President Chen Shui-bian (
Chen made the remarks while addressing the inaugural meeting of the DPU, a non-governmental organization with representatives of 26 nations around the Pacific Rim that is dedicated to promoting the value of democracy worldwide. Taiwan took the lead in forming the union.
The DPU, which is based on the principles of "democracy, peace and prosperity," was formally established yesterday in Taipei. Seventy-one guests attended a two-day forum to exchange opinions regarding the principles.
The guests included the presidents of Costa Rica and Guatemala, as well as other high ranking government officials, professionals, academics and representatives of major NGOs.
While saying that the establishment of the DPU provides a new impetus for the realization of a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Pacific century, Chen said that it is regrettable that China remains a missing part of the DPU.
"I would like to remind all of you that the so-called `rise of China' is based on many complex factors, such as China's huge market and economic appeal, its expanding military capabilities, the potential for socio-economic turmoil, the political center's ability to stay in control and the issue of whether political democratization can be liberalized steadily. China's rise is not one-dimensional," Chen said.
Chen said that no one wishes to see China collapse because the international community would not be able to bear the consequences of such a collapse.
He said that the rise of China must be accompanied by "peaceful awakening" and "the beginning of democracy." DPU members must come together to shoulder the mission of transforming China into a positive force in the Pacific Community of democracies.
The inauguration of the DPU coincided with the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II with Japan's surrender.
Vice President Annette Lu (
"With Japan's surrender 60 years ago, five decades of colonial rule in Taiwan was brought to an end. Now, China, which was invaded by Japan, threatens not just Taiwan but every corner of the Pacific Ocean with its aggressive expansion of military power. Taiwan has suffered its share of tragic historical absurdity," she said.
Given these experiences, Lu said that Taiwan is honored to be able to stand at an important historical crossroads with leaders of Pacific Rim countries who desire a brighter future for the Pacific.
"We believe that without democracy, there is no peace; without democracy and peace, there is no genuine prosperity," Lu said.
Dr Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, the president of Costa Rica, called on the DPU's 26 nations to eliminate the abuse of marine resources so that sustainable development can be achieved.
The president said that the nations should work hand in hand to eliminate injustice in the society and create a fair and equitable future for their people.
President of Guatemala Oscar Jose Rafael Berger Perdomo stressed the importance of democracy Sunday, saying that democratization helps create jobs and distribute wealth more equally.
All countries should strive to build democratic political systems to allow the people to take part in the policy-making process, Berger said.
also see story:
Annette Lu undeterred by dry eyes, scratched cornea
NATIONAL SECURITY: The Chinese influencer shared multiple videos on social media in which she claimed Taiwan is a part of China and supported its annexation Freedom of speech does not allow comments by Chinese residents in Taiwan that compromise national security or social stability, the nation’s top officials said yesterday, after the National Immigration Agency (NIA) revoked the residency permit of a Chinese influencer who published videos advocating China annexing Taiwan by force. Taiwan welcomes all foreigners to settle here and make families so long as they “love the land and people of Taiwan,” Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) told lawmakers during a plenary session at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei. The public power of the government must be asserted when necessary and the Ministry of
CROSSED A LINE: While entertainers working in China have made pro-China statements before, this time it seriously affected the nation’s security and interests, a source said The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) late on Saturday night condemned the comments of Taiwanese entertainers who reposted Chinese statements denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty. The nation’s cross-strait affairs authority issued the statement after several Taiwanese entertainers, including Patty Hou (侯佩岑), Ouyang Nana (歐陽娜娜) and Michelle Chen (陳妍希), on Friday and Saturday shared on their respective Sina Weibo (微博) accounts a post by state broadcaster China Central Television. The post showed an image of a map of Taiwan along with the five stars of the Chinese flag, and the message: “Taiwan is never a country. It never was and never will be.” The post followed remarks
Proposed amendments would forbid the use of all personal electronic devices during school hours in high schools and below, starting from the next school year in August, the Ministry of Education said on Monday. The Regulations on the Use of Mobile Devices at Educational Facilities up to High Schools (高級中等以下學校校園行動載具使用原則) state that mobile devices — defined as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches or other wearables — should be turned off at school. The changes would stipulate that use of such devices during class is forbidden, and the devices should be handed to a teacher or the school for safekeeping. The amendments also say
CONSISTENT COMMITMENT: The American Institute in Taiwan director said that the US would expand investment and trade relationships to make both nations more prosperous The US would not abandon its commitment to Taiwan, and would make Taiwan safer, stronger and more prosperous, American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene said. “The US’ commitment to Taiwan has been consistent over many administrations and over many years, and we will not abandon our commitment to Taiwan, including our opposition to any attempt to use force or coercion to change Taiwan’s status,” he said in an exclusive interview with the Liberty Times (the sister newspaper of the Taipei Times) on Friday last week, which was published in the Chinese-language newspaper yesterday. The US would double down on its efforts
RSS