President Chen Shui-bian on the morning of March 18, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on United States Congressman Tom Tancredo in recognition of his long efforts and outstanding contributions to promoting substantive and friendly relations between Taiwan and the United States.
Congressman Tancredo said he is honored and delighted to be recognized by President Chen and the people of Taiwan, and to receive this honor. He said that over the past 10 years while serving in the House of Representatives, he has paid significant attention on promoting relations between Taiwan and the United States. He said that he has emphasized this work as it is his belief that this bilateral relationship is a mutually beneficial one.
Congressman Tancredo expressed his appreciation for being invited to visit Taiwan in the run-up to the presidential election here, and for having the opportunity to personally witness this historic moment in Taiwan's history. He said he is impressed at how high voter turnout is in Taiwan in comparison to the US presidential election. Congressman Tancredo said that election day is just around the corner and what is most important is that people participate in the process and exercise their right to vote. He noted that referendums will be held on the same day as the presidential election and that it is only for the people of Taiwan to decide their future. He said that referendums enable the people of Taiwan to have their voice heard. As such, every person should participate in the referendum voting.
After the conclusion of the ceremony conferring the honor on Congressman Tancredo, the president and the congressman held discussions. President Chen said that he is delighted to represent the government and 23 million people of Taiwan in presenting this honor to Congressman Tancredo. He thanked the congressman for his many years of work and contributions to promoting friendly relations between Taiwan and the United States. President Chen also said he appreciates the congressman's good wishes ahead of the presidential election and his support for holding the referendums regarding Taiwan's entry into the United Nations.
President Chen mentioned that March 10 marked the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against China's invasion of Tibet. Meanwhile, March 14 was the third anniversary of China's passage of the Anti-separation Law. It was on this day that the Chinese police and military forces crushed protests by Tibetans, resulting in the unfortunate loss of many lives, shocking the international community.
The president said that the recent events in Tibet are worrisome to the people of Taiwan. He said that even if a peace agreement is signed with China, such an agreement could be turned into a piece of waste paper at anytime by the Chinese authorities. The president said Taiwan worries that it will become a second Tibet. In response to China's military threats, efforts to isolate Taiwan and moves to strangle Taiwan's economy, the president said we believe that Taiwan's democracy is the best theater missile defense. When the people of Taiwan possess the power of referendum, they have the power to say "No" to China. President Chen said that two referendums will be held on March 22. One is put forth by the Democratic Progressive Party and asks the question of whether Taiwan should enter the United Nations (UN) using the name "Taiwan." The other referendum, forwarded by the Kuomintang, poses the question of whether Taiwan should return to the UN under the name Republic of China. Regardless of which referendum that each voter supports, both referendums indicate the hope of the Taiwan people in having a say in entering the UN.