SEPTEMBER 2011

DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen nominates Su JiaChyuan as running mate

On Sept. 9, DPP Chair and Presidential Candidate Tsai Ing-wen announced Secretary General Su Jia-Chyuan as her running mate for the 2012 presidential elections. DPP Secretary General Su is a person that has the ability and courage to fight and an explosive force for the campaign, Chair Tsai announced. Tsai said that in nominating Su, she had confidence the DPPs exposure in Central Taiwan will increase, and at the same time, Su will bring an added-value to the overall campaign for the DPP. In her announcement speech, Tsai praised Sus political experience and administrative record. She said Su is not only a founding member of the party, but he has also represented the country at the National Assembly and Legislative Yuan, and has served as Pintung County Governor, Minister of the Interior and Minister of Agriculture. She also told that since serving as chair of the DPP from 2008, her reliance on Su as Secretary General has helped the DPPs renew its image among the public.

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SEPTEMBER 2011

...Su Jia-Chyuan as VP running mate

now that my contributions will be even greater for the challenge ahead of us. The DPP has released its own survey conducted between Sept. 8 and 9. The survey focused on the support rate between the two major parties and the appreciation rate for the candidates for vice president for both parties. Chen Jung-lin, director of the DPPs Survey Center, said the survey conducted by the DPP showed the general publics support rate for Tsai and Su at 43.6%, while 44% of the general public said to support the KMTs MaWu ticket. However, Chen said among the population with high chances of going to vote, the support rate for the Tsai-Su ticket was 46.8% and 44.4% for the Ma-Wu ticket. In regards to the degree of appreciation for the candidates of each party, DPPs vice presidential candidate Su was ahead of Wu. The survey showed 56.8% of the respondents expressing high opinion of Su and 40.2% expressing high opinion for Wu. Chen also emphasized that it is note considering that survey respondents believed Su Chiachuan to be more respectful of public opinions and trustworthy. He said approximately 50.9% of the public said that Su will bring an addedadvantage to the presidential election while 32.3% responded that Wu would be an addedadvantage. Chen said survey respondents were certainly negative on the aspects of respect for public opinions and trustworthiness regarding Wu.

Tsai emphasized that the return to power for the DPP in 2012 lies on an important objective, which is to focus on the local economy by promoting a new agricultural movement in order to strengthen Taiwans agricultural industry. Tsai said having Secretary General Su as her running mate represents the DPPs focus on agriculture as well as getting back to the grassroots in Central Taiwan. The presidential elections next year is an extremely challenging test for the DPP, she said. The future could be better for Taiwan and we hope that many of our friends and supporters stand with us to create a different Taiwan together. Secretary General Su delivered an acceptance speech, expressing confidence that the DPP will win the trust of the public and become victorious in the 2012 presidential election. I am today, just like the past, willing to accept the invitation of our chair to shoulder the responsibilities as the DPPs candidate for vice president, Su said. I am willing to move heaven and earth and to assist any hard challenges ahead of us. In the past three years, I was able to help the DPP rise itself from the bottom, and I am even more confident

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SEPTEMBER 2011

Chair Tsai Ing-wen leads DPP delegation to US

DPP Chair and Presidential Candidate Tsai Ingwen led a delegation to the US this midSeptember, visiting the cities of Washington, D.C., Boston, New York, Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Speaking to reporters at Taoyuan International Airport before departure, Tsai said enhancing US relations and exchanging views with American friends as well as visiting DPP supporters were the main objectives of the trip. Tsai also said she hoped to establish more solid communication mechanisms with Washington so that next year, when the DPP comes into power, the two-party relationship between Taiwan and the US is based on mutual trust and a desire to maintain stability in the Asia Pacific region. The DPP delegation included Legislator Chen Ming-wen, City Councilor Ho Chih-wei, Foreign Policy Advisors Chang Fu-mei and Winston Dang, Former Economic Minister Ho Mei-yueh, Former National Security Advisor Chen Chong-hsing,

Taiwan Thinktank Executive Director Chen Pochih, Spokepeople Bikhim Hsiao, Chen Chi-mai and Chuang Ruei-hsiung, staff from the DPPs policy, international affairs and information department, and members of the Taiwan media. Washington, D.C. Arriving Washington, D.C. on Sept. 12, Chair Tsai was greeted by DPP supporters at Dulles International Airport. On the following day, Chair Tsai was invited to visit the Brookings Institution, where she participated in a roundtable discussion with various members of think tanks and academia. Following, the DPP delegation visited the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where she delivered the speech Taiwans National Security Challenges and Strategies in the Next Decade. The event, hosted by Dan Blumenthal, Resident Fellow of AEI, was also attended by Former PAGE 3

