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JANUARY 2014

DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

Chair Su leads Europe tour
Visit to the EU Parliament, Brussels On January 22, paying a visit to the EU Parliament in Brussels, DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang and his accompanying delegation met with Members of the European Parliament Hans van Baalen, Andrey Kovatchev, Jacek Wlosowicz, Niki Tzavela, Charles Tannock, Morten Lokkegaard, Jean-Jacob Bicep, Jose Salafranca and Henri Weber. Below are the remarks made by Chair Su at the luncheon on January 22: Your Excellencies, my dear friends from the European Parliament, Ambassador Tung, Good afternoon. I am very happy that I come to Brussels today. I am very happy that I am in Brussels with Taiwans best friends in the European Parliament. I am very happy that I can finally come and say to you in person: I appreciate your support of Taiwan all these years. Your support is heartfelt, and felt strongly by the people of Taiwan. Taiwan today is still having difficulties in participating in international organizations. Taiwan today is still being threatened militarily. But we know we are not alone and completely hopeless; we have friends like you who are always ready to help.

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! I can think of many reasons why you would support Taiwan. But there is no other reason better than the reason that Taiwan is a democracy. Yes, Taiwan is a democracy, and democracy is our value that we are ready to defend at any time and at any cost, in the same spirit we fought for the establishment of democracy some 30 years ago. It started when martial law was still in effect. I and some other young lawyers defended the 1979 political prisoners in the court martial. It was not a smart move for any lawyer who wanted to make a good living, but we went for it anyway. We risked our lives to go for it for a passionate cause: we were disgusted by the dictatorship, disgusted by the total lack of human rights, and disgusted by the zero tolerance of dissent.

JANUARY 2014 exercises exclusive jurisdiction over the territories under its control, Taiwan in reality is independent now. The status quo that Taiwan is selfgoverned cannot be changed without the approval of the Taiwan people through democratic means. Taiwans democracy is still young, and we may still have problems, especially the problems associated with the remnants of the past regime. But I think we will do just fine. We believe in the choice of the people, who will always know what is right and what is wrong for the country, and who is right and who is wrong, too. The surveys these days show that the DPP is more right than all others. Here I would like to stress that the DPP will continue to be a political force guarding Taiwans freedom and democracy, defending human rights beyond our border, and serving as a beacon light of hope and strength for those who are oppressed by the communist regime on the other side of the Taiwan Strait, the regime on the wrong side of history. Strategic dynamics in East Asia today has us worried. China has been expanding its core interest over disputed territories and waters. It recently announced its ADIZ to cover part of those of Taiwan, Japan and Korea in an obvious attempt to change the status quo. I really worry about the rising tension in East Asia, but I know for certain that our European friends will always be on the side of peace and democracy, not dictatorship and expansionism. We, the people of Taiwan, Japan and Korea, the East Asian democracies, know that we will not be alone in the fight to defend our value and our way of life. Your Excellencies, my dear friends, I would like to once again express my appreciation to you for your support. We in Taiwan will treasure it forever.

In 1986 when martial law was still in place, I and 17 other members founded the DPP. Again, it was not a smart move for anyone who wanted to make a good living, but we went for it again. We went for it because we knew it was the first step to establish democracy, and the best way to rid us of political tyranny. Step by step, martial law was lifted, emergency decree was abolished, parliamentary elections were held, and the process culminated in the presidential election in 1996. A democracy was born, and freedom and human rights were protected. Since we elect our own president, elect our own members of the parliament, and the government !

