Print

Mail

wiki links

Lu lays out goals for new DPU group

"If we let others know and love more about the people in Taiwan, then they would eventually know and love more about Taiwan's government."

Annette Lu, vice president

The Democratic Pacific Union (DPU), a new international institution initiated by Taiwan, will promote understanding among member countries' peoples and governments, Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) said yesterday.

A two-day inaugural DPU forum, attended by representatives from 28 Pacific Rim countries, wrapped up yesterday in Taipei with the participants resolving to promote regional cooperation in trade, technology transfer, information sharing and sustainable development.

Lu, the DPU chairwoman, said that more practical strategies would be carried out soon in this country and others to promote the three core values stressed by the group -- democracy, peace and prosperity.

"If we let others know and love more about the people in Taiwan, then they would eventually know and love more about Taiwan's government. Friendliness will eventually benefit Taiwan's relations with these countries," Lu said.

She stressed that over the next two years, 150 fellowships will be created to offer college graduates and professionals from DPU member states the opportunity to learn more about Taiwan. Research centers for oceanic exploration, remote sensing and disaster prevention will also be established. Next year, Taiwan plans to invite political analysts from DPU members to observe the year-end elections, she said.

Lu said that the DPU would make an effort to ensure justice in politics, economics, society, gender relations and international affairs.

She said that Taiwan should be given an opportunity to participate in international affairs since it is qualified to participate in and contribute to international groups.

"However, Taiwan has an unfriendly neighbor called the People's Republic of China. We hope all peace-loving people will urge China to abandon its prejudice against Taiwan ... Such a regime only increases international tensions," Lu said.

She said that "Taiwan's rise" had been "gentle and soft," in stark contrast to China's "rigidness." Lu urged other countries to remember that Beijing's government is autocratic.

"Taiwan is a soft power, which is soft but powerful," Lu said.

She said that through the DPU, a soft triangle formed by Taiwan, South Korea and Japan would ensure regional peace.

South Korean delegates said the DPU's establishment would play an important role in the region to check regimes that violate human rights and make nuclear threats, such as North Korea.

To ensure the effectiveness of the DPU, Chen Wei-chao (陳維昭), a former principal of National Taiwan University, has been appointed the organization's secretary-general.

The DPU is also planning to establish two schools -- the Pacific Internet University and the Pacific University at Sea.

The former aims to facilitate sharing of experiences and expertise through the Internet, while the latter will promote lifelong learning, oceanic culture, tourism and education.

Next year, it will sponsor an international conference on disaster prevention.
This story has been viewed 2096 times.