Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Today is the 90th national day of the Republic of China. It is also the first of the new century. A year ago, we entered the new century with the first peaceful transfer of political power in our history. Twenty-three million people earned Taiwan a place in the world trend of democracy and freedom with their love and ballots. This democratic achievement created by all people in Taiwan is the solid foundation on which we stand firm and look at the world.
However, this is an era of hope filled with challenges. We confront not only the unprecedented challenge of economic transformation, but also the havoc brought by Typhoons Toraji and Nari, as well as the international adversity from the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
These domestic and international developments show that the new century has not brought eternal light and peace to mankind as expected. The ever-changing international political and economic situations and unpredictable natural disasters have caused immense suffering and uncertainties at the beginning of this century. Consequently, we must solemnly and humbly face the clash of civilizations and the backlash of nature.
I believe the disasters caused by the typhoons will pass. The government has complete confidence and the courage to assist people through these difficulties and accelerate the reconstruction. On the other hand, the government and people must learn a lesson and seriously re-examine critical ecological conservation and land management issues. We need to stress that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" to prevent disasters in the future.
Regarding the international community's anti-terrorism campaign, our government has not only strongly condemned the September 11 terrorist attacks, but has also supported all necessary United States actions to fight international terrorism. The impact of the September 11 terrorist attacks has extended beyond borders. Whether economically or politically, Taiwan cannot stand on the sidelines. Our government has prepared various contingency measures in anticipation of possible changes in the international situation. I personally ask all compatriots to remain calm and united, and understand the importance of "being vigilant in peace time." Moreover, we should demonstrate a community spirit that holds us together.
During the past year, the government's top priority has been maintaining a stable, peaceful, and safe society, in order to consolidate democracy in Taiwan and promote various reforms. In the area of national security, the military has strengthened its self-defense capabilities while both the military and intelligence establishment have adhered to the principle of political neutralization. The cross-strait relationship has remained peaceful and stable. In international affairs, we have strengthened our relations with friendly nations and will soon become a member of the World Trade Organization. Thus, we will be able to establish economic relations with 140 countries as part of the global economic and trade system.
Moreover, the governing and opposition parties and the private sector collaborated to hold the Economic Development Advisory Conference during late August 2001, reaching a consensus that "cultivating Taiwan with a global perspective" will be the expectation and strategic goal for economic development in the new century. The fact that all political parties were willing to advance the enduring interests of the country with an open mind marks a positive step toward the reconciliation between the governing and opposition parties.
In order to strengthen social stability, the government has made earnest efforts to crack down on organized crime, eliminate corruption, and restructure the financial system. Its resolve to improve social order has never wavered. As a result of these efforts, we have progressively achieved great success. The government's promises to the people are being realized step by step.
Looking into the future, I would like to propose the following four main goals of my administration and invite the entire populace to work together with me:
I. Re-building economic order
The government's recent actions to promote reform in the grass-roots financial institutions demonstrate its strong resolve to re-establish Taiwan's economic order. The enactment of the six financial laws indicates that the policy of restructuring the financial system has won support from both the governing and opposition parties. Our impending accession to the World Trade Organization will have an impact on several local industries. However, the government is well prepared and determined to rebuild the economic order and maintain a fair and independent market.
Improving government efficiency is important for economic activities. Therefore, the government will implement all recommendations of the Economic Development Advisory Conference on streamlining and reorganizing government agencies. The government has decided to invite representatives from all sectors of society to form a government reorganization committee in the near future to achieve the government's promise of a "young Taiwan and energetic government" and build a small but beautiful, capable, and efficient government.
II. Promoting clean government
The year-end elections for county magistrates, city mayors, and legislators will be the first elections held since the change of governing parties. It will also be a crucial time to test the government's determination to crack down on "black gold," eliminate vote buying and corruption, and improve electoral practices. The government pledges to "declare war on vote buying and severely crack down on black gold," and will harshly punish corruption and illicit activities to clean up elections and politics with the ultimate goal of "eradication of vote buying and elevation of democracy."
III. Nourishing Civil Society
Citizen participation is common in a democracy. However, democratic maturity is achieved on the foundation of rational debate and mutual respect. After the September 11 disaster in the United States, American citizens at all levels have united in their fight against a common foe. They have encouraged each other and extended unanimous support to the government in its handling of the crisis. This is a civil society that has been shaped by 200 years of democracy in the United States.
A reflection of our experiences over the past year or so shows that Taiwan's political stability has a direct bearing on its economic development and public confidence. Only a civil society that pursues political reconciliation and cooperation between the governing and opposition parties can constantly develop and produce the optimum benefits for its people. Therefore, regardless of the year-end election results, I have pledged to form a coalition government. The operative model of the Economic Development Advisory Conference will serve as the best example for cooperation between the governing and opposition parties and for social harmony.
IV. Pursuing cross-strait reconciliation
Although the Chinese mainland has not responded positively to our government's initiatives to normalize cross-strait relations since my inauguration on May 20 last year, we will continue to promote cross-strait reconciliation. The Economic Development Advisory Conference has reached a consensus on mainland relations that the "patience over haste" policy should be replaced by a policy of "proactive opening and effective management" under the principles of "Taiwan first, global perspectives, mutual benefit, and risk management."
In this regard, the ROC government will spare no effort to establish flexible mechanisms for cross-strait capital flow, cope with the challenges of our WTO accession and the "Three Links" across the Taiwan Strait, allow tourists from the Chinese mainland, and continue to promote cross-strait consultations.
I call on the leaders of the Chinese mainland to abandon obsolete and rigid thinking, raise their intellectual horizon in facing cross-Strait relations in the 21st century, considering themes such as humanitarianism to overcome the present impasse between the two sides. With the same cultural heritage, dedication to peace, and eagerness for mutually beneficial results, business, trade, and cultural exchanges will help remove political obstacles between the two sides. Only mutually supportive compassion will resolve unnecessary conflicts of opinion.
Pursuing a win-win result for the two sides and maintaining peace in the Asia-Pacific region are the unavoidable obligations of leaders on both sides of the Taiwan Strait; otherwise, we cannot face history or our people. We should be open and positive about developing a new era during our time.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen: During the past century, the ROC has stood firm in times of adversity. We have upheld our faith in democracy and free enterprise, with full confidence in the land, people, and future development. Facing numerous challenges and difficulties, we have always progressed with great courage and perseverance.
Let us jointly fulfill our responsibilities and rebuild our confidence, so future generations in Taiwan can anticipate and attain new heights and brilliant prospects.
In closing, I wish everlasting prosperity to the Republic of China and good health and happiness to each of you.
Thank you.