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JANUARY 2014

Chair Su discusses LI!DPP cooperation in London

DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang paid a visit to the headquarters of Liberal International (LI), the organization of liberal political parties around the world, in London on January 24. Meeting with LI Treasurer, Mr. Woodthorpe Browne and LIs Human Rights Officer Ms. Tamara Dancheva at the National Liberal Club, Chair Su emphasized the need to work together to promote the values that both organizations shared. Chair Su said, Democracy and freedom of human rights are core values in Taiwan and LI, we must join hand in hand to promote these objectives. The DPP has been long-term members of LI and this is very helpful for DPP and for Taiwan. Chair Su also expressed his gratitude for LIs support since he became DPP chair. The first resolution passed during his term by LI was at the Congress in Cote dIvoire, appealing for the Taiwan government to release Former President Chen Shui-bian for medical reasons. The second resolution passed by LI in regards to Taiwan was at the Congress in Guatemala, appealing for Taiwan to exercise judicial independence. This kind of assistance from LI has prevented the Taiwan government from encroaching and violating democratic principles, Chair Su said. Chair Su further reported that the DPP has in the past month promoted smoothly the passage of warranties and amendments in laws regarding special investigations, improving and safeguarding instances where the government is capable of violating human rights. Treasurer Woodthorpe Browne informed the Taiwanese liberal leader of the work that LI was able to achieve over the past year, in part thanks to their generous support. Mr. Browne added, I am proud to hear that decisions taken by Liberal Internationals Executive Committee have had a positive and tangible impact on the groun in Taiwan. Chairman Su is a strong, forwardlooking leader for DPP and a committed defender of human rights; I am sure that one day soon he will also be a great leader for Taiwan.

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JANUARY 2014

Chair Su speaks at SOAS London

Below are the remarks made in English by Chair Su Tseng-chang at the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London on January 25: Professor Fell of the Center of Taiwan Studies, distinguished scholars, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. It is my absolute delight to come to this great country, a country I had a chance to visit before but have longed ever since for a more formal visit. My wish has come

true today, and it is my great honor to address you, prominent scholars and brilliant students in this important academy of Asian and African studies. Here I would like to stress the very basic concept of responsibility as my philosophy in domestic politics, economics, and international relations. It has carried me before, and will continue to carry me and my party toward the future.

Common Value-democracy While visiting London, I cannot but think of democracy, the modern political system that finds its origin here. It is not an overstatement to say that I come here as a pilgrim to the holy shrine of democracy. I am very happy to tell you today that democracy has become a value deeply rooted in the hearts of the Taiwanese. The model of a democratic political system has inspired many other

countries, including my own. In Taiwan, martial law had ruled for 38 years until 1987. The simple yet noble ideal of having democracy rid us of political tyranny motivated the people of Taiwan to bravely pursue our great transformation. In 1986 with martial law still in effect, I and 17 other members risked our lives to found the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the first opposition party in Taiwan, to embark on the path to democracy. We did this not to gain

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! power, but to be responsible for the long-term development of Taiwan, and to be responsible to our children and grandchildren. This responsibility led us to establish a political system in which the government I am fortunate and proud to not only witness but also take part in the transformation process. In addition to this enviable political development, Taiwans economy grew well after the lion Chinese last year. Just for your information, a former Dutch ambassador, a former Belgium Ambassador, and a former American ambassador chose to stay in Taiwan after their retirement. Their deci-

JANUARY 2014 ered openness and free trade the best way for Taiwan to go. When we were in the government, we had quite a significant degree of liberalization, including joining the WTO. We also went through the opening of the crossstrait minithree links, direct charter flights and welcoming Chinese visitors for tourism or commercial purposes. We fully supported ANZTEC with New Zealand and ASTEP with Singapore last year, and this is a clear indication of our support for free trade. In the last few years, Taiwan has experienced a sharp decline of investment from and trade with major economies. The result is an overconcentration on China, but this has the Taiwanese worried. After all, China is still threatening Taiwan politically and militarily. People also PAGE 5

could be held accountable. After much effort and sacrifice, martial law and the emergency decree were abolished and this paved the way for parliamentary elections in 1991 and 1992, and even further to a direct presidential election in 1996. We have since been able to elect the president and the members of the parliament regularly and openly. We have come a long way to where we are today, and !

