Taipei, Oct. 16 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Saturday that ethnic and cultural diversity has not only been an important social asset for Taiwan but also a driving force behind the island's social progress.
Addressing the opening of an ethnic and cultural development conference held at the National Central Library, Chen said Taiwan has experienced successive waves of immigration over the past four centuries.
In addition to the aboriginal citizens, native Taiwanese, Hakka and mainlanders that now populate Taiwan, many new immigrants have also come to Taiwan through marriage or naturalization in recent years amid globalization and liberalization, the president said. "Against this backdrop, our population has become ever more diverse, " Chen said, adding that this ethnic diversity has injected new blood and vitality into local society.
Chen further said the various ethnic groups should respect and recognize one another's differences and unique features in order to create a harmonious living environment and forge a common national identity.
Noting that Taiwan has come a long way in its national development, the president said some historical ethnic rifts might have left wounds and scars. Chen said that he hopes that from now on, all the people of Taiwan can forget and forgive past "mistakes" and treat each other with understanding, respect and goodwill. "Let's forget any bitter memories. Let's see no more ethnic disharmony, and let's work hand-in-hand for national progress and prosperity from now on," he urged.