be reached
on issues related to national sovereignty, territory and the subject of
unification/independence; therefore,let me explicitly proposethatthese particular
issues be excluded from the presentconstitutionalre-engineeringproject.Proce-
durally,we shall follow the rules set out in the existingConstitutionand its amend-
ments.Accordingly,afterthe passage by the nationallegislature,membersof the
Future China-TaiwanRelations 161

first and also the last ad hoc NationalAssembly will be elected and chargedwith
the task of adoptingthe constitutionalreformproposalas passed by the legisla-
ture,abolishingthe NationalAssembly,andincorporatinginto the Constitutionthe
people's right to referendumon constitutionalrevision. By so doing, we hope to
lay a solid foundationfor the long-termdevelopmentof our constitutionaldemoc-
racy, and the people's right to referendumon legislative proposals for constitu-
tional revision.
Duringthe last four years, we have witnesseddramaticpolitical and economic
changes in the world.Taiwan,in the face of a new internationalorder,must stand
firm yet perseverein our ongoing quest to become a better and strongernation.
We must also endeavor to re-position ourselves in equilibriumbetween global
competitionand internationalcooperation.
Taiwan'slong-termfriendshipswith the United States, Japanand our allies in
the rest of the worldhave been foundedon the safeguardingof our common inter-
ests. More importantly,it is an alliance of core values that we share: freedom,
democracy,humanrights and peace.
Taiwan'sdemocraticdevelopment,andpeace andstabilityin the TaiwanStrait,
remainsa focal point of internationalattention.On behalf of our governmentand
people, I would like to once again express our heartfeltgratitudefor the friend-
ship that has been extended to us-reminding me of the old adage "together
though apart."The people of Taiwanembrace peace. Needless to say, Taiwan's
nationalsecurityis of greaterconcernto us thanto anyoneelse in the world.Faced
with an ever-increasingmilitarythreatfrom across the Strait,it is imperativefor
all the people, includingpolitical adversaries,to forge a strongwill to defend our-
selves, proactivelystrengtheningour defense equipmentand upgradingour self-
defense capabilities. It is our sincere hope that our friends in the international
arenawill continue to rendertheir valuableattentionand assistance to the cause
of peace in the TaiwanStraitand stabilityin the Asia-Pacific Region. Let us take
the opportunityto give a warm round of applauseto our internationalallies for
their friendshipand dedication.
Taiwanstandsready to continue in its role as active participantand contribu-
tor to internationalsociety-this is the right of 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
assistance efforts, Taiwanhas always been there. Otherrecent accomplishments
include the foundingof the Pacific DemocraticAlliance and the establishmentof
the TaiwanFoundationfor Democracy.We can show a vigorous record of par-
ticipation in internationalnon-governmentalorganizations(NGOs), in addition
to our collaborationwith other members of the global village in advocacy and
defense of the universalvalues of freedom, democracyand humanrights.
At present, Taiwan is the world's fifteenth largest tradingnation, with high
rankingsin internationalcompetitiveness.Yet, it took twelve years of strenuous
162 Asian Affairs

effort for Taiwanto become the 144th memberof the WorldTradeOrganization

(WTO). We are still fighting relentlessly to join the WorldHealth Organization
(WHO). Last year's outbreakof the SARS epidemic has taughtthe world a hard
lesson, that we are all equals in sickness and disease. Nevertheless, despite the
WHO's creed that health care-encompassing medicine, public health and dis-
ease control-is a basic humanrightand shouldheed no borders,Taiwanremains
unjustlylocked out. Let us come togetherin a continuouseffort towardour goal
to join the WorldHealth Organizationin two years.
Not long ago, the EuropeanUnion (EU) welcomed the accession of ten new
memberstates.Following severaldecades of effort,with respectfor each country
and by the free choice of citizens, the EU has successfullyintegratedthe common
interestsof the peopleof Europe.Sucha valuableexperiencehasfar-reachingimpli-
cations and will impact world order in this new century.From this we see that
regionalintegrationis not merely an ongoing but also a futuretrend.This trend,in
additionto globalization,has led to fundamentalchanges in conventionalthinking
of nationalsovereigntyand territorialboundaries,such thatenvisioning"universal
harmony"will no longerbe an intangibleideal.
With the new century upon us, let the leaders on both sides of the Strait,in
striving to attain the greatest welfare for their peoples, heed this new trend by
adoptinga brandnew frame of mind-together, let us take a fresh, unparalleled
approachin addressingfuturecross-straitissues.
The people on both sides sharea common ancestral,culturalandhistoricalher-
itage. In the past century,both have enduredthe repressionof foreign powers and
the dominationof authoritarianrule. Both our peoples now sharean indomitable
resolve to stand up and be the masters of their own destiny, a sentimentthat is
worthy of our full, mutualunderstanding.
We can understandwhy the governmenton the otherside of the Strait,in light
of historicalcomplexititesand ethnic sentiments,cannotrelinquishits insistence
on the "One China Principle."By the same token, the Beijing authoritiesmust
understandthe deep convictionheld by the people of Taiwanto strivefor democ-
racy, to love peace, to pursue their dreams free from threat, and, to embrace
progress.But if the other side is unable to comprehendthat this honest and sim-
ple wish representsthe aspirationsof Taiwan's23 million people, if it continues
to threatenTaiwan with military force, if it persists in isolating Taiwan diplo-
matically,if it keeps up irrationalefforts to block Taiwan'srightfulparticipation
in the internationalarena,this will only serve to drivethe heartsof the Taiwanese
people furtheraway and widen the divide in the Strait.
The Republic of China now exists in Taiwan,Penghu (The Pescadores),Kin-
men and Matsu. This is a fact. Taiwan'sexistence as a member of international
society is also a fact. Such realitiescannotbe negatedby anyonefor any reason-
for thereinlies the collective will of the people of Taiwan.A half centuryof toil
and laborby the people of this land has culminatedin what is now known as the
Future China-TaiwanRelations 163

