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The DPP celebrated its 26th Anniversary at the Grand Hotel with senior party executives and party members. Hosted by Chair Su Tseng-chang, Former Premiers Frank Hsieh and You Shyi-kun also attended the celebration. Former Vice President Annette Lu, Former Chairs Yao Chia-wen and Hsu Hsing-liang were also at the gathering. The previous day, Chair Su Tseng-chang hosted a reception for foreign diplomats and representatives at the Sheraton Hotel. Below are his remarks:
The 26th DPP Anniversary Reception for Foreign Diplomats & Representatives Remarks by DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang September 27, 2012 Esteemed ambassadors and representatives, members of the diplomatic community, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon! I would like to welcome everyone to the DPPs 26th Anniversary celebration. This is an annual event for the DPP,
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and this is also the first time since assuming the DPP chairmanship, that I have the pleasure to get together with the diplomatic community and celebrate the DPPs birthday! 26 years ago, on the 28th of September, as one of the 18 founding members of the DPP, forming a party during a period under Martial Law and authoritarianism, meant facing capture and arrest. Along with many of my DPP and opposition senior fellows, we fought through dictatorship and one-party authoritarian rule. We forced the KMT to lift Martial Law; to open up party competition; to enable media freedom; step by step to carry out legislative reform and presidential elections. We were able to accomplish the very first transfer of power between political parties in 2000, and we were able to incorporate Taiwan into the list of democracies around the world. This achievement is the result of the collective efforts made by DPP members and the 23 million people of Taiwan. I am honored that 26 years ago, from the moment the DPP was founded until the present, to have never been absent from this sacred part of democratic history, especially now with the great responsibility as party chair. Everyone here understands or has witnessed this critical phase of Taiwans democratic development. In 26 years, as a major driving force in Taiwans democratic advancement, the DPPs persistence in democracy, freedom and human rights, concern for regional security and stability, as well as the aspiration to safeguard long-lasting peace across the Taiwan Strait, has never changed. With governing experience, we learned that we need to be humble in the face of the people, and exert every effort to obtain achievements. In opposition, we learned to be more responsible in conducting checks and balances and to make all the necessary preparations for a return to government.
SEPTEMBER 2012 Taiwan is a country that is both pluralistic and full of vitality. My hometown of Pintung County borders Taiwans most southern tip, and the place where I first started my political career. Later, I had the opportunity to serve in Taipei County, one of the most populous counties in Taiwan. My experience of 30 years, gathered from the tip to the head of Taiwan, from being a local representative to becoming premier, gave me great understanding of the grass-roots voice in the Taiwanese people.What the Taiwanese people wish to see is a government that can walk the talk, and that doesnt shift responsibility, and that is capable of governing. In this present period where the governments policy is ineffective, and has not been able to boost the economy, peoples lives have become harder. The DPP, as a responsible opposition party, has taken the initiative to propose a Compassionate Economic Package (CEP) to rejuvenate the economy, including concrete measures to revitalize the small-and-medium enterprises, empower local finance, enhance family support, and help young job-seekers, in the hopes to push the government to get the economy back on track. On the other hand, the trend of globalization is bringing international opportunities, but at the same time, Taiwan must shoulder the price of companies moving overseas and creating unemployment, especially now when the Taiwanese market is over-relying on China, and we are seeing side effects as a result. Trade is the livelihood for the island nation of Taiwan, and we must not be left out of globalization. The DPPs trade policy will emphasize on bettering investment opportunities, strengthening government efficiency, increasing policy transparency, promoting industrial transformation and building more incentives for foreign direct investment. In these past years, there have been significant changes to the global political and economic orPAGE 2
der, including the Arab Spring movement, the European debt crisis and transformations in the regional security of Asia Pacific. The tense situations from the Korean Peninsula, to the Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea and lastly to the South China Sea, have reinforced the U.S. to pivot its foreign policy towards Asia, which has also collided with the hegemonic rise of China. The United States, South Korea and Japan will be facing the sensitive period of domestic elections, China will also be conducting a leadership change, and Taiwan is facing public backlash as a result of poor governance -- all complex domestic political circumstances that contribute to more uncertainties in regional security. Being a responsible political party, the DPP has called on the use of peaceful diplomacy to calmly resolve this regional crisis. Because we believe that peace cannot be earned without reconciliation, it needs every country to put aside differences and seek diplomatic solutions. Democracy is not something that is achieved immediately, and Taiwans democratic achievement can very well become a role model for undemocratic countries, including China. In July of last year, I visited Northern Europe with my family. I placed my feet on the borderline of Norway and Sweden, where there was no war, conflict or misfires, or soldiers or police, but only kind custom officials and souvenir shops. This is the vision of peace that the DPP pictures in crossstrait relations and regional stability. Ladies and gentlemen, 26 years ago, the DPPs founding spirit was honesty, diligence and love for our land! 26 years later, besides holding firmly to these values, the DPP also pledges to internalize peace,
SEPTEMBER 2012 freedom, democracy and the universal values of human rights into every corner of Taiwan, and at the same time, using public diplomacy and smart power to expand Taiwans contributions to the world. This is the birthday wish for the DPP turning 26 years-old. We are proud of being Taiwanese. And we are also proud of being a citizen of the world. I hope that you can continue giving advice and support to the DPP. Happy Birthday DPP! To everyones good health and fortune, cheers!
