Lu draws Kinmen, Paraguay parallel

Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮), escorting Paraguayan President Luis Angel Gonzalez Macchi around the front-line island of Kinmen yesterday, said visiting on the eve of the anniversary of the "Battle of the Taiwan Strait" was very meaningful.

The "823 Battle," on Kinman took place on Aug. 23, 1958.

Launched by Chinese troops in a bid to take the island, an intense artillery assault was eventually repulsed by ROC troops stationed there, although many soldiers and civilians were killed or injured.

"President Gonzalez's visit is historically significant," said Lu as she addressed the Paraguayan delegation.

"Forty-four years ago, Kinmen was unafraid of Chinese attack, just as Paraguay, being a long-term ally of the ROC for the past 45 years, remains untempted by China."

"Paraguay's diplomatic importance to Taiwan in South America is like Kinmen's military importance to Taiwan," Lu added. "They are just as important."

Paraguay is the ROC's only diplomatic ally in South America.

In her address, Lu extended a hearty welcome to the visiting delegation and expressed her gratitude for Paraguay's support.

In addition, Lu also thanked officials and soldiers on Kinmen for their efforts and sacrifice in protecting the security of Taiwan.

For his part, Gonzalez reaffirmed his country's commitment to continuing to support the ROC's cause and said that Paraguay treasures its friendship with Taiwan and would continue to reinforce bilateral cooperation in various fields through the frequent exchange of visits

"Paraguay is committed to rallying behind Taiwan," said Gonzalez. "We will not back away from our old ally."

Aside from visiting an old battlefield, Gonzalez also toured the Kinmen National Park and the Chin Ho Li Factory, which is well-known for making kitchen knives out of the artillery shells that had been dropped by US and the allied planes during World War II.

Presenting Gonzalez with one of the factory's kitchen knives, Lu told him that Kinmen, which was once a battlefield, is now a prosperous trading area and represents the best argument for peace.

"It serves as a remainder that all human beings should work together to prevent war," she added.

This is the second visit by Gonzalez to Taiwan since he took office in March 1999.

The Paraguayan delegation will leave today after Gonzalez and his delegation conclude their five-day visit.