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MARCH 2014

DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

DPP: Democratic Processes Must be Ensured on Cross Strait Agreements
DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang, in response to the student occupation of the Legislative Yuan as a result of the KMT administration using nondemocratic methods to push for the passage of the Cross Strait Services Trade Agreement, made the following comments about the issue: President Ma Ying-jeou is lying Chair Su said President Mas statement to the press contained a large amount of lies, all of which he was once again placing the blame elsewhere except on himself and his administration. For this, he said that the DPP was unable to accept his explanation and he didnt believe the students would either. Chair Su said that the students came out to protect our democracy and to protect the rule of law. Under strong winds and rain, protesters have been sitting outside for days, and President Ma continues to show no concern for them. Compared to the Wild Lily Student Movement

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! 24 years ago, then-President Lee Teng-hui dealt with it in a matter of five days, but President Ma has chosen to handle it differently. We demand President Ma to meet immediately with the students and to respond to their requests, Chair Su said. He must also declare invalid what KMT Legislator Chang Ching-chung had announced in 30 seconds, and they must go back at once to review the agreement item by item as well as a request a complete renegotiation of the agreement with China.

MARCH 2014 has been making for a long period of time. The DPP further issued its following points: 1) The DPP supports the call for a Citizens Constitutional Conference; 2) The DPP demands the KMT to abide by earlier negotiations between opposition parties to, after going through a substantial review and break the non-transparency behind the Cross Strait Services Trade Agreement, follow the conditions of equal opening, fair competition, safeguard the peoples livelihood and ensure national security. Lastly it requests for the agreement to be put back for renegotiation with China. 3) For a long period of time, the DPP has wanted to implement a systemization of signing cross strait agreements with the right supervision mechanisms, and in 2008, it drafted a bill in that regard. Even though this bill has been blocked 108 times, the DPP along with the momentum of civic power will continue demanding for its successful passage.

DPP respects students demands - we all are striving for democracy

DPP Spokesperson Chang Tun-han declared that the students had made four substantive points, of which contents are equal to the efforts the DPP

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MARCH 2014

DPP issues its strongest condemnation against police violence

The DPP issues its serious condemnation to the police violence that took place on March 23 and 24. The DPP believes specially that water cannons shouldnt be the sole method the police should rely on. Students and young people hold ideological expectations from our leaders and they represent our nations future. They must not be treated with harshness from our government under the excuse of maintaining rule of law, but the government must respond with dialogue and peace so they can show to the world that we are a peaceful country that respects human rights. At 1:50 AM of March 24, DPP Chair Su Tsengchang, accompanied by former chairs Tsai Ingwen, Frank Hsieh and You Shyi-kun, DPP Legslative Convener Ker Chian-ming, DPP legislators and party staff arrived at the Executive

Yuan because they were afraid the police might use excessive force and resulting in consequences that would affect this nation. The decision for political leaders to sit with students in front of the Executive Yuan is absolutely not to incite violence. It was hoped that the DPP would be able to help and ease tensions as many in the DPP group were former premiers and current public representatives. Despite that, Former Chair and Premier of Taiwan, Mr. Frank Hsieh, was mistreated by police and sprayed with the water cannon vehicles. Speaking to the students on that fateful night, Chair Su told the crowd and appealed to President Ma, "Taiwan belongs to its people, using police force cannot be the only means. I urge President Ma to just speak to the students."

Renew 2008 DPP bill proposal to establish legislative supervision

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MARCH 2014

over cross strait agreements

The DPP has requested the KMT Legislative Caucus and to President Ma, since he also chairs the KMT, that the 2008 bill raised by the DPP concerning the proper supervision of cross strait agreements blocked 108 times by the KMT, should go back to the table for negotiations. In a joint-committee at the Legislative Yuan held on March 24, legislators from all political parties present agreed to send the entire agreement back to the Executive Yuan so they can renegotiate the terms with China once again. Even though the legislative chambers are currently been taken over by the students, legislators are still able to conduct normal affairs in other committees. The meeting was presided by DPP Legislator Chen Chi-mai.

