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Taiwan may go `own way': Chen

Flag-bearers march on stage during the DPP's National Party Congress yesterday at the Taipei International Convention Center. PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES

In his inaugural speech as the 10th DPP chairman, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday urged China to respond to his goodwill, otherwise "we would not rule out the possibility of going our own way."

Though differences still exist across the Strait and among political parties at home, Chen said, the government insists on "goodwill, reconciliation, active cooperation and permanent peace."

"I believe that normalization of cross-strait relations has to start with reopening the channels for discussion," he said.

Chen referred to his visit to the Tatan islet two months ago, in which he called for party-to-party exchanges across the Strait once he became DPP chairman, "so that together we can take a historical step in furthering cross-strait relations."

The president, however, reminded his compatriots that the military threat directed at Taiwan from across the Strait had not ceased and in the international arena, Taiwan continues to be isolated by China.

"Therefore, any responsible political party should stand firm in safeguarding our country's stance and the interests of our people and should not belittle our country by making concessions in the name of a superficial peace," Chen said.

Referring to the cross-strait relationship as a dimension of global politics, Chen said that the more foreign visits he made according to the party-to-party exchange model, the more Taiwan's international status and survival could be secured.

"There is much potential for developing multi-track diplomacy through party-to-party exchanges, or through active participation in international events held by non-governmental organizations," he said.

Chen also reaffirmed his sincerity in wanting to reconcile with the opposition parties' leaders by holding a "party leaders' summit."

He said that the DPP, as the party in power, must bear the most responsibility in seeing that the political situation stabilizes.

"I hope to meet with other party leaders as DPP chairman, and listen to their views on issues that are important to the people, such as constitutional reform, governmental restructuring, the `three-links' cross-strait trade, economic development in Taiwan and other concerns," Chen said.

Regarding party reform, Chen said that the new mechanism of "synchronizing the party and administration (黨政同步)" reflected the party's willingness to transcend itself and modernize "in step with the times."

"It is important to understand that `synchronizing the party and administration' does not mean centralization of power, but rather the increase of responsibility," Chen said.

Regarding the country's ethnic disputes, Chen pledged to nurture tolerance and respect for ethnic diversity by setting up a department of ethnic affairs.

Chen said the establishment of the department not only signified the DPP's objective of promoting prosperity for all ethnic communities, but also showed that the DPP was willing to put words into action.

"As we strive for democratization and Taiwanization," the president said, "the DPP will pursue its new reform goal -- harmony and trust."
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