"TaiwanExperience,"the fruits of which validate the existence of the Republic

of China and, what is more, have become the proudassets, not only of the peo-
ples on both sides of the TaiwanStrait,but of all Chinese societies.
History has given rise to the developmentof two very differentpolitical sys-
tems as well as two dissimilar ways of life on either side of the Taiwan Strait.
However,if we make a concertedeffort to find some positive aspect of our dif-
ferences and commonalities,perhapswe shall discover a wonderfulopportunity,
a catalystfor buildinga cooperativeand mutuallybeneficial relationship.Taiwan
is a completely free and democraticsociety. Neither single individualnor a polit-
ical partycan make the ultimatechoice 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 Republic of China
and the People's Republic of China--or Taiwanand China-can seek to estab-
lish relations in any form whatsoever.We would not exclude any possibility, as
long as there is the consent of the 23 million people of Taiwan.
For more than a decade, interactionbetween the peoples on both sides has
grown closer and more intense. This developmentbears great significance and
increasesthe importanceof furtheringcross-straitrelations.In the future,we hope
to continuepushing forthcurrentliberalizationmeasureswhile expandingcross-
straitexchange across the spectrum-from journalismand informationto educa-
tion and culture, to economics and trade-and to promote the establishmentof
channels for resuming cross-strait dialogue and communication. By building
bridges, we will aim to close gaps and establish a foundationfor mutualtrust.
The first two decades of this centurywill be a crucial time for Taiwanto pur-
sue a comprehensiveprogramof upgradingand transformation;it also represents
an opportune moment in history for Mainland China to move forward with
democratizationand liberalization.Therefore,governmentson both sides should
seize this timely opportunityto take on the challenges of global competition,
advocatingfor progress and developmentinstead of dwelling on the impasse of
political 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 internationalrelations.We have no doubt the
Beijing authoritiesrecognize that maintainingthe peaceful statusquo in the Tai-
wan Straitis of vital importanceto sustainabledevelopmentfor our respective
sides and for the stabilityfor our respectivesides and for the stabilityof the Asia-
Pacific region as a whole.
It is my belief that both sides must demonstratea dedicated commitment to
nationaldevelopment,and throughconsultation,establish a dynamic "peace and
stability framework"for interactions;that we must work together to guarantee
therewill be no unilateralchange to the statusquo in the TaiwanStrait;and, addi-
tionally, we must further promote cultural, economic and trade exchanges-
164 Asian Affairs