While preparing for the supposed item by item review and deliberation of the agreement, the DPP had issued four standpoints, which were: (1) equal opening, (2) fair competition, (3) safeguarding the peoples livelihood and (4) ensuring national security. The DPP had made this clear to the KMT hoping that they would stick to the promises made on June 25th of last year. From the beginning, the way the KMT conducted the negotiations were extremely secretive and non-transparent. Student groups, professors and people from all circles of life have expressed their dissatisfaction, and they represent the majority now. This is a key moment for me and my party to improve our democracy, Chair Su said. Chair Su reported that the world is watching and some in the media is claiming that Taiwan is facing a challenge to its democracy with titles such as Dead or Reborn to characterize Taiwans current situation. He said that just as in the past, Taiwan had to resort to sit-ins outside parliament in order to achieve our democratic achievements, but this is the first time that student groups in Taiwan have taken control of parliament. He said that the students now represent a shield to our democracy by blocking the Mas administration use of authoritarian methods to force on us a trade agreement with China. Chair Su expressed his appreciation to the support of international friends, who like in the past, had issued their condemnation of the KMT governments suppressing actions. Now, they are once again standing out to protect Taiwans democracy.

Appeal to the international community to exert pressure on the wrongdoings of this government
March 20 The DPP held an international press conference, sending an ultimatum to President Ma Ying-jeou and warning that this will be the last draw the DPP is withstanding ways the KMT administration is forcing the passage of the Cross Strait Services Trade Agreement. The DPP is not against free trade with China DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang, as leader of the party, stressed to the international media that the DPP is not against free trade with China, a label that the KMT keeps repeating as a smear tactic. !

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MARCH 2014

Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats: Statement on the Railroading of Taiwans Trade Pact with China
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) is extremely concerned with and alarmed by the manner Taiwans trade pact with China was passed. On March 17, the Kuomintang (KMT) party decided to cut-short a vital deliberation process in the Legislative Yuan concerning the controversial Cross Strait Services Trade Agreement (CSSTA) that would open up trade in services between Taiwan and China. As a result, a multi-sectoral coalition led by student groups occupied the parliament on March 19 calling for Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou to hold an inclusive citizens constitutional conference, for the legislature to reject the CSSTA in lieu of a monitoring mechanism for cross-strait agreements, to pass a monitoring mechanism for Cross-Strait Agreements in the current legislative session, and for legislators from both parties to address the peoples demands. On March 23, the riot police started a crackdown of the protesters. While the quest for greater economic integration is benecial, CALD believes it is vital and necessary to respect parliamentary procedures and inclusive deliberations before policies are enacted. Transparency and accountability are prerequisites of a truly democratic government, and therefore any negotiation and consultation done behind closed doors or with undue haste is a violation of democratic principles. CALD therefore condemns actions of the KMT government that weaken democratic institutions and processes and undermine the voice and rights of the people. CALD also calls for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Taiwan and implores the government to implement maximum restraint in diffusing the tensions in the protest areas. Finally, CALD supports and reiterates the call of its member-party, the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan (DPP), regarding the four principles that must be present in the Cross Strait Services Trade Agreement: equal opening, fair competition, safeguard peoples livelihood and ensure national security. For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats: Sam Rainsy ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !J.R. Nereus Acosta Chair ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !Secretary General - See more at: http://cald.org/site/cald/?p=7533#sthash.GgPRMp 8H.dpuf

