Remarks by President Chen Shui-bian at the Reception by the
European Parliament in Commemoration of the
20th Anniversary of the Lifting of Martial Law in Taiwan
July 10, 2007
President Pöttering of the European Parliament; Chairman Watson of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe; Chairman Jarzembowski of the Taiwan Friendship Group; Members of the European Parliament; Distinguished Guests: good morning/ afternoon/ evening!
I am delighted and touched that President Pöttering, Chairman Watson, Chairman Jarzembowski, and our other friends in the European Parliament (EP) have chosen the EP as the venue for today's reception. As the EP is the most important bastion of democracy in the world, it adds historic meaning to this reception to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the lifting of martial law in Taiwan. This event is a testament to the firm belief shared by the peoples of both Europe and Taiwan in the universal values of freedom, democracy, human rights, peace and justice.
On December 10, 1979, World Human Rights Day, the Formosa Incident erupted in Taiwan, shocking the world. The authorities arrested advocates of democracy, charged them with insurrection and, in accordance with martial law, referred the case to a military tribunal. Taiwan's democracy was severely hurt and suppressed due to the Formosa Incident. Nevertheless, as the victims' family members and defense lawyers, including myself, took up their cause by plunging into all levels of election campaigns and the democratic movement, the seeds of democracy were planted, and the kindled yearning for it spread across Taiwan.
The Formosa Incident muted political activists, yet released the power of Taiwan's society. Magazines and publications unsanctioned by the authoritarian ruling party mushroomed. When the government closed one publisher or magazine, another one would surface the following day. The voice of the people demanding freedom and democracy could no longer be silenced. In the meantime, a variety of social movements soon spread like wildfire to promote labor rights, women's rights, aboriginal rights and environmental protection, with the future direction of Taiwanese culture and literature also becoming a dominating topic of public debate. These social changes were the propelling forces that eventually led to the emergence of Taiwan's first home-grown political party: the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
On September 28, 1986, which was seven years after the Formosa Incident and still before the lifting of martial law, the DPP was formally established at the Grand Hotel in Taipei. Under martial law, such an action was tantamount to treason, but at that time our society could no longer tolerate the government's across-the-board military repression of opposition or democratic movements. As a result, the government had no choice but to tacitly acknowledge the existence of the DPP, which helped bring to an end the country's authoritarian regime.
Ten days later on October 7, 1986, then President Chiang Ching-Kuo was interviewed by Ms. Katherine Graham with the Washington Post. At that point, he announced that Taiwan was about to lift martial law and the ban on new political parties. Subsequently, the Legislative Yuan requested the late president to formally announce the lifting of martial law, which he did. The martial law era ended at 12AM on July 15, 1987, bringing Taiwan's 38 years of authoritarian rule to a close and letting Taiwan march toward a new period of freedom and democracy.
Clearly the remote cause for lifting martial law was the vibrant social energy released by the Formosa Incident, while the immediate cause was the birth of the DPP. The changing times forced Taiwan's authoritarian leaders to bow to the universal values of freedom, democracy, human rights, peace and justice.
We gather to commemorate this heart-wrenching quest for democracy and freedom and show our appreciation to the brave 23 million people of Taiwan. Without their strength, support and demands, our great historic mission could never have been accomplished. Taiwan has thus designated July 15 as Commemoration Day of the Lifting of Martial Law. This will ensure that we will never forget the sacrifices and contributions made by the forefathers of Taiwan's democratic movement, and reiterate the staunch belief the people of Taiwan have in their democratic constitutional government.
Following the end of martial law, we have encountered even tougher challenges and tasks. Like other emerging democracies, Taiwan has had difficulties regarding transitional justice, worsening quality of multiple-party politics, weakened social coherence, and choices for a constitutional system. In addition, Taiwan has had to face divided views on national identity at home, and the increasing military threat and diplomatic blockade from China. Over the past two decades, especially in the last seven years, we have experienced many tribulations down the path toward democracy. However, even though we are still learning, the challenges will never sway our dedication to freedom, democracy, human rights, peace and justice. A democratic regime's problems can only be resolved democratically. Returning to the ways of the past is not an option.
The key problem in the Taiwan Strait is the issue of democracy. If China continues to refuse to embrace democracy and insist on a single-party dictatorship, the potential danger of China's military expansion and invasion will grow. The 23 million Taiwanese people would be most willing to cooperate with the 493 million people of the 27 EU countries to actively guide China down the path to democracy and freedom. Only by doing so can we create a more democratic and peaceful world for all mankind.
In closing, I would like to extend my gratitude to the European Parliament once again for its support, encouragement and assistance over the years. May all of our friends and distinguished guests enjoy the best of health and every success! Thank you.