NOVEMBER 2012

DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

DPP passes guidelines to establish China Affairs Committee
The DPP passed the Guidelines for Establishing the DPP China Affairs Committee at the Central Standing Committee on November 21, 2012. DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang said that the DPP has the responsibility and commitment to make its China policy to advance Taiwans interest and to strengthen Taiwans democracy. To this end, the DPP establishes a China Affairs Committee. Chair Su also said that Taiwan faces a powerful China with opportunities and risks, and that Taiwan must have a China policy with strategic depth. Its China policy also needs to be firmly based on a Taiwan consensus. He explained that the Taiwan consensus is already established and deeply rooted in Taiwan. It is the common identification of values accumulated through time and effort. When he first presented the concept of Taiwan consensus in 2011, he indicated that Taiwans survival is paramount and Taiwans democracy is our cornerstone, and also said that Taiwan must sustain its development while the future of Taiwan should be decided by the 23 million Taiwanese people. He indicated that the Taiwan consensus can be exemplified by the DPPs 1999 Resolution Regarding Taiwans Future, which declared Taiwan status as already sovereign and independent, with a national title the Republic of China according to its current Constitution, has no mutual jurisdiction with the Peoples Republic of China, and any change of the status quo must be approved by the people through a referendum. Chair Su said that this resolution has been a firm position of the DPP, and one decade after the adoption of the resolution, this position has become mainstream in Taiwan. Chair Su also said that Taiwan is now facing new challenges with a changing China. In the past, China was just an entity on the other side of the Taiwan Strait with a rigid policy, but now China has entrenched into Taiwan society with subtlety. Facing the new circumstances, Taiwan must work closer with each other to adopt policies that are more flexible. Chair Su further elaborated that in creating this committee, he has worked hard to consult with opinion leaders extensively. Even though they might differ in their views, all agreed that the starting point must be the same, which is to serve the best interests of Taiwan. Chair Su gave his special appreciation to Mr. Frank Hsieh, former chairman of the DPP and former premier of Taiwan, for his deep insights on China. Chair Su said that even though he originally intended to appoint Mr. Hsieh as committee chairman, he gave it much thinking and decided that it was a responsibility that he must shoulder himself, which is a viewpoint that Mr. Hsieh shared. He continued by saying that since he announced the idea of establishing the committee, Mr. Hsieh had demonstrated to him with much wisdom in finding a solution for Taiwan, which he was grateful for.

PAGE 1

NOVEMBER 2012

Chair Su appealed to the party and the Taiwan public to sit down and discuss pressing China policies so that the country can unite for a better future of Taiwan. The contents of the guidelines are highlighted below: Article 1 In order to set the policy direction for Taiwan in regards to China and cross strait exchanges, to protect Taiwans sovereignty, to ensure peace in the Taiwan Strait and to ensure the development of cross strait relations with equality and reciprocity, the DPP hereby establishes the China Affairs Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) and adopts the guidelines for its establishment. Article 2 Objectives of the Committee shall include: - To study the politics, economy and society of China; - To research and analyze the future of cross strait relations; - To research and analyze cross strait policies; - To study the policy and principles for exchanges between the party and China; and

- To study issues related to cross strait and regional situations. Article 3 The Department of China Affairs shall take the staff responsibility for the Committee. Article 4 The Committee shall consist of 7 to 9 members, including the Chair of the Party who shall serve as the convener. Other committee members shall be nominated by the Chairman to be approved by the Central Standing Committee. The members have the same term period as the Chair. Article 5 The Chair may appoint advisors to the Committee; who have the same term period as the Chair.

Article 7 Decisions of the Committee shall be submitted to the Central Standing Committee for further deliberation or actions. Article 8 The guidelines shall take effect on the date of adoption.

Article 6 The Committee shall meet once every two months; provisional meetings shall be called upon necessity. The committee meetings shall be chaired by the convener, and in the case of his absence, the convener may appoint another committee member to serve as acting convener.

PAGE 2

NOVEMBER 2012

DPP announces appointment of Joseph Wu as DPP representative to the U.S.

DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang announced in a press conference on Nov. 12 that he has appointed current executive director of the DPPs Policy Research Committee, Mr. Joseph Wu, as the DPP representative to the U.S. Joseph Wu has a strong affinity in US and DPP policy, and with closer interaction with him, I dont need to consider another candidate, Chair Su said. I strongly believe that he will clearly express the DPPs standpoints and that he will make sure that messages from the U.S. are carried back. I have high hopes that Taiwan-U.S. relations will become even better and progress even further under Josephs presence. Chair Su said that in order to establish mutual trust and show the DPPs goodwill intentions, the DPP has already notified the U.S. side about the appointment. He said that in the upcoming period, he will ask Mr. Wu to go to the U.S. and start the preparations for the work ahead. Even though the DPP has limited resources, we must exert even greater efforts, he said. He also mentioned that he has high hopes that external parties will give the DPP support and greater encouragement. In Chair Sus remarks to the press, he said that the region surrounding Taiwan has gone through many changes, and how to strengthen Taiwan-U.S. relations has been an important part of his role as chair. During this time, he has invited many scholars, experts and former DPP officials to hold discussions and make the necessary preparation to tackle these issues.

During the US presidential election campaign, the DPP sent a delegation comprised of DPP legislators and party staff to observe both the Democratic and Republican conventions. The DPP also sent another election observation group to watch the events surrounding the presidential election right on the week that voting took place. Chair Su praised Mr. Wu for his past outstanding service as representative to the U.S. during the DPP administration. Also recently, Mr. Wu has been engaged in discussions with many officials, scholars and think tank experts regarding U.S.-Taiwan relations, traveling frequently to the U.S. and becoming familiar with both international and domestic politics as executive director of the Policy Research Committee. Mr. Wu said in his remarks that he gladly accepts the position, willing to work hard and give it his all despite clear results not being immediately conspicuous. He explained that the role of the DPPs representative to the U.S. is to engage with US officials, think tank experts, academics, media and members of the Taiwan overseas community. PAGE 3

 He also mentioned that having a DPP representative in the U.S. is not an extension of political party competition overseas. The purpose for this office is to let the U.S. understand the most authentic and accurate side of a major political party in a diverse society such as Taiwan. This will be my job objective, and afterwards, whenever it is necessary, I will be heading to the U.S., Mr. Wu said. Media Q&A with Joseph Wu Q: In the last presidential election, the DPP and the U.S. encountered tense relations, and there were even rumors that the U.S. complained about the DPP. A: International relations is not an extension of domestic politics, but it should be about making friends. It is also about going from not knowing each other to understanding each other and from misunderstandings to becoming friends. I will not let domestic political competition be carried out overseas, and what I will do right now is to exert all my efforts into making friends so that the U.S. understands the beautiful side of Taiwan. If both the KMT and the DPP wish to strengthen Taiwan-U.S. relations, this is actually a good thing. Especially, the DPP in Taiwan is an important force, and if we can let the U.S. understand better the DPP and the policies that it rep resents, this is overall all for the best for Taiwan. Q: When will Chair Su Tsengchang visit the U.S., and what is the current progress of the preparations for the DPPs representative office in the U.S.? A: Besides the recent visit by Director Liu Shih-chung of the Department of International Affairs to scout locations, I have also made contact with Mr. Michael Fonte, DPP Liaison in Washington, D.C., to discuss location and personnel arrangements. These related duties will continue to be carried out with suggestions made by Chair Su. However, since the U.S. presidential election has just concluded, many US officials havent taken office yet, and some even need congressional approval, so the DPP must consider each of these factors concerning US domestic circumstances. The DPP is currently working on two matters, one is Chair Sus visit to the U.S., and the second is the establishment of the representative office. We expect that when both the schedules of the U.S. side and Chair Su are able to accommodate each other, we will arrange for Chair Sus visit, so that everyone can clearly understand that the DPPs current relationship with the U.S. is going very well.

NOVEMBER 2012 approval from the U.S. side? Will you be making frequent visits? A: At the moment, Director Liu has already delivered the information to the AIT. Before 2000, the DPP also had a representative office, and the representative would be based in Taiwan, but still make several trips to the U.S. I will still continue with my tasks at the Policy Research Committee, and I will make trips to the U.S. every two to three months, and if there are any necessary times where I need to be there, I will make extra trips as well.

