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Kultur Dokumente
NOVEMBER 2013
DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang led a delegation to Manila to attend the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) in Manila from November 8 to 11. DPP sister parties in Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Mongolia, among others, took part in the weekend conferences discussing political reform in Asia. Also on this occasion, there was a combined meeting between the democratic political party of the
EU Parliament, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats of Europe (ALDE). Below are the remarks made by Chair Su at the plenary session on November 9: Honorable Rainsy, Honorable Sir Watson, Honorable Van Baalen, Your Excellencies, fellow members of CALD, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, It is my pleasure to join this great gathering with our friends from CALD and ALDE to PAGE 1
! celebrate the twentieth anniversary of CALD. I am proud to say that the discussions to form CALD actually started in Taiwan in 1993 when I was serving as the Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party. As you can easily tell, the DPP and CALD already formed a strong bond when Taiwans democratization started to gain momentum. I am very glad that the relations between the DPP and CALD are still going strong. CALD and Taiwan Democracy This year also marks the 27th anniversary of the DPP. In 1986 when Taiwan was still under martial law, I and 17 other members founded the very first democratic party in our country to push for democratization as the only path to end political persecution. We fought hard against the KMT one-party rule and successfully pushed for general elections for
NOVEMBER 2013 we did not foresee how far we could go when we started this network. But we have come a long way, and we should all be proud of ourselves. Addressing the Impact of Globalization In the past two decades, some of us were given the opportunities to govern. But just as some new European democracies have experienced, some Asian democracies are now fighting democratic setbacks. For just one example, the people of Taiwan allowed former regime return to power a few years ago. We now see some old practices come back alive. However, our determination to consolidate democracy in the region should not be compromised by the setbacks. What we need now is to pin down the causes and work hard to overcome the challenges. In this regard, we face fundamental issues such as building strong democratic institutions and new factors such as globalization. Even though the latter was not directly related to democracy, it has certainly impacted our democratic processes. Globalization, beginning from the late 1990s, has brought both opportunities and challenges to all of us. Our societies have been reshaped and the societal gaps have been widened. The challenges have come very fast and people seem to have lost their patience for long-term structural reform. Many people simply want to relive in the good old days and support the past regimes in exchange for a more secured economic environment. In some countries, such as my own, the democratic formalities still exist, the substance is otherwise. The issues associated with globalization require more regional and international cooperation, as none of us can cope with the challenges alone. We must stay in solidarity. Together we will consolidate democracy domestically, regionally and globally. We should bear heavier responsibilities to share the experiences of good governance in PAGE 2
the parliament and the president, and ultimately the DPP became the ruling party in 2000. We joined the Philippines and Korea in leading the third wave democratization in East Asia. We have worked closely with our friends in CALD to promote democracy, human rights and freedom throughout the region. Now I am very pleased to see that CALD has become the most important party alliance in Asia. As we look back, !
! moving forward our common objectives. The young democracies should not go against each other. Rather, we need to work together to meet the challenges of the anti-democratic forces. We also need to support each other to suppress the temptation of some people to welcome back the past. We know quite well what the old regimes in new faces are capable of: painting an unreal economic picture, then depriving the people some fundamental rights, and in the end the fruits of growth are only in the hands of the powerful few. Successful Stories to be Noticed Nevertheless, we should never be discouraged by the setbacks or the challenges, as successful stories are still evolving. I am particularly happy to see the launch of political transition in Burma. This is the result of the effort made by the people with strong international support. I also notice that the Philippine liberal leadership has demonstrated their determination for good governance by launching political reform. Your sister party in Taiwan, the DPP, has now received more popular support than the governing KMT in nation-wide public opinion polls. The localities in which the DPP governs have also been recognized to have out-performed their peers. We are confident that we will gain more ground in the elections next year. The DPP is ready to shoulder more responsibilities New Challenges Ahead There are still new challenges ahead of us, including over-development, pollution, ecological damages, and ever more natural disasters caused by the climate change. We should come to the awareness that growth rate is not the only figure that matters; sustainability should be our prime consideration. In this regard, the experience of some of our European partners can illuminate our path to development. We also need to adopt a policy to help revitalize the private sector and to create an environment friendly to small and me!
NOVEMBER 2013 dium enterprises. In my view, we should always remind ourselves the objectives of CALD and ask ourselves the key question: have we done enough to win the support of the people? Strengthening a Democratic Alliance In my trip to Tokyo earlier this year, I proposed to form a democratic alliance among Asian democracies to safeguard our value and our common interest. The DPP advocates peaceful resolution through diplomatic consultation to end disputes in East and South China Seas. Taiwan can and should serve as a regional leader in promoting peace in the contested areas. And fellow democracies in the region should work together, based on our belief in the universal value, to overcome the challenges brought by the regional strategic dynamics. Here I would also like to repeat what I delivered in my trip to Washington, D.C. in June: responsibility, reconciliation and rebalance. The DPP is committed to its responsibilities for the future of Taiwan, is willing to reconcile through dialogues as a means to normalize cross-strait relations, and desires to be a responsible partner of fellow democracies in the Asia Pacific. Conclusion My dear CALD colleagues, we have built a solid foundation of a democratic alliance among the Asian liberal and democratic parties. We need to stand firmly together, in power or in opposition, to repel the threats to democracy, and to promote our core value, freedom and democracy, in the region and throughout the rest of the world. The DPP enjoys the benefits of the international network provided by CALD and LI. They are crucial to Taiwan, for our international space has been limited. I would like to take this opportunity to extend to you our appreciation for your support all these years, in all issues. I look forward to the next twenty years of CALD.