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MARCH 2014

DPP China A!airs Committee holds sixth plenary meeting

The DPPs China Affairs Committee on March 13 convened its 6th plenary meeting, inviting associate researcher Dr. Hsu Szu-chien from Academica Sinicas Institute of Political Science to present a report on China under the Xi-Li administration and implications for cross-Strait relations. DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang noted that Chinas transformation is now entering a totally new phase that will result in enormous changes for its political, economic, and social structures. To the rest of the world, China will represent the greatest source of uncertainty for the global system, but particularly for the East Asia region. As a leading political force in Taiwan, the DPP must very closely monitor and carefully respond to the various aspects of these changes unfolding in China. Chair Su added that, facing Chinas rise and the future development of cross strait relations, the DPP must enunciate a vision that is positively meaningful to China, to the region, and to Taiwan, in order to gain the advantage in outlook and discourse. In addition to strengthening the countrys political institutions and elevating its economic health, the party must strive even harder to find the right balance between idealism and reality, between social justice and the imperatives of globalized trade, and propose plans for economic development and social policies that will revitalize Taiwan. In her statement during the meeting, former DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen pointed out that people are most concerned with whether the DPP demonstrates a rational and reasonable attitude in its approach to China, and whether the partys policy is predictable and reliable. Before the public gains a full understanding of the DPPs crossStrait policy, a hasty change of the fundamental position would be unwise. Dr. Tsai also con! curred with the Dr. Hsus view that cross-Strait relations should not be limited to political parties. Taiwans civil society must share in the responsibility to help make cross-Strait interactions more diversified. Mayor Chen Chu thus reflected on Kaohsiungs experiences from participating in cross-Strait inter-city exchanges, and Tainan city mayor William Lai elicited a discussion about the revival of religious faith in China, referenced in Dr. Hsus briefing. Apart from providing his analysis of China under the Xi-Li administration and implications for cross-Strait relations, Dr. Hsu also offered five recommendations for the DPP, as follows: 1. The DPP should be more proactive in engaging in cross-Strait think tank exchanges, and not only that, but should also define for itself what is the partys aspiration where China is concerned? That is, what kind of country does the DPP hope to see China become, that would be in the best interest of Taiwan, East Asia, and the rest of the world? 2. Cross-Strait relations should not be confined to interactions between political parties; instead, contact between the civil societies on the two sides should be expanded. 3. In the area of inter-city exchanges, the municipalities under DPP administration should emphasize exchanges focused on urban planning, and on the basis of progressive values, seek the participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in order to promote positive values in cross-Strait relations. 4. The DPP should strengthen its discourse regarding the role that Taiwan can as an anchor of regional security in East Asia and in peace and security globally. PAGE 6

MARCH 2014

5.

To gain the support of Taiwans public, the DPP must propose a concrete economic policy that differentiates itself from the KMTs blind rush toward trade liberalization.

this issue will not be a key factor in the presidential election. In addition, Director Hung Tsai-lung of the China Affairs Department gave an analysis of background trends in cross-Strait affairs for the upcoming year. Director Hung recommended that the DPPs future approach to cross-Strait interactions emphasize strengthening oversight and expanding participation in the negotiation process. In technical subjects requiring professional expertise, such as the cross-strait services agreement, the party should join forces with civil society, increase information sharing, and enhance communications capacity, in effort to alter the cross-Strait discourse by introducing the liberty and human rights perspective.

Briefing the Committee on the international communitys reactions to DPPs 2014 China policy summary report, Executive Director of DPPs Policy Research Committee Dr. Joseph Wu said that the majority of international friends have affirmed the pragmatic proposals contained in the report, as well as the DPPs earnest efforts in the consensus-seeking process. They look forward to seeing the party make further progress in the future, with more concrete proposals developed on the basis of the 2014 summary report. The Committee also discussed results from two recent polls that surveyed public views regarding the China policies of the two major parties, presented by Director Wu Hsiang-rong of the DPPs survey center. According to the polling data, the predominant view in Taiwan with regard to the preference for unification versus independence is consistent with the DPPs basic stance, while the KMT and the DPP each hold advantages in different areas of cross-Strait policy. For example, the aspects of the DPPs position that the public finds least acceptable are its knee-jerk opposition to anything concerning China (40.7%) and conservative approach toward cross-Strait economic relations (21.7%). As for the KMT, 37.4% found its excessive accommodation toward China unacceptable, and 30.6% objected to the ruling partys economic reliance on China. When asked to identify the primary consideration that will influence their vote in the 2016 presidential election, close to 7 out of 10 respondents chose the ability to manage Taiwans economy, followed by 16.1% who indicated the candidates ethics and character as their main concern. Only 2.1% said that the unification/independence question is determinative to their decision, suggesting that the respective positions of the two major parties on !

