作者Richthofen (不驗票不知阿扁票被作掉)
看板a-bian
標題President Chen's Inaugural Speech on Thursday,20th,May,2004.
時間Thu May 20 13:53:42 2004
President Chen's Inaugural Speech "Paving the Way for a Sustainable Taiwan"
Heads of States, Diplomatic Envoys and Foreign Dignitaries,
Distinguished Guests, and Fellow Citizens:
Firstly, I wish to thank our honorable guests, at home and from abroad,
who have joined us today for the Inauguration Ceremony of the 11th-Term
President and Vice President of the Republic of China.
What we have come together to witness are the progressive steps of Taiwan's
democracy, as well as a story, written jointly by the 23 million people of
Taiwan--one that is extraordinary and truly remarkable.
On this joyous occasion of national celebration,
I will assume the solemn duty bestowed upon me by the people.
At this moment, that which fills my mind is not eloquent words of glory and
exaltation, but rather, weighty thoughts of bigger responsibility,
greater humility, and deeper self-reflection.
In the final year of the twentieth century, Taiwan crossed a historic doorsill,
completing an unprecedented transfer of power between political parties,
and ushering in a new era in our nation's democratic development.
In that time of change over--between the old and the new century--our
fledgling democracy found itself stumbling down a rugged path of trial and
tribulation.
Taiwan's maiden voyage into the new century came wrought with turbulence as the
old and the new, the weak and the strong, the emergence of crisis and the rise
of opportunity--all came clashing into co-existence.
In the eyes of Chinese societies and other emerging democratic states,
Taiwan's democracy embodies not merely a democratic experimentation;
it signifies an exemplary success.
The standard of democracy achieved in Western nations is the tried result
through the test of time.
In comparison, Taiwan's newfound democracy, after weathering rough waters,
has burgeoned into an even more precious accomplishment.
Our experience also serves as testament that democracy does not come
ready-made, nor is it a Utopian ideal.
There is no express train to transport us to the final destination.
Democratic advancement occurs only through constant and gradual endeavor,
one step at a time.
In the initial stage of Taiwan's democratization--from lifting of the martial
law, complete re-election of the national legislature to direct presidential
election--we have vested sovereignty with the people and began fostering
Taiwan's national identity.
In the second stage, a greater emphasis is placed on the establishment of a
civil society and on the rebuilding of unity through a sense of shared destiny.
From increased community and civic consciousness to broader participation in
public affairs and national policymaking--including the holding of a referendum,
the rights and duties of citizens in a civil society have been affirmed and
further improved; and thereby, the development towards a more matured,
rational, and responsive democracy.
We must seek to establish a civil society, and through joint participation and
collective efforts, to create an identity with this land and a common memory if
we are to transcend the limitations of ethnicity, lineage, language and culture,
and to build a new and unified sense of shared destiny.
In today's society, issues of identity and ethnicity are a serious matter that
cannot be denied or deliberately overlooked.
My colleagues and I, in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as the governing
party, will lead the way in addressing such issues.
We will take the first step and begin with candid self-reflection.
It was several hundred years ago that the generations before us traversed the
"Black-water Channel" (Taiwan Strait) or crossed the great ocean to find a
safe haven in Taiwan.
No matter what year they arrived, regardless of their ancestral origins and their
mother tongues, even in spite of their different hopes and dreams,
all are our forefathers; all have settled down here and together faced
a common destiny.
Whether indigenous peoples or "new settlers," expatriates living abroad,
foreign spouses or immigrant workers who labor under Taiwan's blazing sun--all
have made a unique contribution to this land and each has become an
indispensable member of our "New Taiwan" family.
Various ethnic groups, because of their disparate history and distinctive
subcultures, understandably hold divergent views and values.
Recognizing such inherent differences,
we should embrace one another with more tolerance and understanding.
The authoritarian government of the past exploited inequality among different
ethnic groups, suppressing native languages and cultures. Nonetheless, we must
acknowledge that except for a few individuals in power, members of all ethnic
groups have been victimized.
The February 28 Incident and the "White Terror," of which the victims include
both the "Ben-sheng" (Taiwanese) and the "Wai-sheng" (Mainlanders),
were not historical representations of subjugation by ethnic groups, rather,
abuse of power by a ruling government.
The fabric of Taiwan society today is comprised mainly of diverse immigrant
groups.