includingthe threelinks [directmail, transportationand commerce]-for only in

so doing can we ensure the welfare of our peoples while fulfilling the expecta-
tions of the internationalcommunity.
As the Presidentof the Republic of China, I have been mandatedby the peo-
ple of Taiwanto defendthe sovereignty,securityanddignityof this nation,to chart
our country'ssustainabledevelopment,to safeguardpeace and stabilityin the Tai-
wan Strait,to seek consensus and garnerthe collective supportof all the people,
and to carefully manage futurerelationsacross the Strait.Today I would like to
reaffirmthe promises and principles set forth in my inauguralspeech in 2000.7
Those commitmentshavebeen honored-they have not changedover the past four
years, nor will they change in the next four years. Upon this foundation,my next
step will be to invite both the governing and opposition parties, in conjunction
with representativesfrom variouswalks of the society, to participatein the estab-
lishment of a "Committeefor Cross-StraitPeace and Development,"combining
the collective insight and wisdom of all parties and our citizenry, to draft the
"Guidelinesfor Cross-StraitPeace and Development."The goal will be to pave
the way for formulatinga new relationshipof cross-Straitpeace, stabilityand sus-
tainabledevelopment.
Honorableguests and fellow citizens, if we look at a map of the world, Tai-
wan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu may seem like a tiny cluster of islands in the
marginsof the Pacific Rim. However,if you take a closer look, what you will dis-
cover are orchestralmountainranges,paintedwith singing rivers,adorningsome
of the world's most bountifulecological landscapes.Amidst the lush forestryand
abundantwildlife, there is a human chain linking 23 million warm smiles
descendedfrom an ethnic rainbow,with a historythat spans across centuriesand
reflects a myriad of culturalinfluences juxtaposed with political evolution and
economic transformation--enoughto fill an encyclopedia. Taiwanis a tolerant,
oceanic country,a small but proudisland connected to all cornersof the world.
Galvanizingthese attributeswill empower us to expand our vision and unleash
our minds far beyond the horizon.
The storyof Taiwantouchespeople's hearts.But, whatinspiresawe, morethan
its naturalbeauty,is the coloring that reflects the triumphantexperienceof over-
coming hardship,trialsandtribulations.This is the "Spiritof Taiwan,"a gift passed
throughthe generations,a glow which emits from the faces of the Taiwanpeople.
Now, the torch of history has once again been passed into my hand; each of
you also holds the torch in your hands. I have set a goal for myself, that, during
the next four years, I will continue to uphold the principlesof sincerityand hon-
esty, compassion and benevolence, unselfishness and impartialityin leading our
countrydown the "middleroad."I ask my fellow compatriotsto standby me in
this endeavor.I will be counting on your supportand encouragement.
I am just an ordinaryman. I have always believed that there is no such thing
as a greatpresident,for only a greatpeople can create a greatcountry.Fueled by
Future China-TaiwanRelations 165

the power of the people, let us work together.Together,let us lay the foundation
for our long-termnationaldevelopment-for sustainabledemocracy,sustainable
reforms,sustainablehumanities,and sustainablepeace. Let Taiwan,the Republic
of China,worktowardsolidarityandharmony,fairnessandjustice, prosperityand
equality.Historyhas endowedupon me this responsibility.It is a mission entrust-
ed to me by the people.
On February28 of this year, more than one million people stood on the land
of Formosa,irrespectiveof ethnic affiliation,age, or gender.Hand in hand, they
formed a mesmerizing"wall of democracy"some five hundredkilometers long,
spanningthe full length of the island and completing a breathtakingportraitof
Taiwan.The time has come for Taiwanto stand tall, to reach out with courage
and conviction. Let us marka sustainableand firm place in the world.
My fellow citizens, let us be thankfulfor this land and let us pay tributeto the
greatnessof the people. We must unite for the sake of Taiwan.Together,we must
defend our Taiwan, as we stride proudly forwardinto the twenty-firstcentury.
Once again let us hand-in-handauthorthe next chapterin this most inspirational
story of twenty-firstcenturyTaiwan.
Finally, let us wish the Republicof China great prosperity.And to all my fel-
low citizens, dearfriendsandhonorableguests, may healthandhappinessbe with
you always.
Thankyou.

NOTES

1. Jimmy Carter,KeepingFaith (New York:BantamBooks, 1982), 187.

2. Carol Giacomo, "ClintonSpells Out TaiwanPolicy," Yahoo!News, June 30, 1998.
3. "TaiwanLeadersat Crossroad:Peaceor War,"ChinaDaily, May 7, 2004, 5. http://www.chinadaily.
com.cn/.
4. "Curbing'Taiwan Independence'Most Urgent Task,"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's InauguralAddress: 'Pavingthe Way for a SustainableTaiwan,'"Government
InformationOffice, Republicof China,http://www.gio.gov/tw/taiwan_website/5-gp/pi2004; and Tai-
wan Journal, no. 21 (May 28, 2004): 2-7.
6. Editor'snote: Chen has adoptedthe official title the Republic of China here in defiance of his
party,the Democratic ProgressiveParty (whose chartercalls for a name change to the Republic of
Taiwan).Thus, in his speech, Chen is making a concession to pressurefrom both the United States
and China to avoid an immediate military confrontationand crisis, as China views the name the
Republic of Taiwanas a declarationof independence.
7. Editor'snote:Chenpledgedthe "FiveNo's" policy in his 2000 inauguraladdressas follows: no to
declaringTaiwanindependence;no to changingthe nationalname;no to pushingstate-to-staterelations
with the mainland;no to promotinga referendumto change the statusquo; and no to abolishingthe
NationalUnificationCouncil, establishedby the previouspresident,who was a memberof the Kuom-
intang.However,the previousdocumentfrom the People's Republicof Chinaindicatesthat the main-
landgovernmentinsists thatChen has, in fact, brokenthe promisesoutlinedin his Five No's policy.