Q: Has the DPPs representative to the U.S. already gained the PAGE 4

NOVEMBER 2012

DPP calls President Mas administration to take immediate action against threats to Taiwans media environment
On Nov.16, DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang declared the DPPs position regarding the Next Media Group purchase at a press conference. Forty DPP legislators also stood behind Chair Su to urge President Ma Yingjeous administration to take immediate action toward the Next Media Group acquisition deal, which may lead to a media conglomeration and jeopardize Taiwans freedom of speech. At a meeting with the DPP Legislative Caucus, Chair Su also made a petition with all DPP legislators to oppose deals involving the Want Want China Times and the Next Media Group. Chair Su said that these media mergers represented more than just ordinary business deals because they could cause serious impact to our national security, producing greater damage to Taiwans democracy. The DPP Legislative Caucus in turn proposed amendments to the Radio and Television Act, the Cable Television Act and the Satellite Broadcasting Act to prevent a media monopoly. The DPP also requested the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), the National Communications Commission (NCC) and the Financial Supervisory Commis sion (FSC) to each exercise their responsibilities and adopt strict guidelines to ensure that deals such as these reflect public interests. Chair Su also called on President Ma to express his position before further damages to Taiwans media environment are caused, and he also urged President Mas administration to take immediate action to prevent the worsening of this condition. He said that the media industry will be largely impacted and peoples right to know will vanish if this deal is allowed. Chair Su further mentioned that freedom of speech in Taiwan has regressed since President Mas administration began. With the Want Want China Times Group merger and now again with the acquisition of the Next Media Group, the people have started to worry about press freedom in Taiwan. He urged the Taiwanese public to stand up and protect Taiwans democracy and press freedom. Democracy does not sustain solely depending on the practice of elections, and without freedom of information, if we the people lose the right to know, all our sacrifices towards democracy will be in vain, he said. On Nov. 19, Chair Su and DPP Legislative Caucus Convener Ker Chien-ming, DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Pan Men-an, and DPP Legislators: Tsai Chi-chang, Wu Pingrui, Lin Tai-hua, Wu Yi-chen, Yao Wen-chih, Liu Chien-kuo, Tien Chiu-chin and Lee Kuntse, all together issued a statement over the Next Media sale. The statement raises the awareness among the public that media monopoly and the influence from China will be a catastrophic impact to Taiwans democracy, further damaging freedom of speech and freedom of information. As the DPP has been promoting Taiwan towards deeper democratization, the party stands strongly in opposition towards the media deal. The statement says: 1. We urge President Ma Ying-jeou to comment President Ma must express his views regarding this controversial case. From the Want Want China Times merger deal to the Next Media Group sale, the issue has PAGE 5

NOVEMBER 2012
Nov. 26 - DPP Chair Su Tsengchang makes a visit to students sittingin to demand the government to prevent media monopolies and respect freedom of expression.

caused a great deal of controversy among civic society. There are suspicions that China has injected control behind the business deal. Nevertheless, President Ma has not responded to any questions or made any comments about these media deals. We urge President Ma to express his views and for his administration to take a position on the case immediately. 2. We urge all related ministries to exercise their responsibilities Government agencies, including the Fair Trade Commission, the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), the National Communications Commission

(NCC), the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice must all assume their responsibilities and look in detail the contents of these media deals. 3. The DPP will unite with civic groups and take action The DPP will collaborate with civic groups about possible measures to oppose the acquisition. 4. We urge the public to participate The sale of the Next Media Group should not be considered as a simple business transaction. It interferes into the soundness of Taiwans media environment and it

encroaches on the guarantees for freedom of expression. Additionally, there are suspicions of Chinese involvement. The DPP urges the public and civic groups to safeguard Taiwans democracy joining together and show our determination to protect Taiwans interests.

PAGE 6

NOVEMBER 2012

KMT must agree to hold national affairs conference

Seeing the failed attempts to resolve the crisis on Taiwans social security and pension system, DPP Former Chair Dr. Tsai Ing-wen called on President Ma Ying-jeous administration to hold a national affairs conference for an open and honest dialogue with representatives from all sectors of society, hoping to forge public consensus on the now ailing pension system. DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang applauded this call by Dr. Tsai and strongly welcomed her initiative. Responding to Dr. Tsais call, the Presidential Office released a press statement on Nov. 12 rejecting the proposal, saying that instead, the issue should be discussed in meetings between governmental officials. However, the Presidential Office Spokesperson, Mr. Fan Chiang Tai-chi, said that President Ma would send an invitation to opposition leaders. The DPP will continue standing firm on its stance, reasserted DPP Spokesperson Lin Chunhsien. He said that the DPP will continue to demand and hold a national affairs conference as soon as possible to discuss the controversial issues of both the failing social security and the pension system. Mr. Lin also added that it is time for President Ma to shoulder the responsibility of bringing-in public participation to resolve the current national crisis as social security intertwines with the core interest and welfare of every individual, and now it is in danger of going bankrupt, causing the public already to panic. At the DPP Legislative Caucus Meeting on Nov. 16, Chair Su again called on the administration of President Ma to convene a national affairs conference. Chair Su said that the labor pension fund and other social security funds, like labor insurance for example, have stacked up fifteen trillion Taiwan dollars in debt. He said that this has brought tensions within our society that might lead to further social conflict. This is more than a financial problem, but a national crisis indeed. Both the DPP headquarters, our party members as well as our legislative caucus are all standing firmly on this standpoint, which is to insist on convening a national affairs conference, Chair Su said. The DPP Legislative Caucus has already created a proposal to hold the national affairs conference at the Legislative Yuan. Meanwhile, DPP caucus members are forming a consensus on organizing the Pension Fund Special Committee and the Four Government Funds Review Committee at the Legislative Yuan. Chair Su said that the accumulated liability of the five pension funds increased nearly two trillion during President Mas administration, and it continues to increase. To further gather public support, the DPP has created a website to engage attention on the national affairs conference, hoping to gather more signatures and to achieve social consensus to discuss ways to solve the problem. The website can be found at: http://campaign.tw-npo.org/sign.php?id=2012111 602154000. 1.

