Taiwan: the Voters’ Wisdom

Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s incumbent President, governed with two parliaments in which her party had a comfortable majority (62 of 114 seats from 2016 to 2020 and 61 of 114 seats from 2020 to 2024). Vice President Lai Ching-te who is going to succeed her as President in May, will probably have to settle for 51 or 52 of 113 seats.

Where’s my new office?

That may look like bad news, but if you presume that the results express a collective intention, it is this: the voters prefer Lai over Hou Yu-ih (KMT) and Ko Wen-je (TPP), but they don’t trust him as much as they trusted Tsai Ing-wen.
With good reason. While Tsai wasn’t a great speaker, she weighed her words carefully, she was always well-prepared for whatever questions she would be asked, and she never acted as if there was only one political party in Taiwan (her governing DPP). In fact, she claimed much of the Taiwanese heritage that the KMT considered their property, most notably the memory of Chiang Ching-kuo – terrible KMT dictator, but also a facilitator of democratic change. From the beginning, and in fact even four years before she actually won the presidency, she made it clear that she stood on the constitutional foundation of the Republic of China (RoC).

That looked easy, but it wasn’t. Before Tsai took office, there were fears that she would be at odds with her party, where a lot of people want the Republic to wear a more Taiwanese, and a less Chinese hat. In fact, many DPP menbers would like to burn the Chinese hat and never wear it again. But Tsai kept these desires under a lid.

Not that China would have reciprocated for that. But China is nothing to wait for anyway. What mattered is that Tsai achieved the same status with the U.S., Taiwan’s main ally, as her KMT predecessor Ma Ying-jeou (“We are no troublemakers”), and then improved Taiwan’s status further, by giving the island a strong international profile and by focusing on economic and social issues at home otherwise.

Lai may find it harder to convince his fellow partisans – and himself – that this is the right course to steer. And he may also have his blunders, although not nearly as badly as you’d have to expect them from Ko Wen-je, who came in third in today’s presidential elections.

But what happened to Lai on December 30th, as explained here by “Frozen Garlic”, wouldn’t have happened to Tsai Ing-wen.

Lai won’t have to overcome a monolithic block of opposition, when seeking compromises with the legislative yuan, i. e. parliament. But he will have to make a case for many of his projects, and he will have to convince not so like-minded politicians that his goals are worth their support.

It seems to me that today’s election day is a pretty good day for Taiwan – though not exactly as good as the two times when Tsai won the presidential elections, in January 2016, and in January 2020. Lai was a successful prime minister and Vice President of Taiwan, but it is hard to imagine the successes in modernizing the country’s economy and in making it a sought-after partner for the international community without Tsai Ing-wen’s leadership. The good news is that the DPP remains a party with great talents: Lai himself, former health minister Chen Shih-chung (if you remember how well Taiwan did during the Covid-19 pandemic), or Audrey Tang, for example.

The President, not the Legislative Yuan, will have the final say in forming a government or cabinet. If Lai Ching-te makes good choices and wins support within the DPP and beyond, he might well earn the DPP a fourth consecutive presidential term, in 2028.

Tsai’s Double-Ten Speech: “If we do not progress, our fate will be decided for us”

The following are the Chinese- and English-language versions of President Tsai Ing-wen’s speech as published by the Presidential Office this morning.

