President Ma Ying-jeou, accompanied by Vice President Vincent C. Siew, attended a press conference on the morning of August 20 to unveil several major activities to be held on January 1 of 2011 and throughout the year to mark the centenary of the Republic of China. Premier Wu Den-yih, Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng, Minister without Portfolio Tzeng Ovid J.L., Taipei City Mayor Hau Lung-bin, Council for Cultural Affairs Minister Emile Chih-jen Sheng, artistic director Lin Keh-hua, and general consultant Lin Hwai-min were among those attending the press conference.
In remarks, President Ma stated that this press conference being held on August 20 carries special significance, as 105 years ago on this day, the nation's founding father Dr. Sun Yat-sen established the Revolutionary Alliance in Tokyo. In addition, Dr. Sun in that same year also unveiled the theoretical framework for his activities--the Three Principles of the People. The Revolutionary Alliance failed in repeated attempts to start a revolution before success finally came in 1911 and the Republic of China was established after the Huanghuagang and Wuchang uprisings.
President Ma stated that while the ROC has experienced many hardships over the past century, it has also achieved outstanding success. Taiwan has the most democratic political system and one of the most economically prosperous societies in the ethnic Chinese world. Most importantly, our freedom and democracy have become a model for ethnic Chinese societies elsewhere. The president specially expressed his appreciation to Vice President Siew for his hard work over the past year in traveling around Taiwan. He also expressed his deepest gratitude to Premier Wu for his assistance in obtaining funding, as well as the efforts made by many others. President Ma said he hopes that everyone will take part in celebratory activities to mark the nation's centenary and kick off another resplendent century.
Vice President Siew spoke ahead of President Ma in his capacity as Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the Centenary Celebrations of the Republic of China, and said that the 100th year of the ROC has far-reaching significance. He said he hopes to combine the resources and creativity of the private and public sectors in planning a centennial celebration for the nation that highlights Taiwan's diverse culture. He also said he hopes that all of society will participate in the celebration and appreciate the challenges and glory of the past 100 years, as well as make a concerted effort to map out a vision for the nation's future.
The vice president pointed out that the celebratory activities will have three focuses: having the public interpret history; showcasing Taiwan; and moving forward in unity. The activities will feature all different types of content, he said, adding that the Council of Cultural Affairs and the Republic of China (Taiwan) Centenary Foundation are responsible for planning and holding various theme-based events and activities. In addition, central government agencies, city and county governments, and the private sector will also hold celebratory activities. The vice president said that so far over 400 proposals have been submitted by private groups. After screening, 20 proposals will be selected and then carried out with assistance from the Preparatory Committee, he said. Vice President Siew remarked that some activities are being initiated by private groups and will not require public funding, adding that everyone should commend these groups for their efforts. The vice president specially expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by all sectors.
Vice President Siew said that once planning is completed for various theme-based activities, announcements will be made to the public. For instance, the government and private sector will jointly hold a major parade on the Double Tenth National Day this year as a warm-up activity featuring dozens of floats parading through Taipei City. Secondly, a party will be held at Taichung's Fulfillment Amphitheatre on the evening of the Double Tenth National Day next year, with planning carried out by Mr. Stan Lai. Thirdly, a music concert will be held at Kaohsiung National Stadium on November 12, the anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. This will be the largest concert ever held in Asia, he said.
The vice president encouraged the public to enthusiastically take part in the celebratory activities marking the nation's centenary. He also welcomed the public to provide suggestions to the Preparatory Committee or contact the Council for Cultural Affairs or the Centenary Foundation to help the celebrations be even more rich and colorful.