[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 77 (Monday, June 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1045-E1047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 19, 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to the attention of my 
colleagues the May 20, 2000, Inaugural Address of President Chen Shui-
Bian of Taiwan. President Chen has laid out a solid vision of Taiwan's 
future and his speech deserves wide dissemination.
  The United States is pleased with the flourishing on Taiwan of a 
fully-fledged, multi-party democracy which respects human rights and 
civil liberties. It is hoped that Taiwan will serve as an example to 
the PRC and others in the region in this regard and will encourage 
progress in the furthering of democratic principles and practices, 
respect for human rights, and the enhancement of the rule of law.
  The Congress looks forward to a broadening and deepening of 
friendship and cooperation with Taiwan in the years ahead for the 
mutual benefit of the peoples of the United States and Taiwan.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to wish President Chen, Vice 
President Lu, and the people of Taiwan the very best in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I submit President Chen's Inaugural Address for 
insertion in the Record.

      Inaugural Address of President Chen Shui-bian, May 20, 2000

       Leaders of our friendly nations, honored guests and 
     compatriots from Taiwan and abroad; This is a glorious 
     moment; it is also a moment of dignity and hope.
       I thank our honored guests, who have come here from afar, 
     as well as those friends from around the world who love 
     democracy and care about Taiwan, for sharing this glorious 
     moment with us.
       We are here today, not just to celebrate an inauguration, 
     but to witness the hard-won democratic values, and to witness 
     the beginning of a new era.
       On the eve of the 21st Century, the people of Taiwan have 
     completed a historic alternation of political parties in 
     power. This Is not only the first of its kind in the history 
     of the Republic of China, but also an epochal landmark for 
     Chinese communities around the world. Taiwan has not only set 
     a new model for the Asian experience of democracy, but has 
     also added a moving example to the third wave of democracy 
     the world over.
       The election for the 10th-term President of the Republic of 
     China has clearly shown the world that the fruits of freedom 
     and democracy are not easily come by. Twenty-three million 
     people with an unwavering will have allayed enmity with love, 
     overcome intimidation with hope, and conquered fear with 
     faith.
       With our sacred votes, we have proven to the world that 
     freedom and democracy are indisputable universal values, and 
     that peace is humanity's highest goal.
       The outcome of Taiwan's Year 2000 presidential election is 
     not the victory of an individual or a political party. It is 
     a victory of the people, a victory for democracy, because we 
     have, while at the focus of global attention, transcended 
     fear, threats and oppression and bravely risen to our feet 
     together.
       Taiwan stands up, demonstrating a firmness of purpose and 
     faith in democracy. Taiwan stands up, representing the self-
     confidence of the people and the dignity of the country. 
     Taiwan stands up, symbolizing the quest for hope and the 
     realization of dreams.

[[Page E1046]]

