President Chen Shui-bian today at 5:20 a.m. embarked on his "Island Partners, A Sunshine Trip," visiting countries in Oceania with diplomatic relations with the R.O.C. President Chen will visit the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Republic of Kiribati and Tuvalu. The president delivered an address at the airport before boarding his plane and said his trip had the following objectives: first, prompted by China's strong-arm diplomacy, to open up space for Taiwan's international relations; second, to make known Taiwan's democratic freedom and thus show how different it is from China; and third, to boost internal unity and seek reconciliation and cooperation.
In his speech, President Chen thanked everyone for their presence at the airport at such an earlier hour. During his trip, the President will attend National Day celebrations of the Republic of Marshall Islands.
He told those present that in order to consolidate Taiwan's diplomatic ties, enable this island to stand out and be better known by the world, he had to rise at such an early hour and embark on this tour. "I have no complaints," he said. "Neither do I grumble." President Chen said that he was not after the scrupulous fulfillment of diplomatic protocol--he simply sought to stand up for Taiwan's sovereign rights. "I seek the respect, security and expansion of Taiwan's living space on the world stage and protect our hard-won democracy."
Therefore, these visits would not entail riding on a wooden canoe nor being in a place that in the whole world would be the first to see the sun rise. The difficulties faced by Taiwan in its diplomacy dictate that he deals with the following three issues: First, prompted by China's strong-arm diplomacy, to open up space for Taiwan in the world.
Disregarding regional stability and Taiwan's massive democratic opposition, the Chinese passed the Anti-Separation in the middle of March in an attempt to change Taiwan's peaceful situation and through non-peaceful means, to settle disputes across the Taiwan Strait. In April, high-ranking Chinese leaders visited South and Southeast Asian countries to stretch its diplomatic muscles and stress the One-China principle on one hand, and on the other, to try to diffuse international pressure against the Anti-Separation Law.
In dealing with China's strong-arm tactics, Taiwan's president has to go on a prolonged trip. Other high-ranking government officials will also have to go. All of Taiwan's people will likewise have to often go on trips to let the world see Taiwan's democracy and economic progress. "The world should hear how peacefully we preserve our democracy," he said.
Second, to make known Taiwan's democratic freedom and thus show how different it is from China.
Given this opportunity to travel, President Chen said that he carried in his heart the greatness of the Taiwan people. "I also bear in my heart the years we spent together in successfully building our freedom and democracy," he said. President Chen would not allow any opportunity to pass to explain to the world that it was not easy for Taiwan to gain freedom and democracy--what Taiwan has in common with the rest of the world, what promotes Taiwan and is the best language of friendship with other countries.
Taiwan's diverse deomocracy is a source of pride. "Having such a diverse population never makes us feel ashamed," said the President. "Neither do we avoid talking about it. On the contrary, we consider our democratic society our most prized possession for it plays the important role of being a beacon of light for other sovereign countries to take the path of democracy."
The President expressed a firm belief that maintaining a balanced democratic relationship is the only way for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to build a "peaceful and stable cross-Strait framework for interaction."
Third, to consolidate internal unity and seek reconciliation and cooperation.
The value of a mature political democracy lies in the variety of interpretations held by different political parties regarding domestic policies. However, when it comes to foreign policy, the welfare of the nation should come before personal or party interests. While there may be variety in internal policies, there should be unity in foreign policy. It can even be said that in foreign policy issues, the opposition should support the party in power. "The important thing is to insist on Taiwan's interests above all and to give priority to the welfare of the people," said the President, "and in all matters, give suggestions on government policy."
Recently, the United States and a number of international media have expressed their opinion regarding the recent visit to China of the chairman of the opposition party. They have reached the unanimous conclusion that the preference of China for one party or another or who engages them in dialogue does not really matter. In the final analysis, what matters is that talks are held with Taiwan's duly elected government authority. "I think this is the regular channel for the regularization of dialogue," said the President.
Because of this, for his remaining three years in office, President Chen plans to work hard for Taiwan's unity, reconciliation and cooperation. "Only with unity could we focus our energies and avoid being divided by the enemy,"he said. "Only through reconciliation and cooperation could we build up our strength and prevent the useless consumption of our national resources."
"My beloved countrymen, Taiwan may be small, but our ambitions are immense. We still have a long way to traverse the path to Taiwan's unity, the road of diplomacy for the R.O.C. and peaceful cross-Strait relations. But I firmly believe that we can walk with resolve and dignity and that we will relish the sweet fruits of our efforts. Thank you! See you all again!"
The latest and complete information on the President's "Ocean Partners Sunshine Trip" could be found on the website of the Office of the President (http://www.president.gov.tw/). The Department of the Public Affairs has provided information such as: Objectives of the trip, itinerary, brief sketches of diplomatic allies and news clippings. The website information is regularly updated.