Former president Lee Teng-hui (
Lee said that the challenge was in giving power back to the Chinese people, for then they may question the rationality and legitimacy of the communist authoritarian regime's existence.
Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski had lunch with Lee and members of the World Affairs Council (WAC) at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, where he stayed yesterday.
PHOTO: LEE HSIN-FANG, TAIPEI TIMES
Lee gave a public speech on Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific's democratization.
Lee said that the establishment of democratic systems and values was a challenging reform for Taiwan, which continues to face China's bullying and intention to annex Taiwan. China is uneasy about Taiwan's democracy, Lee said, simply because such democratic achievements serve as an example for the Chinese people and even the entire Asia-Pacific region. Such achievements represent the hopes and future of democratization in the region, he added.
Lee also recounted the process of Taiwan's democratization during his more than 12-year presidency, stressing that the support of the international community was a key factor, and that the US had played the most important role during this process -- including during the 1996 missile crisis and the presidential election in 2000.
Thanks to international and US support, and the Taiwanese people's pursuit of democracy and their faith in being their own masters, Beijing was forced to restrain itself, Lee said.
Lee reminded the outside world that the true intention of China's threat to attack Taiwan by force under its fake purpose of unification was actually to cover up the irrationality and fragility of its authoritarian rule, which was highlighted by Taiwan's democratization.
Lee urged the US to help Taiwan break free of its international isolation, so that it can build normal relations with neighboring countries and become a full member of international society.
He said that Taiwan is fighting for peace and stability in the face of China's military threat. For the continuance of Taiwan's democracy, the US has to stand up in East Asia in order to uphold human rights and democracy, he said.
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan’s (陳奕迅) concerts in Kaohsiung this weekend have been postponed after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 this morning, the organizer said today. Chan’s “FEAR and DREAMS” concert which was scheduled to be held in the coming three days at the Kaohsiung Arena would be rescheduled to May 29, 30 and 31, while the three shows scheduled over the next weekend, from May 23 to 25, would be held as usual, Universal Music said in a statement. Ticket holders can apply for a full refund or attend the postponed concerts with the same seating, the organizer said. Refund arrangements would
Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster and South Korean outfit Hyukoh collectively received the most nominations at this year’s Golden Melody Awards, earning a total of seven nods from the jury on Wednesday. The bands collaborated on their 2024 album AAA, which received nominations for best band, best album producer, best album design and best vocal album recording. “Young Man,” a single from the album, earned nominations for song of the year and best music video, while another track, “Antenna,” also received a best music video nomination. Late Hong Kong-American singer Khalil Fong (方大同) was named the jury award winner for his 2024 album
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Friday laid out the Cabinet’s updated policy agenda and recapped the government’s achievements ahead of the one-year anniversary of President William Lai’s (賴清德) inauguration. Cho said the government had made progress across a range of areas, including rebuilding Hualien, cracking down on fraud, improving pedestrian safety and promoting economic growth. “I hope the public will not have the impression that the Cabinet only asked the legislature to reconsider a bunch of legal amendments,” Cho said, calling the moves “necessary” to protect constitutional governance and the public’s interest. The Cabinet would work toward achieving its “1+7” plan, he said. The
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure
RSS