Distinguished guests, my dear compatriots, ladies and gentlemen,
It is with sincere gratitude that I thank you all for joining us in the National Day celebration of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Tonight, we gather together not only to celebrate the birth of our nation, but also to honor the generations who came before us. It is by strengthening the work of past generations, those who embodied the universal values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, justice and the respect for fundamental human rights that our country has managed to successfully evolve and endure.
Upholding democratic values and building a better Taiwan
The year 2016 marks a crucial time in Taiwan’s continued democratization and reform efforts. On January 16th, the Taiwanese people elected Dr Tsai Ing-wen as the first female president in the history of the Republic of China as well as in the Chinese-speaking world. Subsequently, the third peaceful transfer of political power between different political parties was completed on May 20th since direct presidential elections were first held in 1996. Taiwan continues to be a beacon of democracy in Asia and the only full democracy in the Chinese-speaking world. Indeed, through concrete actions, the Taiwanese people have demonstrated great pride in the nation’s democracy, as well as a firm adherence to democratic values and way of life.
In her inaugural address on May 20th, President Tsai clearly pointed out that the people elected a new president and new government with one single expectation: solving problems with nationally united front. She sincerely calls on everyone to give this country a chance, to leave behind the prejudices and conflicts of the past, and together to fulfill the mission that the new era has entrusted to us to build a better country for future generation. President Tsai outlined her vision for the government’s endeavors, highlighting her staunch commitment to transforming Taiwan’s economic structure, strengthening the social safety net, realizing social fairness and justice, ensuring peaceful and stable development in the region and properly managing cross-strait relations, and contributing toward diplomatic and global issues. In the future, we will strive to proceed with reform in Taiwan and further enhance freedom, democracy, prosperity, and justice.
Promoting the New Southbound Policy and enhancing Taiwan’s role in and connections with the region
In 2015, Taiwan was the 27th-largest economy in the world, ranking 18th in imports, 17th in exports, and 5th in foreign exchange reserves, which totaled US$426 billion at year-end. Furthermore, Taiwan ranked 11th out of 189 economies surveyed for ease of doing business in the Doing Business 2016 report issued by the World Bank. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for 30 percent of the world’s geography and 60 percent of the world’s population, and enjoys growing influence in global political and economic development. On August 16th, President Tsai convened a meeting on external economic and trade strategy, during which the guidelines for the New Southbound Policy were approved. The Executive Yuan subsequently unveiled a promotion plan for this policy on September 5th. Our government will focus on forging long-term commitments, seeking comprehensive development, and creating mutual benefits in its efforts to enhance reciprocal and mutually beneficial relations with 18 countries—including members of ASEAN, South Asian countries, New Zealand, and Australia—in the areas of economic and trade cooperation, personnel exchanges, resource sharing, and regional linkages. We aim to forge a sense of economic community with these nations to help Taiwan identify new directions and build new momentum for its economic development.
Striving to safeguard the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait while respecting public opinion and democratic principles
Among the many tasks that the new administration is working to accomplish, it is without doubt that cross-strait relations have become an integral part of regional peace and collective security. In this process, Taiwan will be an active and constant presence as a “staunch guardian of peace”. We will make efforts to facilitate domestic reconciliation, strengthen our democratic institutions, consolidate consensus, and present a united front to the world.
Taiwan is a democratic and diverse society, with a government that works for the welfare of the people. According to the latest survey findings released by the Mainland Affairs Council in August 2016, 88.9 percent of Taiwanese people support maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. We will adhere to public opinion and democratic principles, and respect historical facts and the existing political foundation. We will abide by the ROC Constitution, the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, as well as other related laws and regulations, as we pragmatically manage cross-strait ties and establish a consistent, predictable, and sustainable cross-strait relationship. Like the American people living in the land of the free, the 23 million people of democratic Taiwan will resist any coercion, for coercion will never convince. Democratic Taiwan will not succumb to communist China’s pressure. However, we will demonstrate our utmost sincerity and determination as we keep the door open for communication and consultation, so as to foster a cross-strait relationship that is based on mutual trust and cooperation.
Pragmatically participating in and actively contributing to the international community
Taiwan is a democratic, free, and peace-loving nation that is happy to share its experiences with other countries. Participation in international organizations serves as an important way for Taiwan to expand its international space and contribute to the world community. Indeed, as a responsible member of the international community, we are ready and willing to take part in and contribute to global affairs. Through pragmatic efforts and proactive participation, we seek to join regional economic integration mechanisms such as the TPP and RCEP, as well as to take part in the WHA, ICAO, the UNFCCC, and Interpol, so as to make meaningful contributions to world peace and prosperity.
We will also rely on the capabilities, resources, and experiences of NGOs, local governments, youth, and the business sector to build reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships with other countries. In addition, we will direct our efforts toward developing new areas of cooperation, including humanitarian assistance, medical aid, disease prevention and research, as well as the fight against terrorism and transnational crime. By doing so, we will increase Taiwan’s professional capacity in international cooperation, so that Taiwan becomes an important pillar underpinning NGO efforts in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as an indispensable partner in the international community.
Robust US-Taiwan relationship
The robust US-Taiwan relationship has always been a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. This year marks the 37th anniversary of the US enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act that has provided a strong foundation and America’s unwavering support for a robust US-Taiwan relationship.
Last year, Taiwan was ranked as the 9th largest trading partner of the United States, outranking India, Italy, and Brazil. We thank the United States for welcoming Taiwan’s interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiation. We will continue to count on the US to take concrete actions to support Taiwan’s participation in the second round of TPP negotiations.
The meaning of celebrating the National Day: A new era of democracy
We celebrate the National Day every year, but what is the meaning of celebrating the National Day this year? I would say this year’s National Day marks a new era of democracy. Democracy is a process. Democracy can fall backward, but it can also move forward. For Taiwan, falling backward is not an option. The new government’s duty is to move Taiwan’s democracy forward to the next stage: in the past, democracy was about winning or losing the election. Now, democracy is about the welfare of the people. In the past, democracy was a showdown between two opposing values. Now, democracy is a conversation between many diverse values. To build a “united democracy” that is not hijacked by ideology; to build an “efficient democracy” that responds to the problems of society and economy; to build a “pragmatic democracy” that takes care of the people – this is the significance of the new era.
Thank you again for joining us to celebrate the past, present and future of Taiwan. On behalf of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, I look forward to many years of strengthening and enriching our various ties with the Greater Houston Community and the southern region of the United States to ensure Taiwan-US relations are even stronger in the future.
Let us raise our glasses and toast to say, “Happy Birthday” to the Republic of China (Taiwan), to wish President Tsai success in bringing prosperities to Taiwan and the robust Taiwan-US relationship, and of course, to wish everyone good health and wealth. Cheers!