1970s. At one time Taiwan was even termed an economic miracle. As it stands now, the size of Taiwans economy is the 23rd in the world and its trade volume the 18th. For a small country, Taiwans economic achievement is something we are quite proud of, too. Taiwan now is a wonderful, friendly, and safe place that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world, including more than two mil-

sion says it all about Taiwan. Searching for answers to meet challenges Even though Taiwan is enviable in many regards, we face challenges just as all others do. The DPP may not be in office now, but we consider making alternative policy proposals to meet the challenges of our responsibility. On the trade issue, the DPP has always consid-

! worry that the government signed economic agreements with China, including the Service Trade Agreement, without prior consultation and proper oversight as normally would have been done in other countries. To strengthen Taiwans trade and economy, I have been arguing for structural reform, including streamlining rules and regulations and simplifying bureaucratic procedures. I have also been arguing for an FTA with the EU; at least we need to conclude the Trade Enhancement Measures. We should fully open up to each other; I know it is in our mutual interest to do so. Moreover, the DPP also fully supports Taiwans participation in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), as soon as possible, to effectively diversify our trade and economic relations. There have been considerable debates in Taiwan about nuclear power. We have three plants in operation, and are on the way to build the 4th one. This gives Taiwan the largest number of nuclear power plants in the world proportionate to ! its geographical size. Please do not forget that all of those plants are located very near active fault lines. The 4th Nuclear Power Plant has been under construction for 14 years without any safety report. The disaster in Fukushima in 2011 serves as a lesson for the Taiwanese: 300,000 relocated Fukushima residents are still not able to return home, and we have more than 6 million residents within the same radius of the plant under construction. Now more than 70% of the people in Taiwan oppose the completion of the power plant, and the DPP stands firmly with them. The DPP considers green, renewable, and sustainable energy the only way to go for densely populated Taiwan, not highly controversial and potentially dangerous nuclear power. After all, Taiwan is the worlds number one producer of solar panels and has longer hours of sunshine than countries such as Germany. We would like to follow the good example of the UK and other European countries by setting the target of renewable energy at 20% in 2025, as opposed to the government target of 9%. We also consider media freedom one of the most important pillars to sustain Taiwans democracy. But in the past few years, some important international watchdogs such as Freedom House have substantially downgraded Taiwans ranking in media freedom. Last September, a vicious power struggle between the president and the speaker of the parliament revealed that the government has conducted rampant wiretapping of elected officials, even on the general exchange line of the parliament. Situations like this led some prominent international observers to worry that Taiwans democracy might be backsliding. The DPP is very concerned that what we have fought so hard to accomplish might be chipped away by the remnants of the past dictatorship. We opened the door for democracy, and will never allow it to close. We have worked hard, and will continue to do so, to safeguard

JANUARY 2014 our democratic way of life. The China Factor China presents to Taiwan not just a business opportunity; it is the single most important factor in Taiwans foreign relations. China has widely applied the one China principle on virtually every matter concerning Taiwan to highlight its claim of sovereignty over Taiwan. As a result, the Taiwanese are the only people in the world who cannot normally participate in major international organizations. The agony of the Taiwanese in this regard is far beyond your imagination. In fact, Taiwans status is clear: we have a popularly elected president; we have a popularly elected parliament; and the government exercises exclusive jurisdiction over the territory under its control. Moreover, only the citizens of Taiwan can vote in Taiwans elections; only the citizens of Taiwan are taxed by the Taiwan government; and only the citizens of Taiwan serve in Taiwans