A promise in every street: “有鳳來儀”, Radio Taiwan International QSL card, 2022

大會主席游錫堃院長、諾魯共和國昆洛斯總統伉儷、聖克里斯多福及尼維斯聯邦萊柏總督、聖文森及格瑞那丁朵根總督，現場的貴賓、好朋友，還有我們剛從亞運歸來的臺灣之光，以及收看電視和網路直播的國人同胞：大家好！	National Day Celebration Chairperson You Si-kun, President Russ Kun and First Lady Simina Kun of the Republic of Nauru, Governor-General Dame Marcella Liburd of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Governor-General Dame Susan Dougan of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, distinguished guests, dear friends, Taiwanese heroes who have just returned from the Asian Games, and my fellow citizens watching on TV and online: Good morning.
今天是中華民國112年的國慶日。闊別三年，我們終於脫下口罩、齊聚在此，共度國家的慶典。	Today is the 112th National Day of the Republic of China. After three long years, we are finally taking off our masks to see one another again and are gathered here today to celebrate our country’s National Day.
現場有許多來自全球各地的僑胞，還有許多睽違三年，再次遠道而來的國際友人，我要代表臺灣人民，向大家致上最真摯的感謝。	Today we are joined by many compatriots visiting from across the globe as well as many friends from abroad who have not been to Taiwan for three years. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest thanks to you all.
回首三年來辛苦的防疫之路，彷彿那段日子已經很遙遠。然而，有另一條艱辛的路，我們走了三十年。	Looking back on those challenging three years of responding to the pandemic, it feels like it has been a very long time. But, in fact, there is another path beset with challenges that we have walked for 30 years.
不前進就倒退，不奮進就被決定命運	If we do not move forward, we move backward; if we do not progress, our fate will be decided for us
就在上個月底，「潛艦國造」的第一艘原型艦下水了。在完成後續的測試後，這艘「海鯤軍艦」預計在2025年正式服役。	Late last month, the prototype of our first indigenous submarine was launched. Once it has completed testing, this submarine, Narwhal, is set to officially enter into service in 2025.
潛艦國造是歷經三十年，不同政黨的總統，都想實現的夢想。現在，我們做到了！	For the last three decades, producing a domestically developed submarine has been a dream of presidents from different parties. Now, we have made this dream a reality.
從無到有，踏出這一步需要無比的勇氣。要扛住壓力，要突破瓶頸，要頂住流言蜚語，只要稍有猶豫，就會失敗。	As we started from scratch, taking this leap required immense courage, because when facing pressure, overcoming obstacles, and standing up to disparaging and false narratives, any hesitation would lead to failure.
但是，我們終於做到了！我們的國防自主再跨出一大步，國軍不對稱戰力再向上提升；我們更再次展現，守護中華民國臺灣的決心。我相信，全世界更會認同，海鯤軍艦是為了守護區域和平穩定而破浪前行。	But, at the end of the day, we did it. We took a big step forward in our national defense self-sufficiency and further enhanced the asymmetric capabilities of our military. We once again demonstrated our resolve to defend the Republic of China (Taiwan). I believe that the whole world will recognize that Narwhal has taken to the waves to safeguard regional peace and stability.
這正是中華民國立足臺灣七十四年來，之所以屹立不搖的精神。面對特殊的國際處境和瞬息萬變的挑戰，我們不前進就會倒退；不奮進努力，就無法掌握自己的未來和命運。	This is a reflection of the unwavering spirit that has underpinned the Republic of China since establishing itself in Taiwan 74 years ago. As we face unique international circumstances and rapidly changing challenges, if we do not move forward, we will move backward. And if we do not give our all to make progress, we will not be able to decide our own future, our own fate.
感謝臺灣人民，在艱難挑戰中落實改革	Thank you to the people of Taiwan for facilitating reform during challenging times
尤其，這七年多來，國際及區域的政經情勢複雜多變，加上百年大疫與極端氣候，在在挑戰民主國家中，政府治理的韌性機制；也挑戰民主社會中，人與人的信任基礎。	Over the past seven years in particular, we have seen a complicated and changing political and economic landscape, both internationally and regionally, and on top of that, an unprecedented pandemic and extreme weather. Time and again, these have challenged the resilience of governance in democratic countries as well as the foundation of trust between people in democratic societies.
