The government faces several obstacles to implementing a proposal to rename roads — spelled Zhongzheng (中正) in Taipei and Jhongjheng in other parts of the nation — commemorating former president Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石). However, replacing the Presidential Office Building would be a more feasible goal, and should be considered one of the most important policy initiatives.
As is widely known, the Presidential Office Building was originally known as the Office of the Governor-General of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period. It is not only a century-old historical building, but a symbol of authoritarianism.
The building — at the intersection of Chongqing S Road and Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District (中正) — does not have any outer perimeter walls, and therefore lacks defense in depth. Vehicles have on more than one occasion attempted to ram into the building, raising serious safety concerns.
In the past few years, various reports have said that China has constructed a full-scale recreation of parts of Taipei — including a replica of the Presidential Office Building and its surrounding structures — that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army uses to simulate potential decapitation strikes.
With consideration to historic sites, authoritarianism and national security, the Executive Yuan should select a new location site and draw up blueprints to build a modern Presidential Office Building that can serve as a working headquarters for the president, along with other major government departments.
President William Lai (賴清德) on Tuesday last week welcomed Marshallese President Hilda Heine to Taiwan with full military honors during a state visit. However, a sudden downpour forced the heads of state to walk the red carpet while getting soaked in the rain, returning to tents to deliver their remarks.
When planning a new Presidential Office Building, in addition to incorporating safety and security measures, it should be designed to account for weather to avoid unexpected situations as occurred last week, as Taiwan’s subtropical climate makes sudden showers common, even on sunny days.
Constructing a new Presidential Office Building is aimed at long-term stability and security. If Lai promotes such an initiative, all future presidents — regardless of political party — would undoubtedly benefit.
Fang Fu-chuan is an international trader.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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