Vice President Lien Chan this evening hosted a farewell dinner banquet, at Grand Hotel, in honor of participants of the International Press Institute World Congress and 48th General Assembly held in Taipei between May 17-19.
Before the dinner, the Vice President delivered a speech, in which he stressed that the efforts of this government to ensure the freedom and prosperity of the nearly 22 million residents of Taiwan in fact has significance that extends far beyond these shores. Such efforts, he said, provide the authorities and people of the Chinese mainland with a practicable example of how to attain a mutual consensus that can narrow the differences between Taiwan and the mainland.
The full text of Vice President Lien's speech is as follows:
Chairman Moegsien Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Fidel Ramos, Ambassador and Mrs. Winston Lord, Mr. and Mrs. Johann Fritz, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Today marks the conclusion of the 48th General Assembly of the International Press Institute. I hear from my colleagues that this was one of the best IPI conventions ever. It has been wonderful to have you come to Taiwan for three days and share ideas through spirited discussion. I congratulate you on making this event such a success and commend the meticulous efforts of the organizing committee.
As prominent leaders of the media in various countries, you are keenly aware that through your unstinting efforts, freedom of the press has become a benchmark for human rights around the world and a hallmark of democracy. Consequently, countries and regions that respect the freedom of the press equally value human rights and treasure democracy. I hope that you have found my country to be a shining example of this. In fact, the degree of democratic development and press freedom we have accomplished here sets a worthy example for the future of all China.
In December of 1993, as Premier, I proposed the free exchange of media and press information and personnel between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. I believe that the best way to promote cross-strait relations and proceed toward reunification is not to quickly rush into negotiations on political issues, especially at the current stage, when conditions are still not mature. Rather, the key is how to implement "quality democracy," based on the foundation of "quality media." This, in turn, can serve as an even greater asset for guiding the Chinese mainland toward democracy.
When I speak of "quality media," I am particularly referring to three essential elements: "press freedom," "rigorous professional standards set by the media themselves," and "media savvy." Press freedom in the ROC reached a new milestone with the termination of martial law in 1987, the lifting of the ban on new newspapers in 1988, the opening of more radio frequencies in 1993, and the repeal of the Publication Law on January 13 of this year.
At the latest count, Taiwan had more than 160 radio stations, about 140 cable television systems, more than 70 satellite cable television channels, 235 news agencies, 360 newspapers, 5,700 magazines, and expanding Internet services for its 22 million people. Without a doubt, the ROC now enjoys complete freedom of the press. Not only do the people of Taiwan enjoy their "right to know" to their fullest satisfaction, but they also use it to express directly the will of the people. This has made our society more vibrant and pluralistic than ever before.
As you all may agree, the enjoyment of press freedom entails certain corresponding responsibilities for members of the media and the public. In modern society, a free press has to guard against becoming profit driven to the point that it runs the danger of becoming biased, superficial, morally corrosive or vulgar. The media industry itself must set and maintain rigorous professional standards to encourage news objectivity, fairness, and social responsibility that will instill public confidence.
As the news media fully develops into a "fourth estate," your leadership is more needed than ever to encourage self-discipline and professionalism. This will foster a spirit of selflessness, fearlessness, impartiality, and objectivity among members of the media, and help them remain focussed on the people's welfare and enhancing social progress, while keeping a watchful eye on how the government is run.
While the media exercise professional discipline, members of the public have their own responsibility namely to develop their own "media savvy." For a media market of 22 million people, we now have a tremendous number of media news sources on Taiwan. The crowded radio spectrum, cable TV and Internet provide viewpoints from every part of the political spectrum.
Each member of the public must develop his or her own judgement about the veracity and completeness of what is read, heard or seen in newspapers and magazines, or on radio, television, and online. Fostered by advances in information technology, this will motivate those in the news industry to adhere to professional standards and ensure higher quality of news coverage.
Let me reiterate that the efforts of this government to ensure the freedom and prosperity of the nearly 22 million residents of Taiwan in fact has significance that extends far beyond these shores. Such efforts provide the authorities and people of the Chinese mainland with a practicable example of how to attain a mutual consensus that can narrow the differences between Taiwan and the mainland.
Reaching such a consensus can only be possible if the people of the Chinese mainland are allowed to embrace a system based on democracy and respect for human rights. We look forward to positive reform and change on the Chinese mainland, and we will continue to intensify our effort to seek better institutions and guarantees of freedom. That is the essential prescription for resolving problems remaining between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland, and contributing to world peace and security.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are happy that Taipei had the honor of hosting the last IPI congress of the 20th century. All our citizens are very proud that the event was held here in the Republic of China. Having you with us the past three days has led to the start of many new friendships. We have gained you as friends, and each of you can now proudly claim 22 million new friends the people of Taiwan. Your stay in Taiwan has also allowed you to see firsthand what we have accomplished, how we live and what we think. You have become friends who really know us now. Of course, this implies no onerous obligations we expect that you will continue to observe and cover events involving our country with your customary objectivity and critical acumen. We in government are now used to the scrutiny of a free press here in Taiwan. After all, isn't far better to receive criticism and suggestions from a friend than from a stranger?
Now, I call upon all participants from the ROC to join me in toasting our old and new friends at IPI, and the resounding success of this World Congress. Thank you.