Just as the MSN Messenger in one's computer needs periodic upgrading, so Taiwanese democracy also needs to seek better and more advanced forms, a young panelist at a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) conference said yesterday.
The conference, hosted by the party and the Taiwan Young Democratic Union (TYDU), reviewed the history of Taiwan's democratic development and discussed challenges that lie ahead for the nation.
TYDU Chairman Chou Yu-hsiu (周榆修), who presented an overview of the history of Taiwanese democracy at the conference, said youngsters are not only the witnesses of the nation's democratic development but also the driving force pushing Taiwanese democratic values.
"Democracy does not only mean the eradication of unfree regimes or just casting your ballots. Political participation starts from daily life and so does democracy," he said. "Youngsters will be the key [for Taiwan] to move toward `Democracy 2.0' ... democracy will be `upgraded' as more and more people participate in practicing democracy."
According to Chou, the country's young generation will be faced with the issue of transitional justice and with having an understanding of Taiwan's past which is put "closer to the real historical context."
"Youth in this generation will not be able to deny the fact that China is a rising power, but we are also concerned that the rising of China will constitute a test for Taiwan to insist on democratic values," he said.
National Youth Commission Chairwoman Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) told the conference that young people need to be encouraged to believe in politics in order to avoid a weakening of their dedication and participation in Taiwanese democracy.
DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun, who delivered a speech at the conference, however, said the first thing to suspend should be President Chen Shui-bian's (
After suspending the pledges, Yu said, Taiwan would have to move on to force the US to review its own "one-China" policy.
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
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