Remarks by H. E. President Chen Shui-bian at the
Celebration for the First Anniversary of the
Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
Monsignor Ambrose Madtha, His Eminence Cardinal Shan, Reverend Archbishop Cheng, representatives and members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: Peace to all of you!
It is my great honor to be invited to attend this reception in celebration of the first anniversary of the pontificate of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI hosted by the Apostolic Nunciature. First of all, on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Monsignor Ambrose Madtha and Catholic churches across the world.
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI is not only the leader of all Catholic communities around the world but also the spiritual mentor of all mankind in today's troubled world. Following the inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, His Holiness delivered his first message for the World Day of Peace this year, entitled "In Truth, Peace." In this message, His Holiness stated that his taking the name Benedict is a manifestation of his personal commitment to defending world peace.
The people of Taiwan love peace, embrace freedom and democracy, respect religious freedom, and admire the philanthropic spirit, empathy and ideals of His Holiness. We too are ready to answer His Holiness's call to make every possible contribution to preserve world peace.
I would also like to take this opportunity to urge the international community to pay more attention to the fact that the Republic of China (Taiwan), which practices democracy, enjoys freedom and espouses peace, still faces continued military threats from China. Despite its self-acclaimed "peaceful emergence," China's one party authoritarian regime has yet to renounce its intention to use force or non-peaceful means in handling cross-strait issues. In fact, apart from having deployed nearly 800 missiles aimed at Taiwan, China passed the so-called "Anti-Separation Law" last year and has increased its defense budget at a double-digit rate annually over the past 18 years. Such behavior of the Chinese Communist Party has not only threatened Taiwan's democracy, freedom and prosperity but also endangered world peace.
I sincerely call upon His Holiness and the Catholic Church to continue paying close attention to the human rights situation and religious freedom in China; and I urge China to remove its missiles targeting Taiwan and renounce the use of force against Taiwan. Moreover, I also urge the Beijing government to respond to His Holiness's call for peace by relinquishing oppressive rules and the use of violence against its own people and by renouncing the use of non-peaceful means in handling cross-strait relations. Beijing should take concrete actions of withdrawing all missiles targeting Taiwan to prove to the world that the emergence of China will indeed entail both "peaceful awakening" and "democratic development" rather than posing threats to peace in the Taiwan Strait and the world.
We firmly believe that, with the wise counsel and leadership of His Holiness, the international community will make even greater efforts to promote world peace. My country will take upon the honor of being a partner for peace with the Holy See, and we shall continue to be a responsible contributor in the global community of democracies. We will continue and persevere on the journey of democracy, freedom and peace.
Ladies and gentlemen, on this auspicious occasion, the First Anniversary of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, please join me in a toast to wish His Holiness good health and the Holy See everlasting prosperity. May peace and joy be with you all. Thank you very much!