       Dear compatriots, let's always remember this moment; let's 
     always remember to value and feel gratitude for it, because 
     the fruits of democracy did not come out of the blue. It was 
     realized by going through many perils and dangers, and by 
     experiencing countless hardships. If not for the fearless 
     sacrifice of our democratic forebears, if not for the 
     unswerving faith of the tens of millions of Taiwanese people 
     in freedom and democracy, we could not possibly be standing 
     on our beloved land today and celebrate a glorious occasion 
     that belongs to all the people.
       Today, it is as if we are standing before a fresh new gate 
     in history. In the process of democratization, the Taiwanese 
     people have created a brand-new key to our shared destiny. 
     The new century's gates of hope are soon to open. We are 
     humble but not submissive. We are full of self-confidence but 
     not the slightest bit of self-satisfaction.
       Since that moment on March 18 when the election results 
     came to light, I have accepted the mandate of all Taiwanese 
     people in a most earnest and humble frame of mind, and have 
     vowed to devote all my efforts, understanding and courage to 
     assuming the heavy responsibility of this country's future.
       I personally understand that the significance of the 
     alternation of political parties and the peaceful transition 
     of power lies not in that it is a change of personnel or 
     political parties. Nor that it is a dynastic change. Rather, 
     it is the return of state and government power to the people 
     through a democratic procedure. The people are the true 
     masters of the country, which no individual or political 
     party can possess. From the head of state to the rank-and-
     file civil servant--the government exists for all the people 
     and serves all the people.
       The alternation of political parties does not mean an all-
     out negation of the past. We should be fair in evaluating the 
     contributions made by those in power throughout the ages. Mr. 
     Lee Teng-hui deserves our highest praise and heartfelt honor 
     for his promotion of democratic reforms and for his excellent 
     performance during his twelve years of leadership.
       Taiwan society has rallied and participated energetically 
     in the election. Despite the diverse views and stances, all 
     individuals share the same intent--to come forward for the 
     sake of their political ideas and the country's future. We 
     believe that the end of an election is the beginning of 
     reconciliation. After the curtain falls on emotional 
     campaigns, rationality should prevail. Under the supreme 
     principles of national interests and the welfare of the 
     people, those in power and in opposition should both fulfill 
     their duties by the people and realize the ideals of fair 
     competition in party politics, as well as the checks and 
     balances of democratic politics.
       A democratic society with fair competition, tolerance and 
     trust is the strongest impetus for a
       ``A government for all people'' and ``rule by the clean and 
     upright'' were my promises to the people during the election 
     period. It is also an important key for Taiwan society in 
     stepping over its fault lines and exalting to a higher level 
     in the future.
       The spirit of a ``government for all people'' lies in the 
     fact that ``government exists for the people.'' The people 
     are the masters and shareholders of the state. The government 
     should rule on the basis of majority public opinion. The 
     interests of the people are absolutely above those of any 
     political party or individual.
       I have always taken pride in being a member of the 
     Democratic Progressive Party, but from the moment I take my 
     oath and assume the president's post, I will put all my 
     efforts into fulfilling my role as a ``president for all 
     people.'' As in the formation of the new government, we 
     employ people according to their talents and do not 
     discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, gender or party 
     affiliation. We will also place the welfare of the populace 
     as our primary goal in future.
       The topmost initiatives of my promise to ``rule by the 
     clean and upright'' are to eliminate ``black gold''--the 
     involvement of organized crimes in politics--and to eradicate 
     vote-buying. For a long time, the Taiwanese people have been 
     deeply repelled by money politics and the interference of 
     organized crime. A grassroots vote-buying culture has also 
     robbed the people of their right to elect the wise and the 
     able. These have tainted the development of Taiwan's 
     democracy.
       Today, I am willing to promise hereby that the new 
     government will eliminate vote-buying and crack down on 
     ``black gold'' politics, so that Taiwan can rise above such 
     downward sinking forces. We must give the people a clean 
     political environment.
       In the area of government reforms, we need to establish a 
     government that is clean, efficient, farsighted, dynamic, 
     highly flexible and responsive, in order to ensure Taiwan's 
     competitiveness in the face of increasingly fierce global 
     competition. The age of ``large and capable'' governments has 
     now passed, replace by ``small and effective'' governments, 
     which have established partnership relations with the people. 
     We should accelerate the streamlining of government functions 
     and organization and actively expand the role of public 
     participation.
       This will not only allow the public to fully utilize their 
     energy but also significantly reduce the government's burden. 
     Similar partnership relations should also be set up between 
