Taipei, Sept. 25 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian reaffirmed the Republic of China's staunch support Tuesday for the U.S.-led campaign against global terrorism.
Chen made the reaffirmation while meeting with a delegation from a Japanese Buddhist organization, Soka Gakkai, headed by Einosuke Akitani, president of the body.
Noting that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil have not only brought destruction in the United States but have also had a profound impact on the global political and economic order, Chen said. Both the ROC and Japan have harshly condemned such acts of terror and firmly backed U.S. President George W. Bush's decision and action against global terrorism.
In his view, Chen went on, the terrorist attacks that toppled New York City's World Trade Center and partially damaged the Pentagon were tantamount to a declaration of war on the United States and the entire world.
Chen further said the deadly terrorist attacks have highlighted differences between the types of warfare in the 21st century and those in the past. "Modern war will be unrestricted warfare, using not only advanced weaponry systems but also every possible manpower and material resources at any time and under any environment to win the battle," Chen said.
Against this backdrop, Chen said, all mankind should understand that the destruction caused by the so-called "unrestricted warfare" would be extremely terrible.
Chen lauded the Soka Gakkai for its dedication to promoting respect for life, prevention of war and the pursuit of permanent world peace.
Chen also expressed his gratitude for the 71-year-old Japanese Buddhist group's generous donations whenever Taiwan is hit by serious natural disasters, including the devastating 921 earthquake in 1999 and Typhoon Toraji that slammed the island in late July this year.
The Japanese delegation is here to attend the inauguration of Soka Gakkai's new building in Taipei. The organization has 850,000 member households in Japan and a membership of more than 20 million in 77 countries around the world, including Taiwan.