President Lee today told a group of overseas Chinese from Japan that the Republic of China's economic and democratic achievements have created a model for the whole of China, and that the existence and achievements of the ROC on Taiwan is the result of the efforts made by Chinese people of Taiwan and overseas Chinese around the world. "We pride ourselves on this and cherish it," said he.
The President also reiterated that the ROC as a sovereign nation with an 87-year history has no need to declare its independence.
Although Peking tries every means to isolate Taiwan and doesn't rule out the use of force against the island, President Lee noted, Taiwan will not abandon its pursuit of national unification under the principles of freedom, democracy, and equal distribution of wealth.
Addressing concerns among the overseas Chinese visitors over the ROC's economy, the President emphasized that this country's dynamic and sound economic system has enabled itself to weather the current regional economic woes.
The group of overseas Chinese from Tokyo was accompanied at the meeting by Dr. Chiao Jen-ho, minister of overseas Chinese affairs, and Hwang Jeng-shyong, deputy secretary-general to the President.