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NOVEMBER 2013
Liberal International, DPP releases joint statement condemning Taiwan wiretapping scandal
President of Liberal International (LI) Hans van Baalen MEP and Chair of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Su Tseng-chang met in Manila, Philippines in the framework of the 20th anniversary of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD). Present at the meeting were LI secretary General, 10 legislators from DPP and Department of International Affairs Director, Mr. Liu Shih-chung. The two leaders discussed the latest political developments in Taiwan, the prospects for Free Trade Agreement EU/Taiwan and democratic tendencies in Asia at large. Chair Su updated President Van Baalen on the new moments with regards to the wiretapping political scandal in Taiwan, which continues to shake the political scene in the nation. Both leaders agreed that the text of the Liberal International Resolution on Taiwan, adopted at the 191st LI Executive Committee in October 2013, rightly addresses the wiretapping scandal and its consequences. The two leaders renewed their call on all democratic political forces in Taiwan, be it in government or in opposition, to fully adhere to the wording and the spirit of the adopted LI resolution.
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III. The DPP supports US Secretary of State John Kerrys criticism of Chinas unilateral attempt to alter the status quo and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagels reiteration that the US remains steadfast in our commitments to our allies and partners. The DPP is willing to work with our international partners to safeguard regional peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. IV. After China unilaterally declared its establishment of this air defense identification zone, the Ma administrations response to the issue was rather feeblea mere expression of concern and regret by different agencies, with no statement of opposition or denunciation. This represents a serious dereliction of duty. The DPP is extremely disappointed in the governments handling of the matter. V. History has shown that weakness only breeds more aggressive expansion and costs nations more dearly afterward. PAGE 5
! Therefore, the DPP issues three demands of the Mas administration: (1) That the government lodges a solemn protest against Chinas unilateral establishment of an ADIZ which challenges the status quo in the Asia-Pacific region. (2) That the government maintains close contact with concerned friendly nations to coordinate necessary cooperation and pay attention to developments.
NOVEMBER 2013 (3) That, in order to defend our nations sovereignty and national security with substantial action, militarys patrols by Taiwans fighter jets and naval vessels in the nations own ADIZ in waters off northeastern Taiwan should not be interrupted by Chinas ADIZ announcement.
! Director Honigmann Hong of the DPPs China Affairs Department said that the preliminary draft of the final report was a summary based on the past three plenary meetings and seven expanded meetings on China policy that have been held so far. The contents of the current draft includes a preface, followed by separate chapters on basic positions and core values; domestic politics on both sides; Taiwans economic strategy, civil society; foreign policy; and national security. Overall, the seven expanded meetings that have taken place to date represent the most comprehensive effort to examine the question of cross strait relations in Taiwans history, encompassing 520 attendees, 48 expert briefings, 13 written opinions, and 188 speakers. Spokesman Cheng went on to recount the observation from Professor York Chens report, that as the cross strait military situation becomes increasingly imbalanced, Taiwans national security already faces a serious challenge. Taiwan must strengthen its defense while building a consensus on national security, as the two sides continue to interact. On the basis of existing consensus on the relevant questions, the fundamental cross strait defense balance, the content of discussions from the seventh expanded meeting of the China Affairs Committee, and related policy statements previously issued by the DPP, Dr. Chen recommended four basic policy propositions as follows: 1. Taiwan must establish a peaceful relationship with China conducive to mutual prosperity and co-existence. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait bear the international responsibility for maintaining the peaceful status quo. Chinas peaceful rise is contingent upon its sincere pursuit of safeguarding peaceful coexistence over the Taiwan Strait. 2. Taiwans national security strategy is inextricably linked with the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. Taiwan should view the China issue through a global and a regional perspective, meaning
NOVEMBER 2013 that there must be a balance between cross strait relations and national defense. 3. In foreign policy, the democratic alliance anchored by the United States and Japan is clearly in the process of expansion and deepening, thus increasing Taiwans geostrategic relevance. On Oct. 3, 2013, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kin Moy stated that Taiwan can play the role of a regional leader in transnational issues. Taiwan serves as a model for emerging democracies, and should therefore bear corresponding responsibility by proactively participating in related international activities. China should not suppress Taiwans efforts to contribute to the international community. Taiwans foreign relations should follow the principle of values diplomacy, combining the universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights with best practices from Taiwans experience. Working through diverse and flexible channels of soft power, such as international organizations and inter-city exchanges, to strengthen ties and expand relations, Taiwans sustained existence can be turned into a positive asset to the Chinese people and the international system. 4. In the quest for a peaceful and secure environment, Taiwan will pursue any path that can help to maintain regional stabilityincluding security cooperation within a democratic alliance or confidence building measuresin order to reduce any miscalculation that could lead to military aggression. Taiwan must take serious stock of its own selfdefense resolve and capability. Taiwan has no intention of engaging in an arms race with China, but deterrence of Chinese military aggression is a precondition for cross strait stability, peaceful coexistence, and prosperity. Taiwans defense budget must be raised significantly in order to rebuild the confidence of our people, our armed forces, and our international friends. PAGE 7