SEPTEMBER 2011

...Chair Tsai Ing-wens US trip

the US to be more proactive in regional security affairs, Tsai said Taiwan must also play an important role. The people of Taiwan and the DPP will continue to play our part in nurturing the strategic partnership, she said. Tsai then pointed out the DPPs China Policy, in which she said the main goal for the DPP in managing the China relationship was to maintain a peaceful and stable environment so that the Taiwanese people can have the opportunities to develop a prosperous economy while preserving our hard-won political freedoms and way of living. She further mentioned that the DPPs approach to China will be stable and balanced.

President of the World Bank and current Visiting Fellow at AEI Paul Wolfowitz and Chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Raymond Burghardt. In her speech, Tsai discussed the newlyreleased 10 Year Policy Platform, which she indicated was a product of intense discussions among former DPP cabinet ministers, advisors and academics. We are operating in a more complex global environment than ever before... Domestically, although our GDP has shown some positive growth numbers since the nancial crisis a couple of years ago, like here in the US, we have a crisis of escalating government debt, the loss of jobs, and a growing wealth disparity where the average income for the working person is actually declining. She also stressed that pragmatism, diligence and creativity of the Taiwanese people are major contributors to overcoming these global challenges. In regards to US relations, Tsai said that in her view, the US serves as Taiwans most important and reliable partner in international relations. She further emphasized the need to rebuild strategic condence and reinforce the strategic partnership when engaging with the US. Tsai also said the DPP supports the need for Taiwan to defend itself and looked forward to a decision by the US to provide Taiwan with advanced defense systems. Although Taiwan expects

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SEPTEMBER 2011

...Chair Tsai Ing-wens US trip

(D-NJ), Dan Lungren (R-CA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Howard Berman (D-CA), Ileana Ros Lehtinen (R-FL), Randy Forbes (R-VA), Dan Burton (R-IN), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Ed Royce (R-CA), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Jean Schmidt (R-OH), Gregorio Sablan (D-Marianas), Paul Tonko (DNY), Al Green (D-TX) and Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX). Senators Daniel Inouye (D-HI) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) were also present at the reception. In her speech, Tsai laid out the Taiwan consensus, which she said it will be part of Taiwans democratic process to form a basis for cross-strait talks and discussions with any and all others as equal partners. Earlier in the day, Chair Tsai visited the Dirksen Senate Office Building and sat with Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Jim Webb (D-VA) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). Meeting US officials During the two day visit to Washington, D.C., several DPP foreign policy advisors and Chair Tsai met with US officials to exchange views on USTaiwan relations, cross strait relations, and the DPPs future handling of its China policy. Spokesperson Bikhim Hsiao said the officials they met with included members of the State Department, the Department of Defense, the United States Trade Representative Office (USTR) and the National Security Council. We will not discuss the content of the discussions, Spokesperson Hsiao said. However, the US side has arranged these meetings based on administrative neutrality and their desire to continue close communications with both political parties

As a responsible political party, our policy must be in line with the mainstream consensus in our society as well as international expectations, and therefore, we will refrain from extreme or radical approaches. Meeting Members of House and Senate At a reception organized by the Formosan Association of Public Affairs (FAPA), the DPP delegation visited with members of the US Congress at Capitol Hill on Sept. 14. In the reception, Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ileana Ros Lehtinen praised Taiwans democracy in her speech and delivered a US flag as a gift for Chair Tsai. Representative Ros Lehtinen also announced the introduction of a new legislation that would strengthen US-Taiwan relations, especially concerning the sale of advanced weaponry to Taiwan. In regards to the new legislation, Ms. Ros Lehtinen explained, It calls for Taiwan to be provided with the next generation of F-16 fighters to defend the skies over the Taiwan Strait. Attending the reception were members of congress Howard Coble (R-NC), Tom McClintock (RCA), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Robert Andrews