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SEPTEMBER 2012
DPP holds exchanges with Democratic Party of Japan, discusses Diaoyutai issues
Taiwan-Japan relations have reached an all-time low with the way President Ma Ying-jeous administration has handled the issue of the Diaoyutai Islands. The DPPs standpoint concerning the East China Sea islands is to continue engaging in dialogue with Japan to find a peaceful solution to this issue. The DPP held an exchange with party officials from the Democratic Party of Japan, who visited the DPP Headquarters on Sept. 10. During the meeting, discussions were focused on bettering party-to-party relations in light of the current situation facing the East China Sea islands. The visitors were greeted by Mr. Joseph Wu, Executive Director of the DPPs Policy Research Committee. Mr. Wu emphasized the DPPs standpoint of engagement with Japan, and not with China, concerning the issue of the East China Sea islands, especially in negotiating fishing rights. He said that President Ma has been sending mixed messages publicly, showing once again, President Mas flip-flopping standpoints. Mr. Wu also said that President Ma, on one hand is issuing a peace initiative, but on the other hand, is clearly aligning with China to protest against Japan.
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SEPTEMBER 2012
Chair Su Tseng-chang meets with Former World Bank President Robert Zoellick
On September 25, Former World Bank President Robert Zoellick, who also served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, paid a visit to the DPP Headquarters, and was greeted by DPP Chair Su Tsengchang. During the conversation, both sides exchanged views on the process of Taiwans democratization and current political and economic issues. Mr. Zoellick was particularly interested in the current economic situation in Taiwan. Chair Su said the DPP is currently drafting an economic plan that offers policy solutions for industrial upgrading and improving the investment environment. Chair Su further added that he hoped the United States and Taiwan continue to promote economic cooperation. Chair Su told Mr. Zoellick that the economic situation in Taiwan has fallen behind in comparison with Japan, Singapore, the United States and China. Taiwans exports have fallen this year and is facing serious withdrawals from foreign investments, he said. Chair Su also pointed out that according to the latest government statistics, Taiwans domestic unemployment is also rising, and it is currently the highest among Asias four little dragons, also even higher than Japan. He said that salary income in Taiwan has returned to what 14 years ago used to be, while prices for commodities are soaring. In addition, he said that it is concerning that the government has raised the prices of oil and electricity. Chair Su stressed to Mr. Zoellick that Taiwans current administration must improve the domestic investment environment as well as government efficiency. Even though the DPP is currently in opposition, we have issued a Compassionate Economic Package to call on the government to upgrade industries, Chair Su said. We also believe that in the overall investment environment, the central government must also allow local administrations to have more financial independence to promote better home-grown economies and encourage more public construction. In regards to free trade, Chair Su said that U.S.-Taiwan cooperation was very important because President Ma Ying-jeous administration has already signed ECFA with China. However, the expected benefits promised by President Ma when ECFA was signed have not been fulfilled, and now the negotiations for a TIFA with the United States have been halted for a long period of time. He said that even though there has been a recent resumption of talks regarding TIFA, he hopes that it goes through a smooth process.