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! military. Taiwan in reality is independent. The DPPs position, as embodied in the 1999 Resolution Regarding Taiwans Future, is that Taiwan is an independent and sovereign country, and any change to the status quo must be approved by the people of Taiwan through democratic means. In other words, the DPP is a political force guarding the status quo. Now the DPP is glad to see that our position has become a consensus in Taiwan. I must emphasize here: democracy is our core value and we are ready to defend it at any time, and it should be respected if there is to be a genuine peace across the Taiwan Strait. More serious than diplomatic isolation is the military threat. China has never renounced the use of force, and has deployed more than 1,800 missiles aimed at Taiwan, even though Taiwan is not a threat at all. Perhaps we can have a better picture of China by looking at the regional strategic dynamics. China has been rapidly arming itself without any tangible threat on the horizon, and it ! has been expanding its core interest over disputed territories and waters. The latest move was the announcement of its East Sea Air Defense Identification Zone, which covers part of those of Taiwan, Japan and Korea. It is more than clear that China is attempting to change the status quo, as stated by senior American, Japanese, Korean and Australian officials. The DPP is also paying close attention to the development in Hong Kong. It is sad for us to see, after the transition in 1997, huge numbers of Hong Kong people continuing to pour out onto the street just to make a humble request for a chance to elect their political leader. Quite a few Hong Kong democratic leaders have come to us and told us to treasure what we have in Taiwan and not cave in to become part of China; some of them even pay for newspaper ads in Taiwan to make their point. While the international community in general may not be able to provide much help to those democrats in Hong Kong, Taiwan is gradually seen as a life-vest and as a beacon of hope and strength. In this regard, I must express my appreciation to the EU for not lifting the arms embargo, for the nature of the communist rule today is the same as in 1989. The EU decision is a clear signal to its friends and allies in East Asia that it supports peace and not expansionism. I am sure millions in China and Hong Kong will also say freedom and human rights do mean something to Europe. Taiwan stands on the frontline of Chinas expansion, and Taiwan in essence is the canary in the coal mine and can serve as an example to other countries that may have some dispute with China. We also understand that democratic Taiwan, although small, has become a hope of Chinese and Hong Kong democrats and we have responsibilities to them, too. We stand ready to defend our democracy, and we will not give in. Here I would like to copy Winston Churchill, who said in October 1941, Never give in, never, never, never!

JANUARY 2014 Conclusion Ladies and gentlemen, the DPP came into being by the people and for the people of Taiwan, and is destined to serve the people. We are eager to carry the responsibility to move Taiwan ahead economically and politically. Right now I feel the heavy load on my shoulders, for I have to work hard to move the DPP back into the drivers seat. I believe our time will come soon because the DPP is a better choice than others. That is what the surveys say these days. Even though Taiwan and Europe may be far apart, we are linked closely together by the values of freedom and democracy. The DPP hopes to continue to work with Europe in safeguarding our common values. My promise is that I will continue to shoulder the responsibility in this regard. I also hope the UK, the oldest brother of all democracies, pay more attention to our part of the world and give us more support in the fight for our values and our survival. Thank you very much.

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JANUARY 2014

DPP issues statement regarding Ministry of Educations plans to change textbook content
The DPP issued a statement in response to the Ministry of Educations recent plan to change the content of school textbooks. First, the plan by the Ministry of Education is not simple corrections to textbooks, but a comprehensive change. According to a DPP survey, over 85% of the public regardless of political affiliation hold onto the belief that our country encompasses Taiwan, Kinmen and Matsu, and it does not include China. The change in textbooks commissioned by the Ministry of Education this time is going opposite to the general knowledge of historical facts by the overwhelming majority of the Taiwanese public. The following three declarations on this issue have been made by the DPP: 1. There has been a lack of total transparency in the process of this times change in the content of high school textbooks. No records have been kept on whether there have been any meetings on this matter and which legislators attended. The actions of the Ministry of Education are becoming untrustworthy. The DPP believes public education is a very serious matter, and for the Ministry of Education to take matters into their own hands without transparency is not only anti-democratic, but also the antithesis of education. 2. According to the provisions stated under the Secondary Education Act, only adjustments are allowed for new course outlines. Changes on sovereignty and historical facts cannot be considered adjustments, and these kind of changes are considered violating regulations. 3. The changes in content represent a serious case of de-Taiwanization and purposefully trying to Chinalize existing historical knowledge, which the majority will not identify with. A press conference was held regarding this issue on January 28 with Dr. Joseph Wu, Executive Director of the DPPs Policy Research Committee. He said that according to a poll conducted in 2011 regarding territorial sovereignty, asking respondents whether they considered China as part of this territory, only 10.6% believed it included China. Dr. Wu stressed that just two years ago, the new version had been substantially revised. Now, theres another substantial change, causing students, parents and even instructors left wondering what to do. He reiterated the DPPs position, which will not accept this kind of non-transparent way of doing things in Taiwan.