It is not a minority-ruled colonial state; hence,
no single ethnic group alone should undeservingly bear the burden of history.
Presently, regardless of one's birthplace--be it Guangdong or Taitung,
regardless of the origin of one's mother--be it Vietnam or Tainan,
and regardless of whether an individual identifies with Taiwan or with the
Republic of China, per se, a common destiny has bequeathed upon all of us the
same parity and dignity. Therefore, let us relinquish our differentiation
between native and foreign, and between minority and majority,
for the most complimentary and accurate depiction of present-day Taiwan is of
a people "ethnically diverse, but one as a nation."
A shared sense of belonging has become the common denominator among all the
23 million people of Taiwan.
This year's presidential election was marked by an exceedingly spirited
campaign, hitherto unseen in history.
The close results have prompted opposition parties to question the process
and file legal charges contesting the results of the vote.
As the incumbent president, I have, with the utmost sincerity,
expressed my highest respect for the independence and fairness of our judicial
system.
I have also vowed to accept the result of its investigation regardless of the
final outcome.
It is my firm belief that abiding by and acceptance of the rule of law is the
only conduit through which we can resolve conflicts--for, if we were to
rebuke the trust placed by the people in Taiwan's democracy and independent
judiciaries, then the end result would be that "everyone loses."
In a democratic system, scheduled elections are designed for the exercise of
sovereignty by the people.
They also provide a channel through which popular will and social values can be
regularly reassessed.
Fierce competition in the realm of politics forces politicians to undergo the
most direct form of evaluation,
which often serves as their greatest inspiration.
My campaign, likewise, was subjected to rather tough scrutiny during the
election, as was my administration, but we have learned and improved as a
result.
In any election, sharp differences among competing political factions are
inevitable. This could include contrasting ideologies, disparity in policy
platforms, even variation in methods used to mobilize supporters.
However, a democratic election is not equal to a "winner takes all" wager;
nor should it lead to purposefully fueled antagonism among voters.
The checks and balances system of multi-party politics constitutes a solid
framework for democratic governance.
An accountable governing party and a loyal opposition, together, represent the
voice of the people; both are political assets of a free nation and a free
people.
Be it the governing party or the opposition, their respective roles are
inherently bestowed by the people with an opportunity as well as a
responsibility.
In my opinion, the ultimate challenge of this past election lay not as much in
garnering a mandate as in the post-election hurdle of how to scale the wall of
antagonism, and, in finding ways to reconcile the deep divide caused by
distrust.
We must not allow the narrow margin of victory to become a source of greater
conflict in society.
Thus, I hereby pledge to listen, to understand, to abide by laws and reasoning,
and to strive to unify the people of Taiwan--so as to dissipate the animosity
engendered by the campaign and rebuild a "bridge of trust"
between the governing and opposition parties.
Unite Taiwan, stabilize cross-strait relations, seek social harmony,
and reinvigorate the economy.
These are the earnest hopes of the people and the preeminent mission of my
new administration. But none of these objectives can be accomplished through
an individual effort, nor can one political party do it alone.
I shall go to the people with my plea for support, just as I stand here today,
calling on the opposition parties and the voices of public opinion to join me
in this historic endeavor.
BELIEVE IN TAIWAN--We must continue to foster national competitiveness and
cultivate an atmosphere of humanitarianism, environmental protection,
and sustainable development.
PERSIST WITH REFORM--We shall forge ahead in response to the people's demand
for reform in our political and judicial system, in the educational system,
and in our financial and fiscal infrastructures; for improvement in the quality
of our media; and, for comprehensive social reform. We shall be empowered by
our faith in Taiwan; and we shall persevere in striving to achieve our goals.
The efforts put forth today will translate into an enduring legacy for the
future generations: a just new Taiwan where social justice, economic justice,
fairness in our judicial system, gender justice, and international justice
are realized.
In our face-off with increasingly fierce and vigorous competition on the
international front, coalescing the power of the people and working expeditiously
to enhance the efficiency of government mechanisms--these are tasks vital to
Taiwan's sustained development.
Yet, we must bear in mind that historic and political circumstances confine
us to an existing constitutional framework that now poses the most direct
impediment to effective governance.
The Constitution stands as the supreme legal basis of a nation,
symbolizing a paramount contract between the government and the people.
Our current Constitution was promulgated under circumstances that were very
different from the society we know today, and the majority of the articles in
the Constitution no longer address the present--much less the future--needs of
Taiwan.