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SEPTEMBER 2012
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stances where the slightest mistake could trigger military conflict. Now especially, there appears to be an out-ofcontrol situation as a result of the recent incidents involving the Diaoyutai Islands sovereignty, already leading to massive anti-Japanese protests in ten cities in China. Some believe that China has played a role behind the scenes in promoting the current anti-Japan movement, but it is possible that this type of social force may turn into antigovernment sentiments, and at this period in time when China is facing economic decline and a power shift, the Chinese government is also worried that extreme nationalism may lead to worst consequences. The most balanced approach for Taiwan during this period of conflict is to uphold firmly to its sovereignty standpoint over the Diaoyutai and the South China Sea islands. However, it is even more important to incorporate these geo-strategic changes into the reconsideration of Taiwans national security policy. DPP standpoints over the issue of Diaoyutai and South China Sea Islands I will cite the example of the DPP handling the Diaoyutai Islands sovereignty issue during its years in government. Taiwan and Japan both persisted in claiming sovereignty over Diaoyutai, but most disputes involved fishing rights. Nevertheless, both governments at that time used diplomatic means to resolve these differences, and over a dozen fishing rights exchanges were held. The issue of the Diaoyutai islands never reached to the point of a Taiwan-Japan diplomatic crisis. During my term as premier, tourism between both countries reached to new highs, and even Taiwanese people viewed Japan as the most friendly foreign country, according to various public polls. On the contrary, the administration of President Ma Ying-jeou has only held one negotiation meet-
SEPTEMBER 2012 ing regarding fishing rights with Japan in the last five years. In 2008, the collision incident involving the Lian-He fishing boat prompted thenpremier Liu Chao-shiuan to publicly say that Taiwan did not rule out the use of force against Japan to resolve this dispute. However, four years later in July of this year, pro-safeguarding Diaoyutai activists embarked to the islands to declare sovereignty, but when our government sent patrol boats from the Coast Guard to protect them, they allowed the activists boat to display the five-star PRC flag. Just last month, President Ma issued the Peace Initiatives in the East China Sea, but official Taiwanese boats once again provided assistance to Hong Kong activists expressing that Diaoyutai Islands belong to China and that Taiwan was part of China. From these incidents, we saw that President Ma on the one hand is saying internationally that he wishes for peace, but on the other hand, he is portraying a wrong image that Taiwan is cooperating with China. The DPP standpoint towards the Diaoyutai Islands disputes have been consistent. We emphasize our sovereignty over the islands, but through peace and diplomacy. In order to prevent conflict escalation, we believe the priority for this government is to engage with Japan. We must also ensure safeguarding Taiwanese fishing rights in this area. Most importantly, Taiwan cannot cooperate with China on this issue. In order to avoid the loosing of control over negotiations, the DPP appeals every related party to remain calm. In regards to the recent announcement by the Japanese government to nationalize the Diaoyutai Islands, we believe this will intensify the already existing tensions and not contribute to regional stability, therefore, we call on President Ma to immediately engage in dialogue with the Japanese government. At the same time, the lack of response by President Ma towards Chinas increasing claims pass the Taiwan Strait line has deepened the international image of Taiwan belonging to China, and the DPP strongly urges this administration to en-
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sure the interests of Taiwans sovereignty and fishing rights. Regarding the conflict in the South China Sea, the DPP formerly issued the Spratly Islands Initiative, which also emphasized Taiwans sovereignty over the South China Sea islands. However, we also appeal that any conflict should be resolved through peaceful negotiations and to ensure the preservation of high sea navigation rights. We believe that Taiwan must actively engage in dialogue with other countries, insisting on not being left out in the ASEAN talks. The DPP makes a strong appeal to President Ma to respond to Chinas announcement to set up Sansha City for the administration of the South China Sea islands. We must prevent international countries have the impression that President Ma is cooperating with China in South China Sea disputes. These are the main standpoints in which the DPP believes Taiwan should play its role in the transformation of Asia Pacifics regional security, and that is to become a force of promotion of peace and stability. We clearly stand on the position of declaring sovereignty, promote peace and stability and engage in dialogue. We also strongly believe in pursuing fishing rights and absolutely not engage in sole cooperation with China. Strategic approach to DPPs China policy The DPP has had experience in government, and now as an opposition party, we are committed to constructing a China policy that is in line with Taiwans national interests, ensuring the peaceful interaction in the Taiwan Strait and continuous stability in the region. Recently, the DPP has been holding forums (titled Open Studio) regarding challenges that will be confronted after Chinas 18th Party Congress from the aspects of economic, social and human rights topics. In the future, the DPP will deepen its
SEPTEMBER 2012 dialogue with the Chinese society in common ( ) in order to fully understand China. Most importantly, the DPP will strive to increase dialogue and formulate policy on how to face Chinas rise. This is not an election gimmick or a strategy for domestic politics, but rather, to confront the transformations occurring in the Asia Pacific region. At the same time, we will seek to engage in dialogue with the U.S. and with Japan so that Taiwan becomes a key center in the Asia Pacific security and defense network. Faced with the instability of leadership changes in China, as well as the hidden unrest in Chinas economic and social levels, the DPP believes that Taiwan, along with the rest of the Asian Pacific nations, must remain cautious and calm, adopting a comprehensive attitude towards these transformations. We must replace confrontation with dialogue, resolve conflict through peace and democracy!
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SEPTEMBER 2012
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