Today marks the 91st National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Celebrating here today, we can feel that things are a bit different than in the past. Taiwan's vitality reflects the creativity of its people, and Taiwan's ability to bravely move beyond the past is the essence of the Taiwan Spirit. So, as you can see, the way we celebrate our National Day this year is also unique.
Over the past two years of steady progress since Taiwan's historical transfer of power, our democracy has undergone many changes. For example, in years past, the Presidential Building that stands behind me was seen as the mysterious symbol of authoritarianism. Today, however, its image has fundamentally changed and people no longer feel intimidated by its presence. Just recently, on the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, I had the pleasure of enjoying a beautiful full moon with many people, right here. When I saw the performance artist scale the Presidential Office building, it gave me a very special feeling indeed. For me, it meant that the people of Taiwan live in a genuine democratic era, that the insurmountable authoritarian regime of the past is no more, and, that every citizen is truly the master of the country.
On that very same night, Taiwan's First Lady, who was visiting the United States, delivered a speech entitled "Let the Moonlight of Democracy Shine on Asia's Future" to the American public from her wheelchair. Taiwan's First Lady is just an ordinary citizen; it is Taiwan's democratic achievements that are extraordinary. The pace of democratic development may vary from country to country, yet the universal value of democracy remains the same for the entire world. As a model of democratization among newly developed countries as well as ethnic Chinese societies, Taiwan is now earning ever-greater respect and acclaim from the international community.
Over the past half-century, Taiwan's economic prosperity and democratic development have given it a firm footing on the world stage—no longer can we be ignored. As we embark upon a new century, democracy and economic development will continue to be the strong pillars that allow us to stand tall and carry Taiwan onward to a bright future. With this in mind, two high-level meetings have been convened which firmly establish "economic development" and "consolidation of democracy" as our fundamental strategic objectives for the future.
The world is still in the shadow of an economic downturn, and Taiwan is no exception. Nevertheless, we should not be discouraged by this setback, and we should not falter in the face of hard times. Taiwan must be well prepared for the global economic recovery. To this end, the government will continue to adhere to the principle of putting "Taiwan first, the economy first and investment first". To implement the strategy of "Investment in Taiwan comes first," we shall increase efficiency in government and financial institutions and seek to improve related policies, infrastructure and business environment. We will work to help upgrade conventional industries, while also seizing opportunities for comprehensive reform. Unfortunately, long accumulated problems and irregularities in the financial infrastructure means that these reforms will likely "hurt". However, if we do not get the job done today, the decay and problems will only worsen because the hard-earned money and savings of the ordinary people are closely linked to the state of our domestic financial institutions. Therefore, we cannot but accelerate the pace of reform so as to fully protect the property and rights of our citizens.
As we move forward with the task of promoting economic reform and transformation, we must at the same time strengthen our democracy and focus on solidifying our democratic achievements.
For a very long time, Taiwan was governed under authoritarian rule in a single party political system. This situation no longer exists. Following the transfer of power, Taiwan's society has been reaching for new standards and new democratic rules. During this fragile, newborn process, stumbling, conflict and even derailment can often occur. Nevertheless, each and every one of us should reassess our own values. We should all expect the ruling and opposition parties, opinion polls as well as the media adhere to an ethical code of conduct, to strive to be self-regulating and to mutually check and balance each other in order to deepen our democratic values and enhance the quality of our democratic society.
I firmly believe that democracy, freedom, human rights and peace are not only universal values which the people of Taiwan uphold, they also are solid foundations on which we can stand tall in the world. Taiwan must walk its own path with determination. It is the path of democracy, the path of freedom, the path of human rights and the path of peace. It is a rocky road, a one-way street. Although it won't be easy, we must overcome all hardships and march forward; we must not give up, nor can we turn back.
Taiwan's democratic achievements are precious indeed. Facing such a difficult international situation and persistent intimidation from the other side of the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan cannot afford to be handicapped by internal divisions or confrontations. Early this year, following the inauguration of the new legislature and the cabinet reshuffle, Taiwan's political atmosphere and the partisan landscape have changed, and the people of Taiwan have also developed new expectations. Now our new legislature is in its second session and the cabinet is well in place. We thus hope that the ruling and opposition parties as well as the executive and legislative branches can communicate better and coordinate and cooperate closely to focus effectively on issues of national interest and the citizens' concerns. I hope that all parties can work together to implement the reforms and government policies in order to create a harmonious and stable political situation.
Among our guests to this National Day celebration are presidents, ambassadors, representatives, foreign delegations and many other distinguished persons. On behalf of my people and government, I would like to once again express my heartfelt appreciation to you for your long-term support for the Republic of China and the people of Taiwan. As a responsible member of the international community, we are willing to play an active role as a participant and contributor to the development of the Asia-Pacific region and the whole world. Taiwan will not be absent from democratic alliances, economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, humanitarian assistance or international anti-terrorist campaigns. On January 1st this year, Taiwan formally acceded to the WTO, becoming its 144th member. This was an important milestone following 12 years of tireless effort. In the future, we will continue to actively seek to officially participate in regional and global international organizations.
Of course, we also see that the international community is genuinely concerned over the cross-Strait situation. Recently, the European Parliament overwhelmingly adopted a resolution that calls on the People's Republic of China to withdraw all missiles deployed along its Southeast coast. This resolution is a clear message from the international community that it explicitly opposes the PRC's use of military force against Taiwan.
The 23 million people of Taiwan have written a touching story during the past half-century, and the "Taiwan experience" has become a successful role model around the world. I do not see any reason why the people of Taiwan should continue to live under the shadow of military threats. We agree to a fair democratic and economic competition with the other side of the Strait, and we also want both sides to conduct normalized economic, trade and cultural exchanges. However, the PRC has steadfastly increased its deployment of missiles aiming at Taiwan and repeatedly carried out military exercises targeting Taiwan. This is the greatest threat to democracy, freedom, human rights and peace, and a disregard of the universal values of human civilization.
I wish to once again call upon the leaders of the PRC to heed the aspirations and listen to the voice of the 23 million people of Taiwan who say to you: "Dismantle your missiles, embrace peace." Otherwise, the PRC will only continue to cause animosity between the peoples on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, creating an even wider gap in cross-Strait relations. Stability in the Taiwan Strait and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region can only be achieved if the PRC dismantles the missiles deployed along the Taiwan Strait, openly renounces the use of military force, and expresses willingness to engage in rational discussions and peaceful dialogue.
My fellow countrymen, our junior league baseball team won the Asia Cup championship again this year. These young champions came from the Chiangmei Elementary School in the Baisha Township of Penghu. Their school has only 61 students. Watching how they trained in simple and rough surroundings to strive for the highest honor for our country, I was deeply touched. I could not help but think about the Red Leaf Junior League Baseball Team—that was more than three decades ago. Those barefooted kids used sticks and stones as bats and balls, trying everything to get a base hit. These children demonstrate the incredible strength of the "sons of Taiwan". Then, as now, a unique power is deeply rooted in our soil, passing on from one generation to the next.
This is the "Taiwan Spirit"; it is the backbone of Taiwan's enduring energetic vitality and competitiveness. Even in the worst environment, no one should ever underestimate Taiwan’s potential, and we should never lose faith in our own will and courage. My fellow countrymen of Formosa, let our will be as strong as mountains, let our mind be as open as the oceans. When some of us wonder about the present, when some of us have doubts about our future, let us believe in ourselves, let us work hand in hand to break through the constraints of today, and let us bravely confront the challenges of tomorrow.
Finally, I wish happy birthday and prosperity to the Republic of China, and good health and happiness to all distinguished guests and all the people of Taiwan. Thank you!