President Chen's Inaugural Speech: "Paving the Way for a Sustainable...

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President Chen's Inaugural Speech: "Paving the Way for a Sustainable Taiwan"

Thursday, May 20, 2004,Page 1

Heads of States, Diplomatic Envoys and Foreign Dignitaries, Distinguished Guests, and Fellow Citizens:

Firstly, I wish to thank our honorable guests, at home and from abroad, who have joined us today for the Inauguration Ceremony of the 11th-Term President and Vice President of the Republic of China. What we have come together to witness are the progressive steps of Taiwan's democracy, as well as a story, written jointly by the 23 million people of Taiwan--one that is extraordinary and truly remarkable.

On this joyous occasion of national celebration, I will assume the solemn duty bestowed upon me by the people. At this moment, that which fills my mind is not eloquent words of glory and exaltation, but rather, weighty thoughts of bigger responsibility, greater humility, and deeper self-reflection.

In the final year of the twentieth century, Taiwan crossed a historic doorsill, completing an unprecedented transfer of power between political parties, and ushering in a new era in our nation's democratic development. In that time of change over--between the old and the new century--our fledgling democracy found itself stumbling down a rugged path of trial and tribulation. Taiwan's maiden voyage into the new century came wrought with turbulence as the old and the new, the weak and the strong, the emergence of crisis and the rise of opportunity--all came clashing into co-existence.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2004/05/20/2003156312

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1. Taiwan's Leader Wants Friendly China Ties

By WILLIAM FOREMAN, Associated Press Writer

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Bashing rival China might be a good way to get elected in Taiwan, but President Chen Shui-bian sent a strong message to Beijing on Thursday that he's ready for friendlier relations during his second term.

Chen loaded up his inauguration speech with conciliatory language aimed at soothing Beijing and assuring the United States that he wasn't a reckless leader seeking to spark a war with his communist neighbor.

"The Beijing authorities must understand the deep conviction held by the people of Taiwan to strive for democracy, to love peace," said the 53-year-old president, a former Taipei mayor and lawyer.

But China's state-run media slammed Chen with criticism on Friday, questioning the sincerity of his inaugural speech and branding him a "slippery politician" intent on independence.

An editorial in the China Daily proclaimed: "Chen Shui-bian's latest offer of 'goodwill' turns out to be another sham."

"Chen Shui-bian's speech cannot cover up true intent of Taiwan independence," read a headline in the Beijing News.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=2069&e=1&u=/ap/20040521/ap_on_re_as/taiwan_inauguration