As the leader of a responsible government, I fully understand the importance of building "political order" in a fast-changing society. Therefore, accomplishing constitutional reengineering project and creating a political system and free society that can accommodate the so-called "Taiwan democracy" has become our solemn mission, through which we may lay a lasting foundation for the security and well-being for the future generations.
After abolishing the National Assembly, implementing the "single-member constituency, two-ballot" electoral system, halving the legislative seats, and incorporating referendum into our Constitution, we have completed the first phase of our historic constitutional reengineering project on June 7th of this year. The accomplishment is a result of the collective will of our people to "remove the old system, usher in a new one and carry out comprehensive reform." It also marks the first successful step to establish "political order." Without a mature rule of law and a sound constitutional system, we will never see an end to Taiwan's political turmoil.
We must persevere to do the right things and reflect on the mistakes we have made, so as to improve ourselves. As the prime mover in establishing political order, the government must set an example to curb corruption and introduce clean politics while preventing the return of "black-gold" politics and corruptive associations between politicians and businesses, which pervaded our society under the previous authoritarian regime. Meanwhile, the government's resolve and planned actions to accomplish our Six Reform Priorities will neither change nor waver. These reform priorities include--completing the constitutional reengineering project, pushing for the second-phase financial reform in order to strengthen Taiwan's economic competitiveness in the global community, reinventing a tax system that upholds social justice, reforming the preferential interest rates of 18 percent, taking necessary actions to return properties inappropriately seized by political parties to our people, as well as reforming the media culture and upgrading the quality of our society. I would like to once again reiterate that plans to carry out the Six Reform Priorities will not be held back by some groundless accusations or pressure at the moment.
I believe that the establishment of "political order" must be accompanied by a maturing "civic culture." Tangible constitutional law and order lays the foundation anchored in which our nation's sustainable prosperity and security are preserved. The intangible "civic culture" forms the nexus that dictates whether or not efficient operations in the administrative and legislative branches can be maintained.
Over the past five years, people of this nation have expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of efficiency and productivity in our legislature. They have also voiced their distain for irrational infighting and legislative filibustering by political parties. Since I unveiled the goal to "create a New and Stable Environment for Consultation and Dialogue" in my 2005 New Year Address, I have always upheld the principle of "reconciliation without flinching, holding a firm stance yet avoiding confrontation," in the hope that the governing and opposition parties could engage in rational dialogue and benevolent competition.
Though certain political parties have undergone changes in their leadership, they have yet to respond to the government's goodwill. However, I have not altered my stance and I will continue to appeal for the reconciliation between the governing and opposition parties in the interests of enhancing the welfare of the Taiwan people. The first step in improving people's quality of life pivots on the consensus among all political parties--governing and opposition parties alike--that people's welfare must take precedence over individual or party interests; only by so doing can the will of the people be fulfilled. Reconciliation is not tantamount to surrendering or giving up our principles or fundamental stance. Not becoming confrontational is also not tantamount to succumbing to all the demands made by others and sacrificing our people's livelihood or our nation's security.
The expansion of international participation is a core aspiration that links Taiwan to the world. The government needs to take the lead to cultivate Taiwan’s diplomacy in the world through proactive participation in international apparatus and non-governmental organizations and by sharing Taiwan's experience in the realms of trade, democracy, humanitarianism and security. Every citizen of this nation can become the trailblazer in this endeavor--including Chien-Ming (Tiger) Wang, a rising star in the United States Major League Baseball, and Lin Hwai-min, founder of "Cloudgate" Dance Theater who has recently been named as one of the Asia's Heroes by Time Magazine. They are the pride and joy of Taiwan and role models for all of us.
Taiwan's plight in the world is similar to finding oneself in a desert that spreads far beyond the horizon. The road ahead is arduous and streams of water hard to find, but if we forsake our courage to live, or if we become entangled in distrust and envy, our strength and resources will dissipate; then what awaits us will be inevitable demise. Only by uniting as one, only by consolidating resources, and only by helping one another along the way can we together find the oasis in the desert and the spring of water that is lifesaving.
China's suppression of Taiwan in the international community and its deployment of missiles to imperil Taiwan’s national security constitute not only threats to a democratic and free Taiwan, but also challenges to the global community of democracies. Whether "the rise of China" posits China as a"responsible stakeholder"in the world, or as a positive force in global democratic advancement and economic liberalization, will depend on whether it is accompanied by "peaceful emergence" and "the beginning of democracy."
To date, China has refused to renounce the use of "non-peaceful means" to resolve issues in the Taiwan Strait; the Chinese authorities have also yet to commence political and democratic reforms whilst their decision-making processes continue to be marred by a lack of transparency. Before the abovementioned situations meet satisfactory solutions, Taiwan's security offers the only protection for the safeguard of Taiwan people's life, liberty and property; and cross-Strait peace constitutes the foremost defense for the maintenance of Asia-Pacific political and economic order. We cannot expect to rely on others for Taiwan's own self-defense; instead, we must shoulder the responsibilities to build up sufficient national defense, psychological defense and civil defense.
The three military procurement items, first put forward to the United States by the former government, were finally approved by US President George W. Bush in 2001. But the opposition parties have now overturned the decisions they made when they were in power and have thus far obstructed the due deliberations of the arms procurement special budget for the 31st time in a row, notwithstanding the budget adjustments made by the government out of goodwill. Although the leading opposition party, prompted by the will of the people, was about to modify its stance on the arms procurement bill, it has again been swayed into indecision by the influence of other opposition parties' bias and narrow-minded partisan politics.
As the United States, Japan, and other Asia-Pacific countries have all recognized that China's military expansion indeed has gravely impacted Asia-Pacific peace and security, the severest worry in Taiwan's national security lies in the fact that Taiwan has yet to demonstrate confidence in our own defense capability.
Facing a multitude of resistance, yet still, I want to hereby reaffirm Taiwan's unwavering stance on issues concerning cross-Strait relations: that we support the promotion of "goodwill reconciliation, active cooperative, and permanent peace." Maintaining our own defense capabilities and defending security and peace in the Taiwan Strait is the most responsible response my government offers to echo the international community's expectation for the resumption of peaceful dialogue between the two sides of the Strait.
Distinguished guests, dear fellow citizens: hundreds of years of history have bequeathed us the attestation to the extraordinary courage, faith, and trust the Taiwan people has in themselves, especially when unrelenting hardship and challenges aflame their will to succeed all the more. I am convinced that a Taiwan in unity will engender boundless progress in our democratic society, and that only by standing alongside the Taiwan people can we understand and provide for the conditions requisite for them to live healthily and safely. In so doing then will Taiwan continue to prosper in robust progress and advancement.
In closing, let us together wish our nation happy birthday and sustained prosperity. May health and happiness be with all distinguished guests and our fellow citizens always. Let us together salute, cheer on, and root for Taiwan!
Thank you.