As the nation celebrated the ROC's 91st birthday, President Chen Shui-bian (
In his national day message, the president suggested that all parties sit down in earnest cooperation and replace pointless confrontation with rational debate so as to harness the power of Taiwan's multi-party system of government and channel it into ways to better people's lives.
Chen also said that with half a century of authoritarian rule having culminated in the first transfer of political power in history, Taiwan now stands at the crossroads of democracy.
But he added that in the international arena, Taiwan is weighed down by political and economic volatility coupled with Beijing's incessant threats and intimidation.
"I have always believed firmly that we must be resolute -- stay on this path and, definitely, we can create a vision of hope for the future of Taiwan," he said.
"For more than two years, despite obstructions and objections, we have marched onward down `the road of reform,' unflinching in our resolve, unfaltering in our commitment," Chen said.
Chen also recognized that reform cannot possibly come about all at once, or without protest.
"But we are willing to put forth our most concerted effort to incorporate different viewpoints, from opposing political factions as well as from various sectors of society, in order to maintain a steady pace of reform," he said.
Chen also called for a tolerance of dissent.
"While political viewpoints may differ between parties, we believe that everyone wants the interests of our country to come first."
At the end of the speech, the president expressed his eagerness to establish friendly relations with China and called on China to dismantle its missiles targeting Taiwan.
He said Taiwan would be happy to compete with China in democratic and economic development and to conduct normal economic and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.
"But the expansion of missile deployment and military maneuvers targeting Taiwan by the Chinese communists have posed a great threat to democracy, freedom, human rights and peace," Chen said.
He said there is no reason why the 23 million Taiwan people should live under constant military threats from China. He urged Beijing leaders to openly renounce the use of force against Taiwan and seek peaceful dialogue.
"Only through rational discussions can we maintain stability and peace in the region," he said, as armed forces bands and honor guards celebrated the ROC's Double Tenth National Day.
Meanwhile, thousands of Taipei citizens got up early yesterday to attend a flag-raising ceremony in front of the Presidential Office.
Similar flag-raising ceremonies were also held in other cities and counties around the nation.
The flag-raising ceremonies were just part of the National Day celebrations. Many other colorful activities took place in various parts of the island to mark the occasion.
Chen presided over a ceremony in the auditorium of the Presidential Office in celebration of the country's birthday.
Later on, a national day rally was held on the Presidential Plaza, with Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng (
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