Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of July 16 was accompanied by Premier Wu Den-yih (吳敦義) and Interior Minister Jiang Yi-huah (江宜樺) in events to mark the completion of a voyage across the Kuroshio current in a canoe crafted by the indigenous Tao tribe from Orchid Island. The president expressed his admiration for the perseverance displayed by the oarsmen.

The oarsmen braved torrid heat and heavy rains in the course of their 18-day voyage that took them from Orchid Island across the Kuroshio current to northern Taiwan. When President Ma arrived at the site where the journey concluded he first inspected the canoe, then heard a briefing on the construction of the vessel before exchanging traditional Tao greetings by touching noses with the oarsmen.

President Ma said that this event demonstrated the adventurous spirit of the Tao tribe as well as the beautiful work done in constructing the vessel. He stated that the flying fish culture of Orchid Island is quite amazing, adding that the Tao tribe has a tradition of concluding their fishing when they have caught enough. Any fish not consumed immediately are air dried or preserved to serve as provisions for the future. President Ma said that the methods practiced by the Tao are impressive models of ecological conservation.

The president furthermore noted that the United Nations did not ban drift net fishing in the North Pacific until December 1991, but Taiwan's aborigines have long adopted methods that respected nature. Mencius, moreover, on a visit with King Hui of Liang State (during the Epoch of Warring States) mentioned, "If close nets are not allowed to enter the pools and ponds, the fishes and turtles will be more than can be consumed." This demonstrates that Chinese culture and the culture of the Tao are in sync with each other, he said, adding that this philosophy of cherishing the Earth is something that we need to carefully think about.

President Ma praised the masterful workmanship of the Tao in building the canoe. He told the people on hand that he loves dragon boats and each year takes part in dragon boat races. He urged young people to tour Taiwan not only by bicycle, but also by rowing canoes around the island, which would exhibit the adventurous spirit of our forefathers and enable even more people to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Taiwan's coastline.