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SEPTEMBER 2011

...Chair Tsai Ing-wens US trip

decision to run for president, she knew that she had to denitely win the election. Elections is not just a periodical call and politics is not just to vote, she said. The future government is for everyone to share, and the era for one person to make decisions for everyone has ended. We are now a democracy, and therefore, we must all participate in making policy. Boston At the invitation of Professor Dr. Steven Goldstein, Convener of the Taiwan Studies Workshop at Harvard Universitys Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, Tsai delivered a speech titled, Policy Challenges, Choices and Democratic Governance in front of more than 270 university students, professors and members of the general public. In her speech, Tsai expressed excitement at the opportunity of exchanging ideas with the next generation of future policy leaders. She discussed the role of government to assist young people and creating better prospects for the future generation. Our young people, in particular, are deeply anxious about their future, and the assumption that

as well as their concern about Taiwans elections and the handling of policies from both sides. Spokesperson Chen Chi-mai said Chair Tsai was able to show her capability in handing stability across the Taiwan Strait during the meetings with US officials. Additionally, they expressed their standpoint of not interfering in Taiwans elections, and they also clearly conveyed their desire to continue cooperation in various issues with the future presidential winner. Meeting DPP-DC supporters DPP supporters residing in Washington, D.C. hosted a rally-style reception for Chair Tsai on the evening of Sept. 14. Approximately 500 supporters attended the rally, and a DPP supporter surprised the audience by buying for US$23,000 a Tsai Ing-wen poster that was printed when she ran as New Taipei City mayor last year. Tsai announced the DPPs grassroots efforts not only in Taiwan nationwide, but also in different parts of the world. She also said that she has visited Washington, D.C. more than a hundred times since she was a college student, but this time, she came as a presidential candidate and that once she has made the

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SEPTEMBER 2011

...Chair Tsai Ing-wens US trip

a good education and training will secure a decently-paying job and lifestyle no longer holds. This concerns me deeply, for I believe that the condence of the younger generation to explore and innovate is essential for our countrys continuing development. She also spoke about the historical context that led Taiwan to a democracy, and the challenges Taiwan currently faces in democracy strengthening. We are a young democracy, and having the right to freely select our leaders and to determine our own future through the democratic vote is only their own future, the DPP continues to wish for engaging dialogue with China. While we insist on upholding our democratic rights in Taiwan and protecting the independence of our sovereignty, the DPP and the Taiwanese people harbor no animosity toward the people of China. After her speech, a Q&A followed, and members of the audience asked questions regarding the DPPs social welfare policies, US-Taiwan relations and cross strait issues. Among those that asked questions, a Chinese student asked Tsai whether a project of democratization in China like that of Taiwan would encourage the Taiwanese people to identify more with China and Chinese social heritage. I think that is part of the view, she responded. When China becomes a democracy, I think the Taiwanese people will feel more comfortable and more at ease. I guess the important thing is that China would have to develop itself and share the universal values with others, and then this is what we call by building commonalities. My position is that the future relationship with China, I would like to leave it open..., but the decision is for the Taiwanese people to make. New York, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles The remaining part of the US trip resembled more of a whirlwind tour. The itineraries for each city involved only visits with DPP supporters and staying less than an entire day or just one night in each stop. PAGE 7

a recent phenomenon,with vulnerabilities subject to internal and external challenges. Further explaining that the external challenges to Taiwans democracy originated from across the Strait, she discussed Chinas interference in Taiwans elections and their continued military aggression against Taiwan. She also expressed concern over Chinas human rights record and their political persecutions of activists such as Ai Weiwei and Liu Xiaobo. Nevertheless, she insisted even though China denied the right of the Taiwanese people to decide

SEPTEMBER 2011

...Chair Tsai Ing-wens US trip

In Queens, New York, Tsai spoke at a rally organized by the DPPs US-Eastern Branch, with approximately 800 people showing to support the presidential candidate. The following day, in the early hours of the morning, the delegation ew to Houston, Texas, where approximately 700 people were present. At the reception, a newly formed association of overseas Taiwanese students in Texas pledged their support for Tsai. In the evening, the delegation then ew to San Francisco and met up with 1,200 supporters at the rally prepared for the DPP chair. Accompanied by her sister, Tsai Feng-Chiao, Chair Tsai spoke in detail about her policy standpoint, the Taiwan Consensus, which she said was the right step for Taiwan to take. The last leg of the US trip was the city of Los Angeles, where 3,000 supporters showed up at a rally at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Later on, a fundraising dinner was held, and accompanied by her siblings, Tsai Ying-Ru and Tsai Ying-Cheng, Chair Tsai told personal stories of their childhood. The evening was a success, lled with music composed by Tsais sister, who is a renown musician. Tsai told the audience that the best gift her father left for her was her siblings, which made her political career less lonely. She also said that since she has become DPP chair, she has counted on the support of the people to raise the DPP from its setbacks by bringing the party out of debt through small contributions from supporters all over the world.