PAGE 7

NOVEMBER 2012

DPP condemns China for new passports

The DPPs Central Standing Committee of Nov. 28 issued a statement condemning China for including parts of Taiwan (Nantou Countys Sun Moon Lake and Hualien Countys Chingshui Cliffs) as Chinese territory into their new passports. The statement criticizes China for violating Taiwans sovereignty and damaging mutual trust, and it also denounces President Ma Yingjeous response to China as weak. During Chinas National Party Congress, China proclaimed that they will consistently adopt the peaceful development approach and that it will persist in treating its neighbors righteously and as partners. DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang said that the Chinese new passports incident, however, displayed that China is picking and choosing only what benefits them from their peaceful development foreign policy, and because now more than ever, they wish to emphasize their sovereign authority over the disputed territories, they are having more contentions with neighboring countries, which is extremely damaging to regional peace and stability. The DPP believes that the only solution is for China to embrace the spirit of equality, mutual trust and respect for the sovereignty of other countries, and China must assume the role of a responsible larger power in order to really implement their goal of peaceful development. Chair Su further emphasized that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, and it has no mutual jurisdiction with the Peoples Republic of China. For China to issue the new Chinese passports that include as their territory the Taiwan territories of Nantou and Hualien Counties is a clear violation of Taiwans sovereignty, and it is not helping to establishing mutual trust, he PAGE 8 18th said. Regarding the governments responses by Taiwan to China, Chair Su said that the DPP strongly condemns them as very weak, and both the passive response from the Presidential Office spokesperson and the Mainland Affairs Council lacked counter measures against China. The DPP, besides raising the severest of objections towards China, requests the Chinese government to immediately correct this type of damage to the status quo in order to avoid unfavorable diplomatic circumstances. We also demand President Ma to immediately hold an international press conference and announce to the international community the reality that the sovereignties of Taiwan and China have no mutual jurisdiction. President Ma must also direct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior and the Mainland Affairs Council to adopt the necessary counter measures to protect Taiwans sovereignty. The DPP Legislative Caucus will rigidly supervise on these government entities in order to exert all its efforts into performing the task of protecting Taiwans sovereignty.

NOVEMBER 2012

DPP condemns Taiwans MOFA for visa rejection to Dalai LAMA

On Nov. 22, Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) gave the excuse of the timing is not right to deny a visa request by the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW) to invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to visit Taiwan. In regards to MOFAs visa rejection, the DPP has severely criticized MOFAs response. Director of the DPPs Department of International Affairs Mr. Liu Shih-chung said that MOFA was violating the values of international democratic societies, and he also said this move greatly damages Taiwans international image. When His Holiness the Dalai Lama makes visits to foreign countries, he is usually received by national leaders, Mr. Liu said. His spirit of peace and human compassion has never been unwelcome. Mr. Liu said that in 2009, when Southern Taiwan experienced the lashing of Typhoon Morakot, His Holiness came to Taiwan to express his care for Taiwan. He said that it was regrettable that President Ma Ying-jeou, who initially rejected foreign assistance, also made a passive reaction during His Holiness visit and didnt make the time to meet him personally. Mr. Liu further denounced MOFA for denying BPW Internationals request to invite His Holiness to visit Taiwan. He said that being an international organization that was planning to host a meeting in Taiwan, this was a great opportunity to promote Taiwans image, and it was a grave error for the government to reject a visit request for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr. Liu added, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has received wide support from democratic countries around the world mainly because he represents the spirit of peace and nonviolence in the pursuit of freedom. His Holiness has also expressed deep appreciation for human rights and democracy, therefore, there shouldnt be any issues regarding timing. The DPP strongly supports the pursuit of freedom and human rights by the Tibetan people, and it warmly welcomes His Holiness to visit Taiwan. We hope that President Mas administration can immediately correct this type of behavior that damages Taiwans international image.

