President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday expressed appreciation for remarks by US President George W. Bush praising Taiwan's democratic development, saying that they meant a lot to Taiwan, a country that stresses the values of democracy, freedom and human rights.
Bush hailed Taiwan's move "from repression to democracy" in a keynote speech in Japan at the start of his trip to Asia yesterday.
Chen said that Taiwan looks forward to seeing China rise in a peaceful way and would like to assist its democratic development.
The Presidential Office said Taiwan agrees with the US about the necessity for cross-strait dialogue and the adoption of peaceful means to solve problems.
In Busan, South Korea, Minister of Economic Affairs Ho Mei-yueh (
"I think Taiwanese people will be very happy to hear the compliment," Ho told a press conference after concluding an APEC ministerial meeting yesterday.
Ho also brushed off concerns that Bush's comments would impede recent improvements in cross-strait relations, saying Taiwan was well-known for achieving democracy without dampening economic development.
Earlier in the day, Chen urged Lin Hsin-yi (
The meeting will be held tomorrow and Saturday in Busan, South Korea. Lin, the convener of the president's economic advisory group and a former minister of economic affairs, was hastily designated by the president as his envoy last week, after Chen's original proposal to send Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (
Chen said that Taiwan is one of the forum's 21 member economies and its leader's envoy should not be discriminated against.
"If the Taiwanese leader's envoy is treated unfairly, all representatives in Taiwan's delegation should respond seriously as soon as possible to defend not only Taiwan's dignity but also the interests of the Taiwanese people," Chen said.
Chen said the delegation would eventually win respect from the world because the nation has been firmly promoting regional peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region even though China persists in throwing obstacles in its way.
"Taiwan should focus on seizing opportunities to interact with major countries such as the US, Japan and host country South Korea, to highlight the existence of Taiwan," Chen said.
According to Chen, the US has suggested twice this year that Taiwan donate to the Cooperation Fund for the Regional Trade and Financial Security Initiative. Chen said the nation would like to become the fourth contributor to the fund, following the US, Japan, and Australia, with a planned donation of US$500,000.
The fund was set up by the Asian Development Bank in July last year to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism, with operations to span three years initially.
In addition, Chen said Taiwan's initiation last year of research and development programs and the production of vaccines had been recognized by other members.
Additional reporting by Jessie Ho, in Busan, South Korea
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