Dr. Schaerf, Dr. Hsieh, Minister Chien, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning.
On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, I’d like to express my admiration and warmest welcome to all of you who, in spite of two ongoing crises--the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the war in Iraq-- have come to Taipei to attend the International Seminar on Asia-Pacific Cooperative Security, co-sponsored by Taiwan and the International School on Disarmament and Research on Conflicts (ISODARCO).
At the dawn of this new century, we held great expectations for a “new international order.” However, in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, 2001, a series of regional conflicts and crises have compelled the international society to deeply reflect on the concepts of security and cooperation.
The ongoing conflict in Iraq, North Korean missile tests, and the escalating spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) have forced all of us to give serious thought to major issues such as global terrorism, prohibition of weapons of mass destruction, humanitarian assistance, and the alleviation of epidemic disease. The international community must now map out the means to ensure regional security and sustainable global development though international cooperation.
Mutual trust, information exchange, consultation and collaborative troubleshooting are crucial to the success of international cooperation. Take the recent spread of SARS as an example. As a result of the PRC government’s authoritarian disposition and whitewashing of facts and information, and the damaging effects stemming from its negligence and refusal to cooperate with international authorities, this epidemic, which originated in China's Guangdong Province, has rapidly crossed national borders, sweeping into numerous countries in Asia, America and Europe. SARS is now the cause of panic among thousands and poses a public health threat around the world.
The trend towards globalization has made SARS the latest and harshest twist in the interpretation of sovereignty, borders, and security. The crisis serves to remind people that global cooperation is the key to resolving international crises. The prevention of disease requires multilateral effort, the timely dissemination of information, and the unrestricted exchange of knowledge and experience, especially through the World Health Organization.
To prevent and control the outbreak of SARS in Taiwan, government agencies have made a concerted effort to fight this threat with the same urgency applied to the defense of national security. Regrettably, the World Health Organization refuses to acknowledge Taiwan and has repeatedly rejected our efforts to participate. Not only does this constitute a serious violation of the WHO’s founding aim to serve the health and security of all mankind, but also results in a leak in the worldwide prevention of the disease.
Today, I call on the conscience of all those here and, of the world community, lest we forget that disease heeds no national boundaries; likewise, nor should medicine and healthcare. If we hold this to be true and therefore agree that all people in all countries, especially those now affected by SARS, should be represented in the World Health Organization, then no longer should political leveraging be allowed as justification for the WHO to specifically exclude Taiwan, leaving this country’s 23 million citizens without representation and diminishing WHO’s service to mankind.
Terrorism poses another major threat to our global village. The aim of terrorism does not lie in violence itself but in its ability to create terror and cause public anxiety. The entire world must work as one to share intelligence and crack down on the financial support network of terrorist organizations. Only then can we begin to prevent the threat of dire and tragic aggression that would loom over freedom, democracy and mutual tolerance should weapons of mass destruction fall into the hands of terrorists.
One of the most challenging questions for Asia-Pacific nations is the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Last autumn, North Korea began to expel inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At the same time, they reactivated their nuclear reactors, admitted to having nuclear development plans, and conducted several missile tests and military exercises. These actions have heightened tension in East Asia. The potential crisis in the Korean peninsula has become a global focal point, which can only be resolved through international mediation and cooperation.
Bear in mind, however, that if the N. Korean situation constitutes a potential threat, then China’s military expansion poses an even greater danger to stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as to the security of the Asia-Pacific region. China’s nuclear-weapons plan has been in place for more than 40 years; furthermore, the development of its projecting vehicle is even more daunting. In addition to conventional ballistic missiles, China has been vigorously developing cruise missiles, sub-launched missiles, and MIRVs*. China’s missiles are targeted at Taiwan, but threaten every nation within range.
Ladies and gentlemen, faced with a multitude of threats to our security and regional peace, we must not be intimidated; in seeking our own path we must be careful not to isolate ourselves, nor should we compromise our firm sense of commitment, for we may lose our perseverance in the unyielding pursuit of democracy, freedom, human rights and peace.
I have reiterated on many occasions that security, democracy and economic progress are the three anchors to ensure the peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. On this occasion, I would like to propose some ideas about “cooperative security.” In the current international arena, the definition of “security” has extended far beyond traditional military affairs, and has become an integral part of people’s daily lives. Terrorist attacks, cyber crimes, even disease epidemics all constitute sources of international crisis. Only through the realization of “cooperative security” can peace and security be safeguarded and consolidated.
Taiwan has taken positive and active roles in contributing to the international society and fulfilling our rightful responsibilities, given our having been a recipient of international assistance in the past, and, in light of our strategic significance. As a faithful defender of international order, Taiwan has the will and the capability to shoulder its due responsibility for safeguarding peace, security and prosperity in the region, together with other countries. Taiwan is proud to be a cornerstone of reconciliation, progress and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Through the sharing of expertise, knowledge and experience, the experts and scholars participating in this conference will generate valuable insights and ideas for building a new international system of “cooperative security.” Let me once again extend my warmest welcome to all of you and offer my best wishes for a successful conference. To our guests from abroad, enjoy your stay in Taiwan. Thank you.