My dear fellow countrymen at home and abroad:
This first day of the 90th year of the Republic of China is also the first day of the 21st century. As the world is joyously greeting and celebrating the beginning of this new century, I solemnly and resolutely pray for the 23 million people of Taiwan.
Let us remember the past 90 years of our history. The Republic of China endured extreme hardships in the early years after its founding and was subject to colonial rule and authoritarian leadership, before it created the world-acclaimed "economic miracle." The ROC then created a "political miracle" with the peaceful transfer of power, which brought the 20th century to a perfect close and opened a bright future for this new century.
Over a protracted period of time, the realities of the world situation and unceasing suppression by the Chinese mainland have continued to frustrate the development of our international relations. Nevertheless, our energetic performance in resolutely implementing democracy, developing economic and trade relations, fulfilling international obligations, and contributing to the global community has prompted nations around the world to recognize again the existence of the Republic of China, its genuine progress, and its accomplishments. Furthermore, the unprecedented change of ruling party in the year 2000 is a source of pride for the world's Chinese communities, as they write a glorious chapter in history.
Even during periods of global economic fluctuation, the government and people of the ROC have consistently united to overcome adversities, so we can now enjoy economic prosperity and establish a superb model for international economic development.
In terms of improving cross-strait relations, people across the Taiwan Strait share the same ethnicity, culture, and historical background, factors which generate continuing private cross-strait exchanges. While we in Taiwan may lack a consensus on the strategy for building future cross-strait relations, we all insist that the Chinese communists renounce the use of force against Taiwan and engage in constructive, peaceful negotiations.
My dear fellow countrymen, the new century is approaching. It will be a time of crises and challenges with countless opportunities for progress. Therefore, seizing world trends, creating opportunities, and constructing a national perspective for lasting peace are the important goals we must achieve in the new century.
The peaceful transfer of political power has provided a fresh democratic experience for the entire population of Taiwan. In accordance with the extraordinary expectations of our people and under the supervision of various political parties, the new administration will face serious challenges cautiously and courageously.
I wish to propose six administrative goals for government in the new century.
I. Reform the financial system and develop a knowledge-based economy
With the arrival of the age of globalization, the reduction of trade obstacles, the blurring of national boundaries, the rise of regionalism, and the rapid spread of information technology are world trends. The increasingly interdependent world economy requires the ROC to face momentary changes in the international environment. With the gradual decline of financial prosperity around the world at the close of the 20th century, the new era may witness a global economic slowdown. Therefore, we must take preventive measures and actively reform the financial system, build an effective work force, and accelerate international cooperation by constructing a knowledge-based economy based on the two pillars of knowledge and rule of law.
II. Reconcile ruling and opposition parties and integrate ethnic groups
To meet the challenges of a fast-paced and potentially dangerous future, we must all build sentiments of unity and common destiny. Differences in opinion and disagreements can sink us. We cannot afford division, as all 23 million citizens will have to pay the price. Therefore, if we are to form a foundation for enduring national welfare and stability, we must abandon dogmatic ideology, eliminate selfishness and partisan politics, form a majority consensus, and reconcile ethnic differences.
III. Eliminate "black gold" politics and thoroughly implement the rule of law
"Black gold" politics have been the persistent problem that has corrupted the political system, economic order, and social justice in Taiwan. I believe that the ROC citizens' highest expectations of their government are the elimination of "black gold" politics and restoration of a fair and just society. In order to fulfill these demands and guarantee the rights and freedom of the people, the government must assiduously ensure judicial independence, establish a modern and progressive judicial system, and severely punish corrupt and illegal activities.
IV. Enhance government efficiency and accelerate reform
In this new era of information, globalization, and democratization, all government agencies must consider public opinion and quickly meet the needs of people. We must abandon obsolete and dilatory attitudes and identify deficiencies and responsibilities of government organizations, so that we can improve administrative efficiency and strengthen Taiwan's international competitiveness.
The government must accelerate efforts to reconstruct the area damaged by the September 21 earthquake and complete all work within the next three and a half years. I propose to designate the September 21 earthquake area as a "reconstruction area" rather than a "disaster area," for the disaster will not last forever. As long as we have confidence, we can assist our fellow citizens in the "reconstruction area" to recover.
V. Promote human rights legislation and establish human rights standards
I want to reiterate that the ROC cannot and will not exclude itself from world human rights trends. To incorporate Taiwan into the international human rights regime, we will conform to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Vienna Declaration and Action Program of the World Conference on Human Rights.
The government has also set up a human rights advisory group, which will encourage the Legislative Yuan to integrate the International Bill of Rights into domestic law, making it "the ROC's Bill of Rights." We also plan to implement the United Nations’ long-term human rights policy and establish an independent national human rights commission in Taiwan, setting the ROC as the new standard for human rights in the 21st century.
VI. Reconcile cross-strait relations and establish permanent peace
Cross-strait relations affect the welfare of our future generations; however, a solution cannot be attained instantly. We need to proceed cautiously and gradually, especially since a national consensus has not yet been achieved. After the Supra-party Task Force proposed the "three acknowledgments and four suggestions," we finally saw the preliminary results of our effort.
This is a starting point for our government, which will actively promote the resumption of cross-strait dialogue. This year, when both sides of the Taiwan Strait enter the World Trade Organization, the ROC government will progressively review and promote the "three links" and normalize trade relations to bring permanent peace and stability to cross-strait relations.
My fellow countrymen, the 20th century has taught us the destructiveness of war, political confrontation, economic recession, and environmental crisis. We study the past in order to plan for the future. The new values of the 21st century are world peace, political reconciliation, economic prosperity, and environmental protection.
The geographic position and the political and economic accomplishments of the Republic of China prove that we can never exclude ourselves from the rapidly changing international community. This is a reality we must take seriously. Maintaining a stable and safe global environment is therefore essential for the future peace and prosperity of Taiwan.
Taiwan is our motherland. Only if we are willing to eliminate ethnic and regional discrimination, show tolerance, and unite closely can we develop the spirit of Taiwan. Let us work together for a brighter future for our nation's 23 million people in the 21st century.
Let us all give our best wishes for a prosperous Republic of China and a Happy New Year for our fellow countrymen at home and abroad!