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SEPTEMBER 2011

DPP holds 25th Anniversary Celebrations in Taichung

just to catch a glimpse of the actions on stage. An estimated 30,000 people attended the rally. The usual traditional food stands were seen everywhere around and outside of the venue, along with vendors and non-government organizations preparing food and artifacts for sale. The popularity of Tsai Ing-wen resulted in over-crowding stands selling the presidential candidates related accessories and clothing, ranging from T-shirts to perfume. During the rally, the DPP also launched a new music album titled Ing-Wen Songs. The overall theme of the rally was focused on topics about women, with special emphasis on getting the crowd to realize the significance of the first female president in the history of Taiwans democracy. This symbolizes progress, as most of the guest speakers mentioned. Although most guest speakers were women as part of the theme, Former Premiers Yu Shyi-kun, Frank Hsieh, and Su Tseng-Chang were also present to give their support for the female candidate. The rally was a great success, as the event went by smoothly without any disturbances. DPPs event in Taichung really portrayed what the party has been emphasizing in the past, that grassroots power, should not be underestimated, as most of the crowd was the heart and soul of DPPs support.

The DPPs 25th Anniversary Rally was held in Taichung this year in order to show the DPPs bond with the middle part of Taiwan, a key campaign area for the next election. The main theme of this years anniversary party also showcased the partys progressive spirit, promoting the DPP as the first party to have a female candidate for next years presidential elections. With seating only up to 4,000, most of the crowd ended up standing around the center stage

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SEPTEMBER 2011

DPP hosts 25h Anniversary Reception for foreign diplomats, representatives

DPP Chair and Presidential Candidate Tsai Ing-wen spoke at the DPPs annual diplomatic reception, the first of such events since 2008, in celebration of the partys 25th anniversary. Tsai was joined by Secretary General and Candidate for Vice President Su Jia-Chyuan, along with DPP Founder and Former Examination Yuan President Yao Chia-wen, his wife, Former Legislator Chou Ching-yu and Former DPP Chair and Premier Frank Hsieh. The reception was held at the W Hotel in Taipeis Hsinyi District. Guests at the event included ambassadors, representatives and directors from various embassies and trade and economic offices along with various members from the academia and media. Approximately one hundred people attended the event and most arrivals were greeted personally by Bikhim Hsiao, Vice President of the DPPs think tank, the New Frontier Foundation. Chair Tsais speech, conducted wholly in English, opened with a brief introduction of the partys history since its establishment on Sept. 28, 1986, touching on the DPPs commitment to bettering the lives of the Taiwanese people and to democracy. She also stressed the unwavering determination of the party to stand firm in its position, despite the challenges it has faced, and its readiness to govern the island of Taiwan once more. We believe that the way for the DPP to win in 2012 is not just by criticizing the current governments incompetence, she said. Instead, we shall win by convincing the people that we are more competent and mature than the KMT. Tsai also emphasized that whether Taiwan is in the middle of elections or not, she affirmed that under her leadership, the DPP will continue to be a transparent and open political party. Having recently travelled to Europe, Southeast Asia and the US, Chair Tsai has participated in various meetings and conferences concerning democracy, human rights and regional security, as well as climate and energy issues. From Oct. 1, Chair Tsai and her team will be traveling to Japan as a continued show of support in Taiwan-Japan regional cooperation.

DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

PUBLISHED BY: Department of International Aairs Democratic Progressive Party 9F, No. 30, Pei-Ping East Road, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 886-2-2392-9989 ext. 306 Fax: 886-2-2393-0342 Email: foreign@dpp.org.tw Website: http://www.dpp.org.tw

DIRECTOR: Bikhim Hsiao DEPUTY DIRECTOR: Hsieh Huai-hui EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Michael J. Fonte EDITOR: Ping-Ya Hsu STAFF WRITERS: David Huang, Vicky Sun

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