President Chen Shui-bian on the morning of January 13 departed on a journey to the Central American diplomatic ally Republic of Guatemala to attend the inauguration of that country's President-elect Alvaro Colom. The president will also make a state visit to the Caribbean island nation ally St. Lucia. President Chen made brief remarks prior to boarding his plane to begin "The Journey of Mutual Friendship and Sustained Development."
President Chen said that the hotly contested legislative elections were only held the day before. There are many matters to attend to after the elections. In addition, a new era will begin in the Legislative Yuan when the winners in the election take office shortly. Nonetheless, he said he believes it is important to attend the presidential inauguration ceremonies for an ally of the ROC (Taiwan) and is therefore immediately departing for the Republic of Guatemala. He will attend the inauguration of President-elect Alvaro Colom and will take advantage of the opportunity to meet with other heads of state in Guatemala for the festivities, helping to foster bilateral and multilateral relationships, as well as further solidify the alliances with Taiwan's existing allies. After completing his trip to Guatemala, the president will make a state visit to St. Lucia. The trip overseas is an extremely short one, with the president expecting to return to Taipei on January 18.
President Chen said that China has shown no signs over the past year or two of reducing its military threat to Taiwan, and its efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and harm Taiwan's economy. In fact, China is exerting more pressure on Taiwan than ever, he said. The president said that the number of ballistic missiles deployed along China's southeast coast that are aimed at Taiwan has increased to 1,328 from 988 in the short span of just one year. This is an increase of 340 missiles in the period, he said. This deployment seriously threatens peace in the Taiwan Strait as well as security and stability in the East Asia region. At the same time, China continues to try to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. It has resorted to "money diplomacy," using any means available to undermine the diplomatic relationships between Taiwan and its allies. Beijing has continuously pressured international organizations to succumb to the incorrect standpoint that "Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China," and it has tried to belittle Taiwan's status as a sovereign nation. Taiwan cannot sit idly by in the face of its precipitous diplomatic situation. Taiwan faces considerable challenges, but it must not withdraw. It must be strong and continue to make a name for itself in the international community, enabling the world to see Taiwan and recognize the fact that Taiwan is a sovereign country. Taiwan must use its democratic experience, humanitarian compassion and trade assistance to fulfill its responsibility and obligations as a member of the international community, the president said. This will win Taiwan support among the world community. The president said that this is the true meaning of "fighting to ensure diplomatic survival for Taiwan."
President Chen said that the theme of this trip abroad is "The Journey of Mutual Friendship and Sustained Development." Taiwan hopes to manage its diplomatic relationships in a way that makes them sustainable. He said that based on the principle of mutual benefit, the nation wants to continue to develop long-term partnerships with its friends in Central America and the Caribbean. While in Guatemala to attend President-elect Colom's inauguration, he said that meetings have been arranged with the heads of state from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras. The leaders will exchange opinions on issues of mutual interest in the bilateral meetings. President Chen said he hopes these talks will help to further strengthen the alliances with these countries.
The president furthermore said that this will be his first trip to St. Lucia and will also mark the first visit to the Caribbean nation by a Taiwan president. Taiwan and St. Lucia resumed diplomatic relations over eight months ago, and the two have already begun a number of cooperative programs that will directly benefit the local public in that nation. President Chen said the St. Lucia government has spared no effort in supporting Taiwan in its effort to join international organizations. He said he is confident that his efforts to promote diplomacy and this trip will help expand room for Taiwan in the international community.