This international conference on security is of great significance. The ongoing war on terrorism in the Middle East, the escalating nuclear crisis in North Korea and the series of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia all pose grave threats to our security. However, in the long term, as reported in the US Department of Defense report on China's military power, an even more serious challenge is China's rapid military build-up in the absence of any actual or perceived military threat against it. Most conspicuous is China's deployment of short-range and long-range missiles, which not only intimidate neighboring countries but also signify China's imminent threat. We are deeply troubled by China's strategic aims. Moreover, China is an undemocratic regime that has been brutal toward its people and hegemonic toward its neighbors, thus causing fear and insecurity in the peoples and societies of the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition to traditional notions on military security, many scholars and experts are beginning to discuss new concepts such as economic security and human security. We are aware of worsening problems including environmental pollution, natural disasters, government corruption, AIDS, maritime security and transnational crime. In seeking a solution, we realize that only through regional cooperation among nations can these threats to human security be controlled.
I think the convening of this inter-parliamentary conference in Taiwan is especially valuable. While both Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia have multilateral regional mechanisms for security dialogue, the Taiwan Strait remains the only region without any such security arrangement. The ASEAN Regional Forum could have played an important role in the Strait, but it deliberately excluded Taiwan from participating. I presume that the participants of this security conference can sense that Taiwan is making great efforts to repel its constant military threat.
In order to address the challenges to Asia-Pacific regional security, we must reconfirm that Asia-Pacific nations share common fundamental values. I personally believe that democracy is the chief fundamental value that we all share. Democracy embodies the highest respect for human life, property and human rights. Thus, democratic nations would not threaten or attack other countries. The validity of "democracy and peace" has both theoretical foundation and substantive proof.
Since its peaceful transfer of power in 2000, Taiwan has become a truly democratic country. We are more than happy to share with other Asia-Pacific nations our many experiences with democratization so that together we may construct a regional security network. Taiwan must help more people and more countries enjoy the fruits of democracy, including the people of China. To fulfill this goal, Asia-Pacific nations must concur that Taiwan is a vibrant democracy and will not revert to authoritarianism at any cost. The purpose of Taiwan's close cooperation with other nations on security issues is to ensure that Taiwan's hard-won democracy is not sabotaged. Taiwan's democracy proves that the universal values of democracy and human rights are compatible with Chinese culture. Like a lighthouse beacon, Taiwan's democracy emboldens all hearts desirous of democracy in the Asia-Pacific.
In my New Year's address, I mentioned that since the Sept. 11 events, Taiwan as a responsible member of the international community has proactively participated in anti-terrorist activities and humanitarian aid efforts. However, I must remind the international community that only democracy, not anti-terrorism campaigns, can cure the root of the problem. Additionally, I hereby announce that the "Taiwan Democracy Foundation" will be officially established in June of this year. Through this foundation, we will cooperate with our allies and international friends to realize the goal of global democratization.
I believe that all participants at this Asia-Pacific security conference will contribute to valuable discussions on security issues. Moreover, I believe that participants will turn words into action by taking conference conclusions home to formulate legislation and conceive a framework for regional peace and security.
Lastly, I wish you all a successful conference. I hope that our international guests will have time to explore this beautiful island, witness Taiwan's democracy and freedoms, and share with the Taiwanese people their joy and pride in our progress and development.
President Chen Shui-bian delivered this speech at the opening of the International Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Asian Pacific Security on Jan. 17.
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