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MARCH 2014

Former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage visits DPP Headquarters

Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Richard Armitage visited the DPP Headquarters on March 27 with a delegation from the Project 2049 Institute. Mr. Armitage asked Chair Sus opinion regarding the student movement currently taking place at the Legislative Yuan. Chair Su responded that the movement is a representation of the peoples dissatisfaction towards the Ma administration, especially the nontransparent way in which they negotiated the Cross Strait Services Trade Agreement. He said that the Ma administration also failed to adequately inform the legislature and the entire process was not democratic, forcing the agreement to pass. They also violated the previous deal with the opposition parties to review each clause of the pact. He explained this is the main reason why the students felt the necessity to start their own movement and express their dissatisfaction. Chair Su said it has already been 9 days since they occupied the legislature and Presi! dent Ma still refuses to meet with the students, which is causing everyones worry. He pointed out that without the students intervention, the KMT would have already passed the agreement. As a result of President Mas non-response, choosing violent suppression instead of peace, the public has already labeled the Ma administration as nondemocratic and violent. He said that the DPP hopes for a smooth conclusion for the resignation of for-life legislators as well as the abolition of the National Assembly. Then President Lee Teng-hui had met with the student representatives, responding to the students demands, which led to reform and the re-election of the entire legislature. This students movement has the full support of the DPP, Chair Su said. The DPP was founded during Martial Law,

of this conflict. However, he said that the key is for President Ma to take action by engaging in dialogue with the students. Chair Su mentioned the Wild Lily Student Movement 24 years ago, in which they called

and we strived for democracy and freedom. We stand behind these students because we identify with their cause and we hope that the government can humbly listen to their voices so that the country can move forward.

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MARCH 2014

Liberal International Deputy President meets with DPP Chair

pletes his term. He further said that based on the common values shared by both sides, he hopes Dr. Minoves can continue supporting Taiwans international participaDPP Chair Su Tseng-chang greeted Dr. Juli Minoves, Liberal Internationals deputy vice president, on his first visit to Taiwan and to the DPP Headquarters on March 7. Liberal International, headquartered in London, is the world association of liberal democratic parties around the world. The DPP is a full member of LI. In his remarks, Chair Su praised the good relations between DPP and LI over the years, saying that he hopes the DPPs active participation in LI can expand the shared values of democracy in Taiwan. Chair Su also bid well wishes to Dr. Minoves, who plans to run for the LI presidency seat in the next congress to be held in Rotterdam this upcoming April after current president MEP Hans van Baalen com! tion. Chair Su further said that the DPP appreciates LI for adopting two resolutions in support of Taiwan during his chairmanship. The first resolution was passed at the LI Congress held in Cote dIvoire in October of 2012, appealing the Taiwan government to grant a medical parole to Former President Chen Shui-bian. The second resolution was passed at LI's Executive Committee in Guatemala in October of 2013, in which LI expressed concerns over the use of illegal wiretapping, calling for the Taiwan government to exercise judicial independence. From these resolutions, the DPP at the Legislative Yuan was able to raise draft amendments to the law and complete the necessary reforms, Chair Su reported to Dr. Minoves. Since LIs foundation more than 60 years ago, LI has shown concern over freedom and human rights all over the world. From this support, Chair Su said, Taiwan has also benefited and we are extremely grateful and pay the highest respect to LI. Dr. Minoves said that as he is completing his Asian tour, this is the first time that he has ever visited Taiwan. He praised Taiwans developments in human rights and democracy, saying that Taiwan is a model for the rest of the Asian countries. Chair Su presented Dr. Minoves with a framed picture of him sitting at a panel at the 191st Executive Committee of LI in Guatemala. For more information about Liberal International, please visit: http://www.liberal-internationa l.org/

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MARCH 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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