The promotion of constitutional re-engineering and the re-establishment of the
constitutional order are tasks that correspond with the expectations of the
people and are in accordance with the consensus shared by all political parties.
The constitutional re-engineering project aims to enhance good governance and
increase administrative efficiency, to ensure a solid foundation for democratic
rule of law, and to foster long-term stability and prosperity of the nation.
There are many problems in our current Constitution that need to be tackled,
amongst which the more immediate and obvious include:
whether to have a three-branch or five-branch separation of power;
whether to adopt a presidential or parliamentary system of government;
whether the president should be elected by a relative majority or an absolute
majority; reform of the national legislature and relevant articles;
the role of the National Assembly and its retainment versus abolishment;
whether to suspend or abolish the provincial government;
lowering of voting age; modification of compulsory military service requirements;
protection of basic human rights and the rights of the disadvantaged; and,
principles governing the running of the national economy.
Indeed, this will be a project of grand scale that is certain to have
significant impact.
To avoid repeating the same mistakes by past administrations--six rounds of
constitutional amendments in ten years time--the proposed constitutional
reform project must not be monopolized by one person or by a single political
party, nor should it be undertaken merely for the short-term.
In the future, we will invite members of the ruling party and the opposition
parties, as well as legal experts, academic scholars and representatives from
all fields and spanning all social classes, to collaborate in forming a
"Constitutional Reform Committee." Our aim will be to generate the highest
level of social consensus on the scope and procedure of the constitutional
reform, all of which are to be open to public scrutiny.
By the time I complete my presidency in 2008,
I hope to hand to the people of Taiwan and to our country a new version of our
Constitution--one that is timely, relevant and viable--this is my historic
responsibility and my commitment to the people.
In the same context, I am fully aware that consensus has yet to be reached on
issues related to national sovereignty, territory and the subject of
unification/independence; therefore, let me explicitly propose that these
particular issues be excluded from the present constitutional re-engineering
project.
Procedurally, we shall follow the rules set out in the existing Constitution
and its amendments.
Accordingly, after the passage by the national legislature,
members of the first and also the last Ad Hoc National Assembly will be elected
and charged with the task of adopting the constitutional reform proposal as
passed by the legislature, abolishing the National Assembly,
and incorporating into the Constitution the people's right to referendum on
constitutional revision.
By so doing, we hope to lay a solid foundation for the long-term development
of our constitutional democracy,
and the people's right to referendum on legislative proposals for
constitutional revision.
During the last four years, we have witnessed dramatic political and economic
changes in the world.
Taiwan, in the face of a new international order, must stand firm yet
persevere in our ongoing quest to become a better and stronger nation.
We must also endeavor to re-position ourselves in equilibrium between global
competition and international cooperation.
Taiwan's long-term friendship with the United States, Japan and our allies in
the world has been founded on the safeguarding of our common interests.
More importantly, it is an alliance of core values that we share: freedom,
democracy, human rights and peace.
Taiwan's democratic development, and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,
remains a focal point of international attention. On behalf of our government
and people, I would like to once again express our heartfelt gratitude for the
friendship that has been extended to us--reminding me of the old adage
"together though apart." The people of Taiwan embrace peace.
Needless to say, Taiwan's national security is of greater concern to us than to
anyone else in the world.
Faced with an ever-increasing military threat from across the Strait,
it is imperative for all the people, including political adversaries,
to forge a strong will to defend ourselves,
proactively strengthening our defense equipment and upgrading our self-defense
capabilities.
It is our sincere hope that our friends in the international arena will
continue to render their valuable attention and assistance to the cause of
peace in the Taiwan Strait and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Taiwan stands ready to continue in its role as active participant and
contributor to international society--this is the right of Taiwan's 23 million
people; likewise, it is our duty as citizens of the world community.
In the global campaign against terrorism, Taiwan has never been absent.
In international humanitarian assistance efforts,
Taiwan has always been there. Other recent accomplishments include the founding
of the Pacific Democratic Alliance and the establishment of the Taiwan
Foundation for Democracy.
We can show a vigorous record of participation in international
non-governmental organizations (NGO's), in addition to our collaboration with
other members of the global village in advocacy and defense of the universal
values of freedom, democracy and human rights.
At present, Taiwan is the world's fifteenth largest trading nation,
with high rankings in international competitiveness.
