President Chen Shui-bian's (
"Taiwan stands up, demonstrating a firmness of purpose and faith in democracy," Chen said, raising the intensity of his voice with each phrase to the applause of several thousand people in the audience at the Presidential Office. "Taiwan stands up, representing the self-confidence of the people and the dignity of the country. Taiwan stands up, symbolizing the quest for hope and the realization of dreams."
During the entire speech, Vice President Annette Lu (
PHOTO: GEORGE TSORNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Chen's address remained focused for the most part on the domestic issues, as he reaffirmed promises he had made during the election campaign, most notably the determination to snuff out "black-gold" (
"I am willing to promise hereby that the new government will eliminate vote-buying and crack down on `black gold' politics, so that Taiwan can rise above such downward sinking forces. We must give the people a clean political environment," Chen said.
As Chen called for reform, he also thanked President Lee Teng-hui (
PHOTO: GEORGE TSORNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Instead of ignoring the issue of reunification or "one China" -- which Beijing had demanded Chen address during his inaugural speech or face disaster -- Chen highlighted the historical and cultural similarities between Taiwan and China.
"Over the past one-hundred-plus years, China has suffered imperialist aggression, which left indelible wounds in her history. Taiwan's destiny has been even more arduous, tormented by brute force and the rule of colonialist regimes. These similar historical experiences should bring mutual understanding between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, setting a solid foundation for pursuing freedom, democracy and human rights together," Chen said.
Chen called on both sides to recognize their cultural similarities but to not disregard the need for parity.
"The people across the Taiwan Strait share the same ancestral, cultural, and historical background. While upholding the principles of democracy and parity, building upon the existing foundations, and constructing conditions for cooperation through goodwill, we believe that the leaders on both sides possess enough wisdom and creativity to jointly deal with the question of a future `one China,'" Chen said.
To set aside Beijing's fears that Taiwan would declare independence Chen made leaders in Beijing five promises that he would carry out if the Chinese Communist Party did not use force against Taiwan.
Chen said that during his term he would: not declare independence, not change the nation's name, not push forth the inclusion of the so-called "state-to-state" relations description in the Constitution, and not promote a referendum to change the status quo in regards to the question of independence or unification.
In addition to this, Chen also said the abolition of the National Reunification Council or the National Reunification Guidelines would not be an issue.
Chen tried further to calm China's temper, which has issued threats of force since the presidential campaign began, calling for an end to the use of violent means to resolve disputes.
"History has illustrated that war will only create hatred and enmity, with absolutely no benefit to the development of mutual relations," Chen said.
Speaking more directly Chen added, "authoritarianism and force can only bring surrender for one time, while democracy and freedom are values that will endure forever."
Chen said that during his term in office Taiwan would use its values of freedom, democracy and human rights to further promote Taiwan's position in the international community.
Chen said that Taiwan will actively participate in all types of international non-governmental organizations.
"We will actively participate in international affairs, expand Taiwan's room for survival in the international arena, and contribute to the welfare of the international community ... We are also willing to promise a more active contribution in safeguarding international human rights," Chen said. "We will bring the Republic of China back into the international human rights system."
As Chen wrapped up his speech, he spoke of his own personal struggle to win the trust of the people.
"My individual achievements are minor, but the message is valuable because each citizen of Formosa is a `child of Taiwan' just like me," Chen said.
Chen ended his speech on a grandiose note, declaring: "Long live freedom and democracy! Long live the people of Taiwan!"
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