Your Holiness:
As we face an increasing number of international conflicts and terrorist threats, I am deeply touched and warmly inspired by your farsighted remarks, "In Truth, Peace," during the celebration of the 39th World Day of Peace in 2006. Your Holiness has continued the course of His Holiness Pope John Paul II in urging all peoples, all governments, and all international organizations to shoulder the responsibility of realizing justice and peace and to create a world of truth, freedom, and love. I truly admire your benevolence and wisdom.
Your Holiness observes that turmoil and untruth in the world results in terrorism and warfare. The world is thus filled with unrest. Countless lessons in history have shown us that there is no easy or smooth path to peace. The road ahead is full of obstacles; overcoming these difficulties will require the cooperation of all people in their sincere pursuit of truth and justice.
Today, the people of Taiwan live according to the universal values of democracy, freedom, peace, and justice; however, international justice is not realized in regards to our nation. The Republic of China (Taiwan) has not received the respect and dignity it deserves as a law-abiding member of the international community. Despite this, Taiwan continues to make efforts to promote world peace and the welfare of all humankind. I know that Taiwan is not alone with the continued support of Your Holiness and our other allies.
In regards to the international situation, China has never given up its threat to use "non-peaceful" means to handle cross-Strait relations. With more than 700 Chinese missiles deployed across the Taiwan Strait, the possibility of war is real. Stressing peace, not war with China, the people of Taiwan have made the international community hear their voices with two peaceful demonstrations participated by more than one million people in the February 28th Hand-in-Hand Rally in 2004 and the March 26th Demonstration in 2005.
I am convinced that if atheist communist China is going to emerge as a truly peace-loving country, it must institute complete democratization and respect for people's freedom and human rights, only then can it become a positive force for the welfare of humankind in the international community.
There is an old Chinese adage that says the military forces of a country are dangerous weapons that must be handled with great discretion. Therefore, avoiding war and refusing to engage in warlike activities must be the ultimate goal of every country. That is why the resumption of cross-Strait dialogue and the peace and security of the Taiwan Strait are goals that I will continue to pursue. Taiwan will continue to act to ensure "goodwill reconciliation, active cooperation and permanent peace." I want to urge Your Holiness to continue to closely monitor the situation in China regarding human rights and religious freedom and to ask China to dismantle the missiles it has aimed at Taiwan and renounce the possible use of force against Taiwan. All these efforts will help ensure the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the Asia-Pacific region.
I strongly hope that the international community will give full attention to Your Holiness' message of truth and peace. The government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will continue to wholeheartedly support Your Holiness in pursuit of these noble goals and thus fulfill our common ideals.
Please accept, Your Holiness, the assurances of my highest consideration. Best wishes for good health and for the success of the Holy See.