Yet, it took twelve years of strenuous effort for Taiwan to become the 144th
member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
We are still fighting relentlessly to join the World Health Organization (WHO).
Last year's outbreak of the SARS epidemic has taught the world a hard lesson,
that we are all equals in sickness and disease. Nevertheless, despite the WHO's
creed that health care--encompassing medicine, public health and disease
control--is a basic human right and should heed no borders,
Taiwan remains unjustly locked out.
Not long ago, the European Union (EU) welcomed the accession of ten new member
states. Following several decades of effort, with respect to each individual
country and by the free choice of citizens, the EU has successfully integrated
the common interests of the people of Europe.
Such a valuable experience has far-reaching implications and will impact world
order in this new century.
From this we see that regional integration is not merely an ongoing but also a future
trend.
This trend, in addition to globalization, has led to fundamental changes in the
conventional thinking of national sovereignty and territorial boundaries,
such that envisioning "universal harmony" will no longer be an intangible ideal.
With the new century upon us, let the leaders on both sides of the Strait,
in striving to attain the greatest welfare for their peoples,
heed this new trend by adopting a brand new frame of mind--together,
let us take a fresh, unparalleled approach in addressing future cross-strait
issues.
The peoples on both sides share a common ancestral, cultural and historical
heritage.
In the past century, both have endured the repression of foreign powers and
the domination of authoritarian rule.
Both our peoples now share an indomitable resolve to stand up and be the
masters of their own destiny, a sentiment that is worthy of our full,
mutual understanding.
We can understand why the government on the other side of the Strait,
in light of historical complexities and ethnic sentiments,
cannot relinquish the insistence on the "One China Principle."
By the same token, the Beijing authorities must understand the deep conviction
held by the people of Taiwan to strive for democracy, to love peace,
to pursue their dreams free from threat, and, to embrace progress.
But if the other side is unable to comprehend that this honest and simple wish
represents the aspiration of Taiwan's 23 million people, if it continues to
threaten Taiwan with military force, if it persists in isolating Taiwan
diplomatically, if it keeps up irrational efforts to blockade Taiwan's rightful
participation in the international arena, this will only serve to drive the
hearts of the Taiwanese people further away and widen the divide in the Strait.
The Republic of China now exists in Taiwan, Penghu (The Pescadores), Kinmen and
Matsu.
This is a fact.
Taiwan's existence as a member of international society is also a fact.
Such realities cannot be negated by anyone for any reason--for therein lies the
collective will of the people of Taiwan. A half century of toil and labor by
the people of this land has culminated in what is now known as the
"Taiwan Experience," the fruits of which validate the existence of the Republic of China and, what is more, have become the proud assets, not only of the
peoples on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, but of all Chinese societies.
History has given rise to the development of two very different political
systems as well as two dissimilar ways of life on either side of the Taiwan
Strait.
However, if we make a concerted effort to find some positive aspect of our
differences and commonalities,
perhaps we shall discover a wonderful opportunity, a catalyst for building a
cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship.
Taiwan is a completely free and democratic society. Neither single individual
nor political party can make the ultimate choice for the people.
If both sides are willing, on the basis of goodwill,
to create an environment engendered upon "peaceful development and freedom of
choice," then in the future, the Republic of China and the People's Republic of
China--or Taiwan and China--can seek to establish relations in any form
whatsoever.
We would not exclude any possibility, so long as there is the consent of the 23
million people of Taiwan.
For more than a decade, interaction between the peoples on both sides has grown
closer and more intense.
This development bears great significance and increases the importance of
furthering cross-strait relations. In the future, we hope to continue pushing
forth current liberalization measures while expanding cross-strait exchange
across the spectrum--from journalism and information to education and culture,
to economics and trade--and to promote the establishment of channels for
resuming cross-strait dialogue and communication. By building bridges,
we will aim to close gaps and establish a foundation for mutual trust.
The first two decades of this century will be a crucial time for Taiwan to
pursue a comprehensive program of upgrading and transformation;
it also represents an opportune moment in history for Mainland China to move
forward with democratization and liberalization.
Therefore, governments on both sides should seize this timely opportunity to
take on the challenges of global competition, advocating for progress and
development instead of dwelling on the impasse of political debate.