     the central and local governments. We want to break the 
     authoritarian attitudes from the days of centralized, money-
     controlled power. We want to realize the spirit of local 
     autonomy, where the local and central governments share 
     resources and responsibilities, where ``the central 
     government will not do what the local governments can do.'' 
     Whether in the east, west, north or south, or whether on 
     Taiwan Proper or on offshore islands, all will get balanced, 
     pluralistic development, and the gap between urban and rural 
     areas will decrease.
       Of course, we should understand that the government is no 
     panacea for all problems. The driving force for economic 
     development and societal progress comes from the people. Over 
     the past half-century, the Taiwanese people have toiled hard 
     to create an economic miracle that has won global applause, 
     and to lay the foundation for the survival and development of 
     the Republic of China. Today, facing the impact of the fast-
     changing information technologies and trade liberalization, 
     Taiwain's industrial development must move toward a 
     knowledge-based economy. High-tech industries need to be 
     constantly innovative, while traditional industries need to 
     undergo transformation and upgrading.
       The future government should not necessarily play the role 
     of a ``leader'' or ``manager.'' On the contrary, it should be 
     the ``supporter'' and ``service-provider'' as expected by 
     private enterprises. The responsibility of a modern 
     government is to raise administrative efficiency, improve the 
     domestic investment environment, and maintain financial order 
     and stock market stability, so as to allow economic 
     development to move toward full liberalization and 
     internationalization with fair competition. By observing 
     these principles, the vitality of the public will naturally 
     bloom and create a new phase in Taiwan's economic miracle.
       Apart from consolidating our democratic achievements, 
     promoting government reforms, and raising economic 
     competitiveness, the new government's foremost objective 
     should be to adhere to public opinion and implement reforms, 
     so that the people on this land can live in more dignity, 
     more self-confidence and better quality.
       Let our society be not only safe, harmonious and 
     prosperous, but also meet the principles of
       The 21st Century will be a time when ``the right to a 
     quality life'' and ``refined lifestyles'' are much 
     emphasized. The government will have to bring up solutions 
     for all issues relating to the people's lives, such as social 
     order, social welfare, environmental protection land 
     planning, waste treatment, cleaning up rivers and community-
     building. It will also have to implement these solutions 
     thoroughly.
       At present, we need to immediately improve social order and 
     environmental protection, which are important indicators of 
     the quality of life. Building a new social order, we will let 
     the people live and work in peace and without fear. Finding a 
     balance ecological preservation and economic development, we 
     will develop Taiwan into a sustainable green silicon island. 
     The integrity of the judiciary is a staunch line of defense 
     for democratic politics and social justice. An impartial, 
     independent judicial system is a safeguard for social order 
     and a defender of the people's rights. At present, we still 
     have a long way to go in our judicial reforms. Our 
     compatriots should continue to give the judiciary their calls 
     to action and their ardent expectations. At the same time, we 
     should also restrain our administrative authority and give 
     the judiciary room to operate independently and without 
     interference.
       Human resources are Taiwan's most important resources. 
     Talent is the foundation of the country's competitiveness, 
     while education is a long-term plan for empowering the 
     people. We will seek a consensus among the ruling and 
     opposition parties, academia and the public to carry on with 
     educational reforms and build a healthy, proactive, lively 
     and innovative education system, which will allow Taiwan to 
     cultivate first-class, outstanding talents amid the fierce 
     international competition. We will let Taiwan move gradually 
     toward a ``learning organization'' and a ``knowledge-based 
     society.'' We will also encourage people to take up lifetime 
     learning to fully develop their potential and creativity.
       Grassroots community organizations have now been developing 
     around the country, working to explore and preserve the 
     history, culture, geography and ecology of their localities. 
     These are all part of Taiwan culture, whether they are local 
     cultures, mass cultures or high cultures. Due to special 
     historical and geographical factors, Taiwan possesses a 
     wealth of diversified cultural elements. But cultural 
     development is not something that can bring immediate 
     success. Rather, it has to be accumulated bit by hit. We must 
     open our hearts with tolerance and respect, so that our 
     diverse ethnic groups and different regional cultures 
     communicate with each other, so that Taiwan's local cultures 
     connect with the cultures of Chinese-speaking communities and 
     other world cultures, and create a new milieu of ``a cultural 
     Taiwan in a modern century.''
       The September 21 earthquake that occurred last year brought 
     to our land and our compatriots an unprecedented catastrophe, 
     the pain of which is yet to heal. The new government will 
     brook no delay in the reconstruction of disaster areas, 
     including industrial and spiritual recovery. We will work to