NOVEMBER 2013
DPP holds eighth Huashan China Forum to discuss Chinas economic transformation with Taiwans development strategy
The DPP held its eighth Huashan China Forum on November 28 with the topic Chinas Economic Transformation with Taiwans Development Strategy. Presiding the meeting was Convener of the DPPs Subcommittee on Financial and Economic Strategy, Mr. Wu Rong-I, who concurrently serves as chair of the Taiwan Braintrust. The discussion at the forum this time involved the prospects of Chinas economic transformation in the next ten years and its reform on state-owned enterprises. Speakers and attendees gave their sugTaiwan not only has to face the issues that come with globalization, but also Chinas economic rise. Gradually, Taiwanese industries have lost their balance and have tended to incline towards China. China is currently transforming its economy to focus more on internal consumption by its rapid urbanization, for which Mr. Hong said this transition is bound to affect the future of cross strait economic and trade patterns. Mr. Hong said the greatest challenge for Taiwan in the future is to ensure that its democratic and free system remains unchanged while seeking for economic development. Discussants for the forum this time were: Mr. Hsieh Jing-he, CEO of the Investor Media Group; Professor of Economics Kenneth S. Lin from National Taiwan University; Director Liu Monchi from the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research; and Associate Professor Chen Min-chi from the Institute of Sociology of National Tsing-Hua University.
gestions on how to formulate a China policy for the government to support Taiwanese companies to possess a cross strait competitive edge. Director of the DPPs China Affairs Department, Mr. Honnigman Hong said that in the 21st Century, !
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NOVEMBER 2013
DPP: The Gambian diplomatic break!up represents end of Mas diplomatic truce
In regards to The Gambias announcement to end diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the DPP held a press conference to express its views on this issue with Director of the Department of International Affairs Liu Shih-chung saying that this represented the end of President Mas record of sustaining Taiwans diplomatic allies. Mr. Liu said that The Gambias end to diplomatic relations with Taiwan represents a new crisis, and as such, the DPP makes three demands to the government, highlighted below: (1) Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs must provide clear explanations to the reasons why The Gambia decided to end diplomatic relations with Taiwan; (2) National security and foreign relations agencies must conduct crisis management to prevent another wave of diplomatic break-ups; (3) President Mas Administration should focus on deepening the alliance with democratic countries and place more value on foreign relations between Taiwan and other nations, between cities, and between those in which Taiwan can show its outstanding qualities in cross-border and regional issues, and it must stop ranking cross strait relations and cross strait policy above foreign policy. The breaking of relations between our country and The Gambia is unlike the past, Mr. Liu said. Former diplomatic countries would break off relations with Taiwan to announce their new relationship with China, yet this time there was no announcement. This shows that President Mas policy in the past years of active diplomacy, diplomatic truce and even zero break-offs are all coming to an end. Mr. Liu explained that the diplomatic truce of President Mas Administration in the past five years have caused serious problems. The first one being that this administration prioritizes cross strait policy over foreign policy, leaving the frontline staff in foreign relations with restraints. Second, with the lack of goals for foreign relations, there is a lack of morale among our staff and left with complacency, they were unprepared to face with issues like the breaking off of relations by The Gambia this time. Third, as a result of the diplomatic truce, our diplomatic allies in Latin America and Africa, such as Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Sao Tome and Principe, have held discussions with China to open trade and economic offices. President Ma has been unable to prevent these kind of incidents, and this shows that our foreign relations continues to deteriorate. Mr. Liu commented that the future foreign relations battle between the cross straits will not only encompass a game of numbers, but rather, it will be a game of trade between real benefits, eventually leading Taiwans diplomatic allies to break off one by one.
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NOVEMBER 2013
The primaries were conducted majorly through the polling method, in which residents of the relevant counties and cities were polled on the popularity of each candidate. Chair Su Tseng-chang, along with the candidates held a press conference under the slogan New Green Deal Begins in 2014, which is aimed at promoting the DPPs quality governance in these counties and cities. The 2014 elections are about to begin on a greater scale nationwide, and the DPP today wishes to present our candidates, Chair Su said. Our hopes of course are that everyone here today wins the elections, but our goal is to win at least three in the six !
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increase the defense budget. Congressman Carter was accompanied by his offices chief of staff, Mr. Steve Gilleland. Also present were Mr. Liu Shih-chung from the DPPs Department of International Affairs and Mr. Wu Hsiang-jung from the DPPs Survey Department.
NOVEMBER 2013
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