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JANUARY 2014

DPP hopeful in Greater Taichung for year! end elections

The DPP is planning to get it all out for the election campaign in Taichung at the year-end elections. On January 27, DPP Chair Su Tsengchang, along with the DPPs Greater Taichung candidate for mayor, Mr. Lin Chia-lung, participated in a rally. Also present was DPP Former Secretary-General Su Chia-chuan and Legislators Tsai Chi-chang and Ho Hsin-chun. Chair Su said the Taichung campaign was an emotional one this time because Former Secretary-General Su had decided to give to someone else the opportunity, emphasizing that younger candidates should take the chance for the DPP. Chair Su furthermore praised Legislator Tsai Chi-chang, who had participated in the primary, for showing good gamesmanship during the entire process. Candidate Lin will shoulder the great responsiHe also expressed his commitment since becoming chair to give it his all for the 7-in-1 elections this year and to achieve an overall victory for the DPP. He said his goal as chair for this year was to win at least more than three cities and to increase the number of seats for township mayors and city councilors. He said this will start from Taichung. The DPPs Taichung Candidate Mr. Lin Chialung said this years election in Taichung will be voting against the incompetence of the Ma Administration and to let them know that they should take the responsibility for their failures. Additionally, Mr. Lin said that Taichung residents will also decide on whether it is time to change the 13 years of Mayor Jason Hus administration. Mr. Lin further promised that he will shoulder the responsibility with dedication. He expressed gratefulness to Taichung residents for giving him a chance to show his experience and his vision for the area. Speaking also at the rally, Legislator Tsai Chi-chang appealed the public to support Mr. Lin as the primary has already reached to a close. In order to change Taichungs stalemate scenario, Legislator Tsai said that Taichung residents should fully support Mr. Lin because it is time for a change in Taichung. DPP Former Secretary-General Su Chiachuan said that when he came to Taichung in 2010, it was a low period for the DPP. However, the last election for Taichung mayor three years ago provided an incredible change for the DPP at the polls. He said this accomplishment was the result of the unity shown by the party as well as all the DPP candidates. PAGE 9

bility of bringing hope for the future for Taichung residents, Chair Su said. He will also lead the campaign to increase seats for township mayors and city councilors, and eventually bring a victory for Central Taiwan. !

JANUARY 2014

American Enterprise Institute delegation visits DPP Headquarters

A delegation from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) paid a visit to the DPP Headquarters on January 14. The AEI delegation comprised of six representatives led by Former U.S. Ambassador for the United Nations John R. Bolton. Both sides exchanged discussions regarding regional security, trade and cross strait relations. In regards to the setting-up of cross strait offices, Chair Su expressed that discussions should be conducted between the two governments instead of being negotiated by two political parties, the KMT and the CCP, and then implemented by the Taiwan government. Negotiations between political parties, he said, violated the principles of a democracy, and it also violated the laws of supervision by the legislature. Chair Su further said that both governments should also uphold the principles of transparency. Chair Su emphasized the DPP standpoint, which supports the setting-up of cross strait offices, but in an equal and transparent manner. He said the DPP also wishes to see adequate mechanisms in access to legal and consular rights from both sides. In regards to the current situation in the East China Seas, Former Ambassador Bolton asked Chair Sus views on how Taiwan can cooperate with other countries during the escalation of tensions. Chair Su agreed that in dealing with the situation regarding the Diaoyutai Islands, China is challenging the U.S. position by drawing an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and suppressing the strategic approach by neighboring countries. Chair Su said that during his visit to Singapore, U.S., Canada, Thailand and the Philippines last year, he raised the concept of a ! PAGE 10 democratic alliance with neighboring democratic countries in order to lessen regional tensions and restore balance. However, he expressed regret that President Mas response in handling the situation for being too slow and too soft. In terms of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Chair Su said the DPP hopes that Taiwan can enter into its negotiations. Taiwan is an oceanic country, he said. It must definitely have free trade and the DPP highly wishes for Taiwan to enter the TPP. For further understanding of the TPP and its impact on Taiwan, Chair Su told Former Ambassador Bolton that he sent Department of International Affairs Director Mr. Liu Shih-chung to visit Tokyo and Seoul to study the negotiating methods by both countries regarding TPP. Chair Su also reported that in last weeks Central Standing Committee, the committee passed a resolution requesting the Ma Administration to immediately start implementing a plan that includes liberalizing current regulations and to exercise reform of industries in preparation for the TPP.

JANUARY 2014

DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

PUBLISHED BY: Department of International A"airs 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

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