Making references to history, Vice President Annette Lu (
"In history, Taiwan has always been sacrificed when it comes to international treaties or declarations," Lu said in a speech delivered to the Sixth World Taiwanese Congress, which was held in Taipei yesterday.
The tragedy began with the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which granted Taiwan permanently to Japan, she said.
"Many people believe that Taiwan was returned to the possession of the Republic of China after World War II. Actually, Japan simply `gave up' its occupation of Taiwan when it lost the war, but it did not say which country Taiwan would be given up to," Lu said.
The vice president also complained that China has been trying to fool the world by taking advantage of UN Resolution 2758 -- which granted representation of China in the UN to the People's Republic of China -- to claim that Taiwan is a part of China.
"However, it only said that the People's Republic of China would replace the Republic of China [Taiwan] as the sole representative in the UN. It did not say that Taiwan was part of China," Lu said.
"The world has been cheated because the world does not know Taiwan," she added.
President Chen Shui-bian (
In today's Taiwan, Chen said, differences in opinion enjoy full protection by the Constitution, with every individual entitled to the right to express views without having to worry about being suppressed or persecuted.
He said this was the pride and value of Taiwan's democracy and a sign of social progress.
While people are allowed to disagree with each other, they must not damage the country's solidarity, Chen said.
While people can be divided on the issue of their national identity, the country must not be allowed to split, nor should the government be allowed to become inoperative, Chen said.
Last night, the president attended the event in person and expressed the hope that the number of people who identified themselves as Taiwanese would increase to more than 80 percent by the time he ends his term in 2008.
Chen made the remarks in reference to a recent survey that found more than 60 percent of people in Taiwan identified themselves as Taiwanese instead of Chinese.
The survey, conducted by National Chengchi University's Election Study Center, also found that more than 62 percent of people agreed that Taiwan should seek independence.
"The survey revealed that 54 percent of people think Taiwan should seek independence despite China's disapproval. This figure is the highest ever and I hope we will continue our efforts," he said.
Chen welcomed members of the congress to return to the "great nation of Taiwan" and thanked their support for Taiwan's democracy.
Additional reporting by CNA
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