President Hamre, Ambassador Fairbank, Chairman Koo, Foreign Minister Tien, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am honored to attend the seventh meeting of the "CSIS Roundtable," jointly sponsored by the Chinatrust Bank and the Center for Strategic and International Relations. First of all, I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to all of you distinguished guests, who have contributed to the study of regional peace and stability over the years.
Ten years ago, we witnessed the end of the Cold War era. It represented the wavering of radical ideologies and created new expectations for long-term global peace. However, it did not necessarily bring about the immediate establishment of an "international new order."
Although "globalization" has become a familiar slogan, the majority of the world's population is still living in poverty. "The demand for democratic reform" faces the obstacles presented by corrupt and decadent authority. At the same time, one often hears of the conflict between "cultural imperialism" and "diversity of civilization values." What is most worrisome is that while the international community expresses common concern for issues of "collective security," we still face the threat of potential regional conflicts initiated by individual rogue states.
Over the past ten years, such characteristics of the new international system have created opportunities and challenges for the promotion of Taiwan's diplomatic relations, the normalization of cross-strait relations, and maintenance of peace in the Asia Pacific region in the new century. As the subject of this conference implies, we are currently facing "challenges in the new millennium." Members of the international society must understand that while each state grows in strength, the international responsibilities also increase. Only by understanding the mutual relationship between "rights" and "responsibilities" can we have a "post-cold-war world" of reconciliation, progress and stability.
Mainland China's role and responsibilities
In the development of the international system of the new century, the role of Mainland China cannot be ignored. As a growing regional power, the future of Mainland China not only politically affects the establishment of an "international new order," militarily, it relates to the formation of a peaceful and secure "post cold war era" in the Asia Pacific region. Furthermore, the liberalization and internationalization of the Chinese economy and the process in which China is integrated into the global market have determining effects on the development of "globalization."
It is worth questioning whether or not Mainland China "understands" the international, political, military and economic "responsibilities" a "great nation" must shoulder, as the nations of the world attach great expectations to the status of Mainland China as a "great nation." Even if Mainland China understands the "responsibilities" of a "great nation," does it have the "capabilities" to shoulder such responsibilities？
The status of a "great nation" is not illustrated in active expansion of military capabilities or in military threats against smaller nations. As a great nation, Mainland China must understand its responsibilities from the perspective of a leader in the Asia Pacific region, rather than achieving "great nation diplomacy" by suppressing Taiwan's international survival space and creating tension in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan's role and responsibilities
This May 20, Taiwan experienced the first peaceful transition of power from one party to another. This is the victory of the Taiwanese people. It is the ultimate achievement of the universal values of freedom and democracy.
Taiwan's political democracy is conducive to helping Mainland China learn to shoulder the responsibilities of a great nation. Positive cross-strait economic interaction has constructive effects for the internationalization and liberalization of Mainland China's economy, and for the healthy development of a global trade system. The avoidance of conflict and the maintenance of peace in the Taiwan Strait form the cornerstone to realizing stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region in the 21st century.
Therefore Taiwan's role in the new century cannot be ignored. I would like to reiterate here that the new government is willing and capable of preserving peace in the region. The new government has the sincerity and goodwill to initiate the comprehensive normalization of relations with Mainland China.
The role and responsibilities of the United States
In my May 20 inauguration speech, I emphasized that the governments on both sides must respect the free choice of the people. In other words, "the people of Taiwan have the ultimate right to determine their future." Even US President Clinton supports the notion that the resolution of the cross-strait issue must "have the consent of the people of Taiwan." President Clinton's words are a demonstration of a great democratic nation's stature.
The long-term friendship between Taiwan and the United States is established on common interests of democracy, security and trade. In the process of American engagement with Mainland China, the US has an obligation to enable Mainland China to understand the responsibilities of a great nation. Taiwan and the US must cooperate to assist Mainland China to become a great nation that is not only willing but capable of fulfilling her responsibilities. Only then will the Taiwan-US relationship be solidified and uninhibited by the potentially destabilizing "China factor."
Expectations on Taiwan-US-China relations
On May 20, a new government was created in Taiwan. Within two years, the US and Mainland China will also have new leadership. The change of new governments will generate great challenges. I personally believe that only with greater wisdom, creativity and patience, with full appreciation of the meaning of "rights" and "obligations," can we overcome the serious challenges of the new century.
Distinguished guests, I would like to wish your conference great success. Thank you.