我從未忘記我對改革的承諾，也深知改革所帶來的衝突和陣痛。我要感謝臺灣人民，我們總是能用團結戰勝恐懼，用包容化解仇恨，用民主克服挑戰。	But not once have I forgotten my pledge to reform, and I am deeply aware of the friction and discomfort that reform brings. I want to thank the people of Taiwan, because we are always able to conquer fear through our solidarity, to resolve hostility through our tolerance, and to overcome challenges through our democracy.
婚姻平權法案通過已經四年了。我要感謝反對者的包容，成就了一個讓全世界羨慕的臺灣，每一對相愛的彼此，都能幸福成家的國度。	It has been four years since the passing of legislation for marriage equality in Taiwan. I want to thank those who opposed this for their tolerance, making Taiwan, a country where any two people who love each other can start a family and find happiness, the envy of the world.
我要深深感謝全體軍公教夥伴的諒解。為了讓年金的財務能夠永續，我們一起完成過去無法做到的「年金改革」，也讓政府的財政更有餘裕，來照顧下一代。	I am also deeply thankful to all our military personnel, civil servants, and educators for their understanding. To ensure that pension finances are sustainable, together we have achieved what was once impossible – pension reform. This has given the government more financial resources to look after the next generation.
我也要謝謝勞工朋友的體諒。雖然，我們還沒走完年金改革的最後一哩路，但我們從2020年起，陸續編列了2,670億元預算，撥補勞保基金。我期盼，下一階段勞保財務的改革，能夠在穩定的財務基礎上、在社會的理性對話中，凝聚共識、穩健進行。	I also want to thank the workers for their understanding. Even though we have yet to complete the last mile of our pension reform, we have from 2020 gradually allocated NT$267 billion to supplement the Labor Insurance Fund. I hope that in the next stage of labor finance reform, we can forge consensus and make steady progress through rational dialogue in society and on a solid financial basis.
與此同時，我們連續八年調漲基本工資，並以所累積的經驗為基礎，提出「最低工資法」草案，送交立法院審議。蔡英文沒有忘記要照顧勞工的承諾。	Meanwhile, we have raised the minimum wage for eight consecutive years. And, using our accumulated experience, we proposed a draft bill for a minimum wage law and submitted it to the Legislative Yuan for review. I have not forgotten my pledge to look after workers.
前陣子，我遇到了一對來自桃園的夫妻，他們是投入「包租代管」的公益出租人。他們跟我說，社宅出租的，不只是「一間房」，而是要給房客「一個家」。	Some time ago, I met a married couple from Taoyuan. They were public welfare landlords who were participating in the subletting management scheme. They told me that social housing rentals are not merely “rooms” for tenants, but “homes.”
我要感謝在臺灣不同角落，這樣溫暖投入推動社宅的朋友。七年多來，我們在起步階段的困難中前進，並且奠定基礎；如今，社會住宅運動，逐漸卸下標籤，成為社區的正向力量；八年20萬戶的目標，也將在2024年底達成。	I want to thank our friends from every corner of Taiwan who have so passionately participated in the promotion of social housing. Over these past seven years and more, we have overcome the difficulties of this endeavor’s early phases and set a foundation. Today, the social housing movement has shed the labels of the past and become a force for good in our communities. Our goal of reaching 200,000 social housing units in eight years is set to be completed by the end of 2024.
「居住正義」這條路仍然漫長，但經過這幾年的經驗累積，我相信，未來一定可以在正確的道路上加速前進。	There is still a long way to go to achieve housing justice. But with the experience we have attained over the past few years, I believe we can accelerate our progress down the right track.
我還記得，剛接任總統時，臺灣的電力備轉容量率，曾經最低只有1.64%。但這七年多來，我們大幅提高能源供應，也全力推動能源轉型，終於在去年迎來了轉捩點，讓綠電的總發電量，首度超越核電。	I recall that when I first took office, Taiwan’s electrical operating reserve had hit a low of 1.64 percent. But during these past seven years, we have substantially increased energy supply and have done our utmost to promote an energy transition. And last year, we finally reached a turning point with green energy generation surpassing that of nuclear energy for the first time.
現在，陽光越強，氣候越炎熱，就越不用擔心午後缺電。在傍晚的尖峰時段，我們的備轉容量率，也能夠維持在7%到10%的穩定狀況。	These days, as we have stronger sunlight and warmer weather, we need not worry about afternoon electricity shortages. At evening peak hours, our operating reserve has held steady between 7 and 10 percent.
