Only determination, perseverance and strength can safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and freedoms, President William Lai (賴清德) said today, emphasizing the need to strengthen national defense while commemorating the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election.
Thirty years ago on March 23, 1996, Taiwanese bravely went to vote, participating in the nation’s first direct presidential election and becoming the true masters of their country, Lai said on Facebook.
However, it was not easy, the president said, recalling that on the eve of the election, China fired missiles into the Taiwan Strait and amassed troops for military exercises, attempting to intimidate Taiwanese and stop them from going to the polls.
While some warned that the election could provoke China and incite a cross-strait war, the people courageously cast their votes, opening the door to freedom and democracy for future generations, he said.
Thanks to the courage Taiwan showed 30 years ago, its semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries are now world-leading, making Taiwan an indispensable part of the global supply chain and a vital force in the international community, Lai said.
This is thanks to the dedication and sacrifice of those who came before, as well as the collective efforts of Taiwan’s 23 million people, he said.
Thirty years after Taiwan held its first direct presidential election, its people continue steadfastly on the path of democracy with the same courage, he added.
The Legislative Yuan is reviewing the special defense budget this week, and some say that compromising with authoritarianism means there is no need to strengthen national defense, Lai said.
“However, the Taiwanese people already told us the answer to all this 30 years ago,” he said, adding that democracy is never an act of provocation, and that only determination, perseverance and strength can safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and freedoms.
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