[[Page E1047]]

     ensure that care is extended to every victim and rebuild 
     every destroyed place. Here, we would also like to express 
     our highest respect again for all individuals and non-
     governmental organizations that have selflessly contributed 
     to the rescue and reconstruction work after disaster. Amid 
     the fierce power of Nature, we have seen Taiwan's most 
     beautiful compassion, strongest faith and greatest trust. Our 
     compatriots have been injured and wounded during the 
     September 21 earthquake, but with the spirit of a ``volunteer 
     Taiwan,'' Taiwan's new family will stand up resolutely on its 
     feet once again.
       Dear compatriots, 400 years ago, Taiwan was called 
     ``Formosa''--the beautiful island--for its lustrous 
     landscape. Today, Taiwan is manifesting the elegance of a 
     democratic island, once again attracting global attention, as 
     the people on this land create a new page in our history.
       We believe that the Republic of China, with its democratic 
     achievements and technological and economic prowess, can 
     certainly continue to play an indispensable role in the 
     international community. In addition to strengthening the 
     existing relations with friendly nations, we want to actively 
     participate in all types of international non-governmental 
     organizations. Through humanitarian care, economic 
     cooperation, cultural exchanges and various other methods, we 
     will actively participate in international affairs, expand 
     Taiwan's room for survival in the international arena, and 
     contribute to the welfare of the international community. 
     Besides, we are also willing to promise a more active 
     contribution in safeguarding international human rights. The 
     Republic of China cannot and will not remain outside global 
     human rights trends. We will abide by the Universal 
     Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convention for 
     Civil and Political Rights, and the Vienna Declaration and 
     Program of Action. We will bring the Republic of China back 
     into the international human rights system.
       The new government will request the Legislative Yuan to 
     pass and ratify the International Bill of
       We firmly believe that in any time or any corner of the 
     world, the meaning and values of freedom, democracy and human 
     rights cannot be ignored or changed.
       The history of the 20th Century left us with a major 
     lesson--that war is a failure of humanity. Waged for whatever 
     purpose or whatever imperious reasons, war is the greatest 
     harm to freedom, democracy and human rights. Over the past 
     one hundred plus years, China has suffered imperialist 
     aggression, which left indelible wounds in her history. 
     Taiwan's destiny has been even more arduous, tormented by 
     brute force and the rule of colonialist regimes. These 
     similar historical experiences should bring mutual 
     understanding between the people on both sides of the Taiwan 
     Strait, setting a solid foundation for pursuing freedom, 
     democracy and human rights together. However, due to long 
     periods of separation, the two sides have developed vastly 
     different political systems and lifestyles, obstructing 
     empathy and friendship between the people on the two sides, 
     and even creating a wall of divisiveness and confrontation.
       Today, as the Cold War has ended, it is time for the two 
     sides to cast aside the hostilities left from the old era. We 
     do not need to wait further because now is a new opportunity 
     for the two sides to create an era of reconciliation 
     together.
       The people across the Taiwan Strait share the same 
     ancestral, cultural, and historical background. While 
     upholding the principles of democracy and parity, building 
     upon the existing foundation, and constructing conditions for 
     cooperation through goodwill, we believe that the leaders on 
     both sides possess enough wisdom and creativity to jointly 
     deal with the question of a future ``one China.''
       I fully understand that as the popularly elected 10th-term 
     President of the Republic of China, I must abide by the 
     Constitution, maintain the sovereignty, dignity and security 
     of our country, and ensure the well-being of all citizens. 
     Therefore, as long as the CCP regime has no intention to use 
     military force against Taiwan, I pledge that during my term 
     of office, I will not declare independence, I will not change 
     the national title, I will not push forth the inclusion of 
     the so-called ``state-to-state'' description in the 
     Constitution, and I will not promote a referendum to change 
     the status quo in regards to the question of independence or 
     unification. Furthermore, the abolition of the National 
     Unification Council or the Guidelines for National 
     Unification will not be an issue.
       History has illustrated that war will only create hatred 
     and enmity, with absolutely no benefit to the development of 
     mutual relations. Chinese people emphasize the difference 
     between statesmanship and hegemony, believing in the 
     philosophy that a government which employs benevolence ``will 
     please those near and appeal to those from afar,'' and ``when 
     those afar will not submit, then one must practice kindness 
     and virtue to attract them.'' Such Chinese wisdom will remain 
     universal words of value.
       Under the leadership of Mr. Deng Xiaoping and Mr. Jiang 
     Zemin, the mainland has created a miracle of economic 
     openness. In Taiwan, over a half century, not only have we 
     created a miracle economy, we have also created the political 
     marvel of democracy. On such a basis, as long as the 
     governments and people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait can 
     interact more, following the principles of ``goodwill 
     reconciliation, active cooperation, and permanent peace,'' 
     while at the same time respecting the free choice of the 
     people and excluding unnecessary obstacles, both sides of the 
     Strait can make great contributions to the prosperity and 
     stability of the Asia Pacific Region. Both sides will also 
     create a glorious civilization for the world's humanity.
       Dear compatriots, we hope so much to share the moving scene 
     of this moment with all Chinese-speaking people around the 
     world. The wide Ketagelan Boulevard before us was bristling 
     with security guards only a few years ago. The building 
     behind me used to be the Governor General's Mansion during 
     the colonial era. Today, we gather here to extol the glory 
     and joy of democracy with songs of the earth and the voice of 
     the people. With a little reflection, our compatriots should 
     be able to appreciate the deep and far-reaching meaning of 
     this moment:
       Authoritarianism and force can only bring surrender for one 
     time, while democracy and freedom are values that will endure 
     forever. Only by adhering to the will of the people can we 
     pioneer the paths of history and build enduring architecture.
       Today, as a son of a tenant farmer and with a poor family 
     background, I have struggled and grown on this land and, 
     after experiencing defeat and tribulation, I have finally won 
     the trust of the people to take up the great responsibility 
     leading the country. My individual achievements are minor, 
     but the message is valuable because each citizen of Formosa 
     is a ``child of Taiwan'' just like me. In whatever difficult 
     environment, Taiwan will be like a selfless, loving mother, 
     who never stops giving us opportunities and who helps us 
     achieve our beautiful dreams.
       The spirit of the ``child of Taiwan'' reveals to us that 
     even though Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu are tiny islands 
     on the rim of the Pacific, the map of our dreams knows no 
     limits. It extends all the way to the end of the horizon, as 
     long as our 23 million compatriots fear no hardship and move 
     forward hand in hand.
       Dear compatriots, this magnificent moment belongs to all 
     the people. All grace and glory belongs to Taiwan--our 
     eternal Mother. Together, let's extend our gratitude to the 
     earth and respect to the people. Long live freedom and 
     democracy! Long live the people of Taiwan! We pray for the 
     prosperity of the Republic of China, and for the health and 
     happiness of all compatriots and all honored guests!

     

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