Hon. Chairman Axen of the Sweden-Taiwan Parliamentary Association, Hon. Vice Chairman Lord Faulkner of the British-Taiwanese Parliamentary Group, Dear Friends of Taiwan, Distinguished Guests: Good morning!
First of all, I would like to thank you for taking time to attend the opening ceremony of the second annual meeting of the Marco Polo Club. On behalf of the government and the 23 million people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to express my respect for Taiwan's best friends and my appreciation for your long-term support and assistance to democratic Taiwan.
Since the Marco Polo Club was initiated by MP Cox and Lord Faulkner of the British-Taiwanese Parliamentary Group and its first annual meeting held in London in November last year, it has become a solid platform for exchanges between Europe and Taiwan, through which we can share our commitment to the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights and peace.
The four issues to be discussed at this annual meeting are of great significance to Taiwan and Europe. In particular, our discussion on how to develop a lasting and staunch "constructive partnership" with the EU member states will be very meaningful.
How shall Taiwan strengthen relations with the European countries and the EU? How shall European countries and the EU be urged to play a positive role in the security problem in the Taiwan Strait? How shall the EU help Taiwan join the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations? How shall the EU maintain its arms embargo against China in order to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait? I am convinced that these issues to be discussed cover the quintessential elements to enhance the "constructive partnership" between Taiwan and European countries.
In addition, the world has been on high alert over the threat that the avian flu epidemic poses to humankind these days. My government has convened two meetings with senior national security officials to discuss how to prevent this severe infectious disease.
Disease transcends national borders. The SARS epidemic two years ago and the avian influenza facing us today show how unreasonable it is to exclude Taiwan from the international disease prevention and control network. These threats highlight the necessity and urgency for Taiwan to join the WHO. I would like to urge all of you, friends of Taiwan, to help us persuade the WHO to include Taiwan in its disease prevention and control system.
A permanent peace across the Taiwan Strait is the objective that my government has been striving for. But the reality is that China currently deploys 706 missiles targeted at Taiwan and that the missile threat overshadows the lives of the Taiwan people on a daily basis. China's National People's Congress adopted the so-called "Anti-Separation Law" in mid-March this year, stipulating the use of "non-peaceful means" as an option to solve the Taiwan question. The passage of the law offers China a legal basis to use force against Taiwan and is an attempt to compel Taiwan to accept Beijing's precondition for unification.
China's attempts to militarily intimidate Taiwan and disrupt peace in the Taiwan Strait not only violate the 23 million Taiwan people's right to choose their future, but also seriously threaten Asia's regional security. I would like to solemnly urge the EU and European countries to continue paying close attention to China's human rights record and political democratization, based on our shared belief in defending freedom, democracy, human rights and global peace and security. We hope that EU members would also urge China to dismantle its missiles targeted at Taiwan and renounce the use of force against Taiwan so as to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Asia-Pacific region.
Taiwan has faithfully abided by rules in the international community and devotedly carried out its role to safeguard world peace. Although Taiwan has not obtained its deserved respect and fair treatment from the international community, it never relents efforts to implement democratic reform, promote regional peace, safeguard human rights and freedom, and push for the normalization of cross-Strait relations. Taiwan will persevere in its quest for international recognition by better performance.
After its eastward expansion on May 1, 2004, the EU has become the world's largest economy. With a population of 450 million, the EU plays an influential role politically and economically in the international community. Therefore, enhancing bilateral relations between Taiwan and the EU will be the common objective of our government and people.
Members of the Marco Polo Club are the best friends of Taiwan and the most valuable asset that the Republic of China has in the international community. I hope our distinguished guests can take this brief but precious opportunity to extensively exchange views and work together to strengthen the future bilateral relations between Taiwan, Europe and EU members.
In closing, I would like to wish this meeting every success and all our distinguished guests good health. I also hope that I can meet with you soon in Taiwan. I look forward to the day when I will be able to travel to Europe to attend the Marco Polo Club's annual meeting. Thank you!