我們在跟時間賽跑，克服種種困難，一步步實現能源轉型。面對世界急起直追「2050淨零轉型」的目標，臺灣的再生能源發展、儲能網絡建構，和電網韌性強化，只能快、不能慢，更不能走回頭路。	We are in a race against time, overcoming all manner of challenges, and taking one step at a time to achieve a transition to green energy. In the face of intense global competition in the race to achieve net-zero emissions, Taiwan’s renewable energy development, energy storage network construction, and grid resilience enhancements must gather pace, and we cannot look back.
七年厚實國力，臺灣已是世界的臺灣	After seven years strengthening our nation, Taiwan has become a Taiwan of the world
除了推動改革，過去七年多，我們在劇烈變遷的兩岸及國際情勢中，傾全力發展經濟、厚實國力、照顧人民、確保國家安全、穩定兩岸情勢，並且爭取國際支持。	In addition to promoting reform, while facing the drastic changes in cross-strait and international affairs of these past seven years, we have done our utmost to develop the economy, strengthen our country, take care of our people, ensure national security, stabilize the situation across the strait, and garner global support.
經過全體國人七年多的努力打拚，臺灣的經濟，不僅展現強大的韌性，更成為驅動全球供應鏈重組的關鍵力量，中華民國的國力變強了！	Thanks to the hard work of our people over these seven years, Taiwan’s economy has not only proven to be highly resilient, but has become a key force in the restructuring of global supply chains. The Republic of China has increased its national strength.
我們的GDP規模，從我上任時的17.5兆元大幅成長，今年預計將突破23兆元。而在這幾年全球飽受經濟停滯，以及通膨所苦的局勢下，臺灣這幾年來的平均經濟成長率，仍可維持高於全球平均值，站穩四小龍之首，並且維持相對穩定的物價。	Our GDP has grown considerably from NT$17.5 trillion when I first took office and is forecast to top NT$23 trillion this year. In recent years the whole world has felt the full impact of economic stagnation and the pain of inflation. During this time, Taiwan’s economy has been able to outperform the global average as well as the Four Asian Tigers, while maintaining greater price stability.
同時，我們還保持財政穩健，將連續六年的政府歲計賸餘，跟全民共享，除了發放消費券來促進消費，也透過像是普發現金、TPASS、擴大租金補貼等措施，協助大家減輕生活負擔；我們更加強平衡城鄉發展，加大投資中小企業的產業轉型升級。	At the same time, we have maintained fiscal stability, allowing us to share the budget surpluses of the past six years with the people. In addition to distributing stimulus vouchers to encourage spending, we have initiated economic stimulus programs including cash subsidies, the TPASS, and increased rental subsidies to help reduce the burdens on everyday life. We have also stepped up our efforts toward balancing development in urban and rural areas and invested more in the industrial transformation of small- and medium-sized enterprises.
我們也全力推動「六大核心戰略產業」、大力投入基礎建設，帶動臺灣產業完成了「典範轉移」。尤其是強大的科技實力和製造能力，讓臺灣成為全球供應鏈重組中，不可或缺的關鍵角色。	We have also given our all to promote the Six Core Strategic Industries, making major investments in infrastructure to facilitate a paradigm shift in Taiwan’s industrial sector. Taiwan’s particularly strong technology and manufacturing sectors have made Taiwan an indispensable actor in the global restructuring of supply chains.
因此，我們也翻轉了過度依賴單一市場的狀況。我們對美國的出口金額翻倍成長；而今年6月，我們跟美國完成簽署的「臺美21世紀貿易倡議」首批協定，就是率先各國、創新觀念的全新貿易協定。	Through these efforts, we have also reduced our over-reliance on a single market. Our exports to the United States have more than doubled. And this past June, we completed the signing of the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, a trade agreement that is both globally pioneering and conceptually innovative.
經過七年多的耕耘，我們對新南向國家的出口貿易，創史上新高；我們也強化與歐洲鏈結，現在，歐盟已經是臺灣最大的外資來源。我們用經濟實力，向全世界證明臺灣無可取代的重要性。	After more than seven years of hard work, our exports to New Southbound Policy countries have reached a record high. We have also deepened connectivity with Europe, as the European Union is now Taiwan’s largest source of foreign investment. We are using our economic strengths to show the world the irreplaceable importance of Taiwan.
