When I was a student, I almost won prizes every semester. Gradually, it was nothing new for me and I started to think:" why don’t I just let others have the chance to win the prize?" After I started to work, I found there were various prizes in the society. Although I respected and admired the great achievement of those recipients, I rarely tried to take initiative in winning any one. On the contrary, I vowed and hoped that one day, I would have enough reputation to become the one who awards prizes.
I have never thought that after a half century, as the mankind moves toward the 21st Century, I have the honor to become the recipient of the 2001 World Peace Prize awarded by the World Peace Corps Academy in Washington D. C. and Seoul.
World Peace Corps Academy was jointly founded in 1983 by Dr. Robert Leggett, a US senior congressman, and Dr. Han Min Su, a religious leader of South Korea. Dr. Leggett serves nine terms in the US House of Representatives as Chairman of Committees on Armed Services and Budget. Due to the casualties and sufferings caused by the Korean War, the congressmen of the US and Korea decided to promote world peace together and established World Peace Corps Academy. The Academy invites the eminent figures from the US, Korea, the Philippines, China, India, Israel, Egypt, Germany and Spain to form the council of judges. Dr. Lester Wolff, the former Chair of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific of the Committee on International Relations of the US House of Representatives, serves as the Chief Judge. They select and award the Prize to the outstanding leaders who are committed to democracy and peace. Since 1990, the Academy has awarded the World Peace Prize to 11 recipients in recognition of their extraordinary achievements in promoting democracy and peace. Most of them are heads of state, including the US President Ronald Regan, Egyptian President Hosnich Mubarak, South Korean President Syng Man Rhee, King of Tonga, Prime Minister of Cambodia, Presidents of Mongolia, Palau and Tajikistan.
I am fortunate not only to be one of the recipients of the World Peace Prize, but to be on the same list of so many world leaders. Instead of claiming it as my personal achievement, it should be deemed as the common achievement of the people of Taiwan. I grew up in a poor family. I was almost sold as an adopted daughter for twice when I was little. I suffered from carcinoma when I was 30 and was unjustly sentenced to 12 years for treason when I was 36 of age. In spite of it, I was finally sworn in as the 10th Vice President of the Republic of China on the day of my 56th birthday in the millennium. I am also the first female Vice President elected by the people in the 5000 years of Chinese civilization.
As a woman, I have gone through various kinds of suffering all of my life. I not only need to overcome the poverty, but also to triumph over gender discrimination and political dictatorship. The more trials I stand, the stronger I become. It is encouraging for me to say that I have never played political tricks. I have never resorted to violence. I always touch the hearts of others and lead people with my ideals and ideas through peaceful and democratic procedures, even if it needs to sacrifice myself.
Taiwan was once a poor and backward country. Under the rule of martial law and reign of terror for 38 years, many people died in poverty or from unjust killing and murder. However, there are also many people who not only become braver despite all of the obstacles and pains, but finally create the soft power of “human rights, democracy, peace, love and high technology.” In contrast to the hard power of those countries committed to military and economic plunders, Taiwan’s soft power miracle is a blessing for all mankind. We do not invade others. We do not cause any harm to others. We are willing to cooperate and share our fruits with others. We are willing to eliminate hatred and pursue sustainable stability with love and peace.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Lester Wolff, Chairman Han Min Su, and to all judges for your encouragement. I would also like to thank the Lord for His divine providence for Taiwan. Finally, may I sincerely dedicate this great honor to those who have unceasingly worked hard and sacrificed themselves for Taiwan! Thank you.