Translated by the Government Information Office
President Chen Shui-bian, accompanied by a number of Taiwan media executives, today visited the Kinmen (Quemoy) area and made a stop on nearby Tatan Island, where the group listened to briefings and viewed mainland China in the distance. They chatted over tea at the Shen Chuan Teahouse, where the president spoke on a number of issues.
Following are President Chen's remarks:
I visited Tatan Island for the first time when I was convener of the National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan, and it made a strong impression on me. Not long ago, I came to Tatan Island again to visit the capable and conscientious members of the armed forces stationed here. At that time, I told them "I'll be back!" This time I've not only returned, but I especially invited a group of media executives to join me, because I want to share my special feelings for Kinmen and Tatan Island with them.
A moment ago, when we were looking at mainland China off in the distance, I was aware of a feeling deep in my heart. The two sides are so close that we can see the opposite shore with the naked eye. The interaction among private citizens is quite frequent. This kind of feeling is really very special and intimate. If official cross-strait relations could be like the private-sector exchanges--proceeding from the "Three Small Links" to increased commercial exchanges and then to dialogue, communication, and joint consultations to resolve issues--it would certainly contribute to increased friendship and mutual trust, gradually establishing peaceful and constructive cross-strait relations.
The Berlin Wall in Germany and the demilitarized zone at Panmunjom on the border of North and South Korea have both become internationally renowned tourist spots. But in fact, our Kinmen serves as an even better place than the Berlin Wall and Panmunjom for people to recall the lessons of history and contemplate the horrors of war.
On August 23, 1958, the Chinese Communists began shelling Kinmen in a battle known to the world as the "Taiwan Strait Crisis." Kinmen thus became the focus of attention of the international community and a part of Cold War history. During this battle, mainland China pounded Kinmen with 470,000 shells. For the next 20 years, Kinmen was bombarded on alternate days with artillery shells loaded with propaganda leaflets. Before the Emergency Decree (often referred to as "martial law") was lifted, Kinmen served as the frontline from which our forces could watch the Chinese Communits' every move and guard Taiwan whenever a threat from mainland China arose.
With the end of the Cold War and of military administration on Kinmen, the island's role changed. Like Taiwan, Kinmen today enjoys complete democracy and freedom as a "lighthouse of democracy." Now Kinmen has taken on another, even more important historic role--as the frontline for peace between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait in the 21st century.
The famous blind singer, "King Kinmen," suddenly passed away a few days ago, and I paid my condolences yesterday. When he was a boy growing up on Kinmen, he picked up an unexploded artillery shell, which went off while he was playing with it, leaving him blind in both eyes and injuring one arm.
King Kinmen's story shows how the consequences of war can continue to affect untold numbers of people into later generations. Only by achieving and maintaining peace can a nation build the foundation for sustainable development. This is a truth that every national leader must bear in mind.
Kinmen is a special place because of its unique historical experience. The role it has played as a symbol of war and then of peace gives it unusual significance not only to Taiwan and mainland China, but to the whole world. Many locations in Kinmen have served as witnesses to the history of the Cold War, reminding the world as well as the two sides of the Taiwan Strait of the importance of seeking peace and avoiding the disastrous roads of both war and cold war.
It has been almost two years since I was inaugurated as the tenth-term president of the Republic of China. Despite the challenges and difficulties that accompanied the first peaceful change of governing party in 50 years, we have persevered. Initially, some observers were worried that my presidency might lead to cross-strait conflicts. The facts prove, however, that over the past two years the relations between the two sides have remained stable.
Many people have eager expectations regarding the future of cross-strait relations, and extend advice to me on how to normalize those relations. I am grateful for those comments and keep them in mind. As president of the Republic of China, however, I must be responsive to the public opinion of the 23 million people on Taiwan. Although most of them are common people, they are the true masters of Taiwan.
In view of the frequent exchanges between the people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, the government wrote a new page in cross-strait history by inaugurating the "Three Small Links." This policy has formally removed the shadow of the "Nationalists vs. Communists" conflict and allowed Kinmen to become the main cross-strait gateway for the interchange of goods and people. Given the gradual promotion of interaction and lessening of tensions by the two sides, it was recently possible to begin regularly scheduled transportation services between Kinmen and Xiamen. In addition, during this year's Lantern Festival the two sides shared the grandeur of the occasion by lighting up the night sky with fireworks instead of the artillery bombardments of the past. These changes in the relationship may be gradual, but their significance for the development of the cross-strait relationship is positive and important.
Most people may not realize that Kinmen's social welfare system served as the guidepost for the rest of Taiwan. As military requirements changed, the number of servicemen stationed on Kinmen was reduced, greatly affecting many businesses that relied on military personnel for their livelihood. I believe that the best way to help Kinmen to regain its prosperity would be to promote its internationalization, attracting overseas tourists as well as multinational firms to participate in its development.
Mainland China will soon undergo a leadership transition. Regardless of whether the future leaders there have the ability and courage to engage in reasonable, pragmatic negotiations with us, we have already completed our preparations and are ready to talk. We sincerely hope that the leaders on mainland China will be open-minded enough to accept our goodwill.
The two sides of the Taiwan Strait are geographically very close to each other. From here we can see the other side with the naked eye. Actually, we are like neighbors. Inviting each other to our homes for a cup of tea is the best description of the current exchanges between the peoples of the two sides. If the leaders of mainland China are willing, I would therefore like to invite them to come here to the Shen Chuan Teahouse for a chat over a cup of tea.
I believe that with perseverance and patience, the leaders of the two sides can certainly find the wisdom and creativity to pursue lasting peace and open this "window of opportunity" for reconciliation through friendly compromise and vigorous cooperation.
Lastly, on this "Isle of Boldness" (the literal translation for Tatan Island), I'd like to boldly reiterate the following:
1. The normalization of cross-strait relations is the basis for lasting peace in the Taiwan Strait, and it must begin with the normalization of economic and trade relations. The first step toward political integration across the Taiwan Strait is economic and cultural integration. We will not deviate from this goal, and this policy will not change.
2. The two sides must reopen cross-strait consultations to minimize the chances for misunderstandings and misjudgments. The first step toward resuming talks is to exchange visits. Beginning on August 1, 2002, I will work to promote a visit to mainland China by a delegation led by the director of the DPP's Department of Chinese Affairs in order to increase mutual understanding and facilitate reconciliation between political parties.
3. Establishing the three direct links across the Taiwan Strait is a necessity, and launching the "Three Small Links" was the first step toward this goal. Expanding the "Three Small Links" is a high priority, since it can benefit the citizens on Kinmen and Matsu. The administration should actively draw up plans for permitting certain personnel to transit Kinmen en route to mainland China. And while maintaining the system of controls on the total volume of trade, we should liberalize the regulations on mainland agricultural products as appropriate, so that more imports may enter Kinmen and Matsu and such imports will no longer be regarded as criminal activities and smuggling.
In short, I am willing to open the door with love and sincerity, confidence and action. I have full confidence in Taiwan and in the future of relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.