PAGE 9

NOVEMBER 2012

DPP extends invitation to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to visit Taiwan
A DPP delegation attended the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats in Bangkok focusing on Burmas democratic transition and climate change from Nov. 16 to 19.

A DPP delegation that included DPP Department of International Affairs Director Liu Shihchung and DPP Legislator Yeh Yi-jin, attended an annual meeting of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) in Bangkok. The meeting focused on Burmas democratic transition and climate change, and it was held from Nov. 16 to 19. In the conference, aside from sharing the Taiwan democratization experience, Mr. Liu expressed the utmost respect to the CALD delegations and support of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on behalf of the DPP and DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang, who also extended an invitation for her to visit Taiwan. The conference coincided with US President Barack Obamas visit to Thailand, Burma and Cambodia. US President Obama will pay his first visit to Burma and Cambodia afterwards as

well as attending the East Asia Summit. This has raised the discussion over whether US has the intention of enhancing US-Burma relations in order to contain China. Mr. Liu said that Chair Su is paying great attention to the dynamics of US-China relations following the US presidential election and Chinas recent 18th National Congress, which will have strong impact on Taiwans security strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. CALD is an international organization formed by democratic political parties from Asian countries. The DPP is a founding member of CALD.

PAGE 10

NOVEMBER 2012

DPP hopes to continue strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations after US presidential election

As the world watches the 2012 US Presidential Election, the DPP also paid attention to this event by organizing a series of local forums and visits to the U.S. DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang said at a forum that he hoped to continue strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations in order to exert his greatest efforts to promote peace in the Asia Pacific region. On Nov. 6, the DPP organized a session regarding the 2012 US Presidential Election as part of the Open Studio Conference Series to discuss the latest developments regarding the election and the possible impact on the future of Taiwan-US relations, including the challenges to the Asia Pacific region as well as influences to the current international diplomatic situation. Ms. Joanne Chang Jaw-ling, professor at Academia Sinica, Mr. Joseph Wu, executive director of the DPP's Policy Research Committee and Mr. Liu Shih-chung were the discussants at the forum.
Legislators Lee Ying-yuan and Lee Chun-yi at the DemoChair Su said at the Open Studio forum cratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina that the DPP and the U.S. have actively enin early September. gaged in exchanges, and in the future, he hoped to continue strengthening Taiwan-U.S. A week prior to the election, the U.S. was hard hit relations. He said that the US presidential election by Hurricane Sandy, and Chair Su had expressed to be carried out this year is an event that attracts his condolences over the casualties caused. worldwide attention, and he sends his best wishes for a successful election. After the election results were announced,

Chair Su, in a letter, congratulated President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden for

PAGE 11

NOVEMBER 2012

DPP hopes to continue strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations after US presidential election

During the week of the US presidential election, the DPP sent a delegation to watch the last-minute campaign. Here the delegation is visiting U.S. Representative Grace Meng in New York.

their successful re-election as well as to the newly elected congress and senate for their success. Meanwhile, he expressed his highest respect and admiration to the American people for successfully exercising democracy. Also at the end of August, the DPP sent delegations comprised of DPP legislators and senior party executives to observe the Republican and Democratic conventions. Meanwhile, Mr. Wu and Mr. Liu paid several visits to officials and strategists in Washington, D.C. With the arrival of newly-appointed AIT Director Christopher J. Marut, the DPP had initiated interactions with Mr. Marut in an effort to encourage future cooperation.

During the week in which the election took place, the DPP sent another delegation to observe the last-minute campaign rallies and result count. This delegation was comprised of a city councilor and senior party executives for the purpose of promoting more understanding of US political parties and democracy in action.

PAGE 12

NOVEMBER 2012

DPP makes three appeals to Chinas new leadership

The Peoples Republic of China has made a change in its leadership during the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). On Nov. 15, the DPP issued a statement making three appeals to the CPC. First, the DPP appeals to the new leaders to carry out economic, civic and political reform in order to respond to the needs of its people. Second, the DPP also appeals to the new leaders to fully recognize China as a rising power, positively assuming its international responsibilities and make a greater contribution to global peace. Third, the DPP appeals to the new generation of the CPC to exercise new thinking around cross strait issue with greater respect for public opinion in Taiwan, based on a broader vision and deeper understanding of the differences, adopting the principles of peace, equality and reciprocity in order to maintain stability and peace between the two sides and in the Asia Pacific region.

DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

PUBLISHED BY: Department of International Aairs Democratic Progressive Party 9F, No. 30, Pei-Ping East Road, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 886-2-2392-9989 ext. 306 Fax: 886-2-2393-0342 Email: foreign@dpp.org.tw Website: http://www.dpp.org.tw

PAGE 13