We have taken note that Chinese Communist Party leaders repeatedly emphasize
the importance of steady development for the welfare of Mainland China's 1.3
billion people, hence, the espousal of "peaceful emergence" as its tone for
developing international relations. We have no doubt the Beijing authorities
recognize that maintaining the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait is of
vital importance to sustainable development for our respective sides and for
the stability of the Asia-Pacific region as a whole.
It is my belief that both sides must demonstrate a dedicated commitment to
national development, and through consultation, establish a dynamic
"peace and stability framework" for interactions;
that we must work together to guarantee there will be no unilateral change to
the status quo in the Taiwan Strait; and, additionally,
we must further promote cultural, economic and trade exchanges--including the
three links--for only in so doing can we ensure the welfare of our peoples
while fulfilling the expectations of the international community.
As the President of the Republic of China, I have been mandated by the people
of Taiwan to defend the sovereignty, security and dignity of this nation,
to chart our country’s sustainable development,
to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,
to seek consensus and garner the collective support of all the people,
and to carefully manage future relations across the Strait.
Today I would like to reaffirm the promises and principles set forth in my
inaugural speech in 2000.
Those commitments have been honored--they have not changed over the past four
years, nor will they change in the next four years.
Upon this foundation, my next step will be to invite both the governing and
opposition parties, in conjunction with representatives from various walks of
the society,
to participate in the establishment of a "Committee for Cross-Strait Peace and
Development,"
combining the collective insight and wisdom of all parties and our citizenry,
to draft the "Guidelines for Cross-Strait Peace and Development."
The goal will be to pave the way for formulating a new relationship of
cross-strait peace, stability and sustainable development.
Honorable guests and fellow citizens, if we look at a map of the world, Taiwan,
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu may seem like a tiny cluster of islands in the margins
of the Pacific Rim.
However, if you take a closer look, what you will discover are orchestral
mountain ranges, painted with singing rivers, adorning some of the world's
most bountiful ecological landscapes. Amidst the lush forestry and abundant
wildlife, there is a human chain linking together 23 million warm smiles
descended from an ethnic rainbow, with a history that spans across centuries
and reflects a myriad of cultural heritage juxtaposed with political evolution
and economic transformation-- enough to fill an encyclopedia.
Taiwan is a tolerant, oceanic country, a small but proud island connected to
all corners of the world. Galvanizing these attributes will empower us to
expand our visions and unleash our minds far beyond the horizon.
The story of Taiwan touches people's hearts.
But, what inspires awe, more than its natural beauty,
is the coloring that reflects the triumphant experience of overcoming hardship,
trials and tribulations. This is the "Spirit of Taiwan,"
a gift passed through the generations, a glow which emits from the faces of the
Taiwan people.
Now, the torch of history has once again been passed into my hand;
each of you also holds the torch in your hands.
I have set a goal for myself, that, during the next four years,
I will continue to uphold the principles of sincerity and honesty,
compassion and benevolence, unselfishness and impartiality in leading our
country down the "middle road."
I ask my fellow compatriots to stand by me in this endeavor.
I will be counting on your support and encouragement.
I am just an ordinary man.
I have always believed that there is no such thing as a great president,
for only a great people can create a great country.
Fueled by the power of the people, let us work together.
Together, let us lay the foundation for our long-term national development--for
sustainable democracy, sustainable reforms, sustainable humanities,
and sustainable peace.
Let Taiwan, the Republic of China, work toward solidarity and harmony,
fairness and justice, prosperity and equality.
History has endowed upon me this responsibility.
It is a mission entrusted to me by the people.
On February 28 of this year,
more than one million people stood on the land of Formosa,
irrespective of ethnic affiliation, age, or gender. Hand in hand, they formed
a mesmerizing "wall of democracy" some five hundred kilometers long,
spanning the full length of the island and completing a breathtaking portrait
of Taiwan.
The time has come for Taiwan to stand tall, to reach out with courage and
conviction.
Let us mark a sustainable and firm place in the world.
My fellow citizens, let us be thankful for this land and let us pay tribute to
the greatness of the people. We must unite for the sake of Taiwan.
Together, we must defend our Taiwan, as we stride proudly forward into the
twenty-first century.
Once again let us hand-in-hand author the next chapter in this most
inspirational story of twenty-first-century Taiwan.
Finally, let us wish the Republic of China great prosperity.
And to all my fellow citizens, dear friends and honorable guests,
may health and happiness be with you always.
Thank you.
--
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