而從2016年以來，蔡英文政府始終信守承諾、維持現狀；我們堅守「四個堅持」，不挑釁、不冒進、在壓力下也不屈服，和全球民主國家深化合作，共同維護區域和平穩定，也為世界貢獻良善力量。	Ever since 2016, my administration has kept its promises and maintained the status quo. We have adhered to the Four Commitments. We do not provoke, we do not act rashly, and we will absolutely not bow to pressure. We have deepened our cooperation with democratic countries around the world as we work together to maintain regional peace and stability, acting as a force for good in the world.
對岸因颱風而豪雨成災，我們展現人道關懷；土耳其發生震災，我們挺進第一線；俄烏戰爭爆發，我們堅定與烏克蘭站在一起。當然，我們更不會忘記，三年疫情期間，民主夥伴互相馳援那股「善的循環」。	When a typhoon caused heavy and disastrous rains across the strait, we expressed our heartfelt concern. When Türkiye experienced a devastating earthquake, we deployed our response effort to the very frontline. When Russia invaded Ukraine, we stood firm with Ukraine. And of course, we will never forget the virtuous cycle generated by democratic partners coming to one another’s aid during the three years of the pandemic.
儘管阻撓未曾停歇，但我們沒有停下走向世界的腳步。臺日友情堅定不移、臺美關係堅若磐石；我們的友邦和理念相近國家，在國際場域力挺臺灣；來自不同國家的年輕人，在社群上串連「Viva Taiwan」。	While obstacles have not ceased, neither have we stopped engaging with the world. Friendship between Taiwan and Japan is unwavering, and our relationship with the United States is rock-solid. Both diplomatic allies and like-minded countries have voiced their support for Taiwan on the international stage, and young people from various countries have spread the message of the Viva Taiwan campaign online.
臺灣的民主成就，已成為世界標竿，臺灣的屹立不搖，更無疑是全球民主永續發展，及安全繁榮的最大保證。	Taiwan’s democratic achievements have set a benchmark for the world. Our steadfast resolve stands as a global bulwark of democratic sustainability, security, and prosperity.
自信沉穩，持續貢獻區域和平穩定	Calm and confident, making a continued contribution to regional peace and stability
現在的臺灣，已經是世界的臺灣。我們已經證明了，無論在地緣戰略、全球民主發展，或國際供應鏈體系，我們都是最可靠、最有效率、最安全的合作夥伴；國際支持我們的力量，也來到前所未有的團結堅實。	Taiwan at this moment has become a Taiwan of the world. In geostrategy, the development of global democracy, and international supply chain systems, we are the most reliable, effective, and safest partner to the world. The strength of international support for us has reached an unprecedented height.
此時此刻的我們，已經能自信堅定，面向世界；我們也更能自信沉穩，面對中國，為未來的發展，創造兩岸和平共存的條件。	Since this is a time we can now face the world with confidence and resolve, we can also be calm and self-assured in facing China, creating conditions for peaceful coexistence and future developments across the Taiwan Strait.
做為總統，我的責任就是，守護國家主權，守護兩千三百萬臺灣人民的民主自由生活方式；同時，尋求讓兩岸之間可以和平共處，人民之間，可以自由而無拘束、無負擔的往來；讓臺灣，甚至是兩岸，都能成為區域和平穩定的貢獻者。	It is my duty as president to safeguard our national sovereignty and the democratic and free way of life of the 23 million people of Taiwan; seeking peaceful coexistence, with free, unrestricted, and unburdened interactions between people across the strait. Taiwan, and furthermore both sides across the strait, should be enabled to contribute to regional peace and stability.
我要再次強調，「和平是兩岸的唯一選項，以維持現狀作為各方的最大公約數，就是確保和平的關鍵之鑰」。	Let me reiterate that “peace is the only option across the strait. Maintaining the status quo, as the largest common denominator for all sides, is the critical key to ensuring peace.”
特別是，全球都已經體認到，臺海的和平穩定，是國際社會安全與繁榮不可或缺的要素；任何一方不能片面改變現狀；兩岸分歧須透過和平方式解決。	Particularly, the international community has come to realize that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is an indispensable component of global security and prosperity. Neither side can unilaterally change the status quo. Differences across the strait must be resolved peacefully.
因此，我們要持續努力，在確保主權和民主自由之際，能夠在尊重歷史事實之下，持續建構和平穩定的兩岸關係。	While persisting in efforts to ensure our sovereignty, democracy, and freedom, we must be grounded in a respect for historical facts, and continue to construct peaceful and stable cross-strait relations.
今天，許多位政黨領袖和貴賓，都在現場。政黨競爭是民主政治的日常，但我們今天能齊聚在此，正是臺灣難能可貴的民主風景。	Today, many leaders of political parties and other distinguished guests are present. Competition between political parties is a daily reality of democratic politics, but our gathering together here presents a precious landscape of Taiwan’s democracy.
我衷心期盼，在選舉的競爭過後，我們可以放下激情，臺灣內部可以尋求更大的共識，眾志成城，對外團結一致。我相信，這是我們不分朝野政黨，對國家的共同責任。	I sincerely hope that after the competitive elections, we can set aside our passions, and together seek greater agreement, to build a fortress of unity as we face external challenges. I believe this is our shared responsibility to the country, regardless of political party.
我們願意以臺灣的民意共識為基礎，以對等尊嚴為前提，以民主對話為程序，以維持現狀為核心，與北京當局發展雙方可接受的互動基礎，以及和平共存之道。	We are willing to take the Taiwan public consensus*) as a basis, conditioned with dignity and reciprocity, and with a process of democratic dialogue, to develop with the Beijing authorities a mutually acceptable foundation for interaction and a path to peaceful coexistence.
我深信，國際社會對臺灣的支持，只會愈來愈強。在全球共同關注，並致力維繫臺海和平穩定之際，我們必須掌握契機、控管風險，進而讓兩岸成為區域和平穩定的重要貢獻者。而這是臺灣朝野政黨，也是兩岸之間，無可迴避的歷史責任與共同使命。	I deeply believe that international support for Taiwan will only grow stronger. As the world is watching with concern and working to preserve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, we must grasp the moment of opportunity to manage risk and enable both sides to be contributors to peace. This is not only the shared responsibility of Taiwan’s political parties; it is also an unavoidable historic responsibility and common mission across the strait.
國家繼續前進，讓世界因臺灣而更好	Our country is moving forward, helping make the world a better place
各位國人同胞，無論是六十五年前的八二三戰役，或是如今面對外部威脅的挑戰，我們始終懷抱著，不分彼此、同島一命的信念。	My fellow citizens, whether it is the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis 65 years ago or the external threats we face today, we have always embraced togetherness and the conviction that everyone in Taiwan has a shared destiny.
如今，中華民國臺灣，已經成為兩千三百萬人民的主流共識。這個共識，匯聚了不同族群的歷史情感，和七十四年來福禍與共的體認。	Today, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has become the prevailing consensus of our 23 million people. This consensus is a convergence of the historical sentiments of different groups and the knowledge of the joys and hardships we have shared over the past 74 years.
它更代表，我們會為了團結、為了守護國家、為了捍衛民主自由的生活，願意走近彼此，創造最大的公約數。	It also shows that we are willing to come together and create the largest common denominator in order to foster unity, safeguard our country, and defend our free and democratic way of life.
臺灣的民主，也因此在無比巨大的內外壓力中，成長茁壯，從而孕育出更為堅強的韌性。守護臺灣的民主，就是守護普世價值的民主。	In the midst of tremendous internal and external pressures, Taiwan’s democracy has grown and thrived as a result of that willingness, and we have emerged with even greater resilience. We know that to protect Taiwan’s democracy is to protect the universal value of democracy.
感謝大家的團結一致，我們向全世界點亮了民主臺灣；我們會自信地向世人傳達，臺灣人尊嚴自主、熱情良善。臺灣人樂為世界人，也將世世代代做為民主人、自由人。	Thanks to our solidarity, we have brought the international spotlight to democratic Taiwan. With confidence, we will show the world that the Taiwanese people are dignified, independent, warm, and kind. The Taiwanese people are happy to be people of the world and will be a democratic and free people for generations to come.
感謝臺灣人民給蔡英文兩次機會，擔任中華民國總統，和臺灣人一起打拚，我心中充滿無限感激。	I would like to thank the people of Taiwan for giving me two opportunities to serve as president of the Republic of China and to give my all alongside the Taiwanese people. From the depths of my heart, I am infinitely grateful.
這幾年下來，施政有所成就，也有不盡如人意之處；身為總統，我責無旁貸。這就是民主國家，執政者不能自滿，任何的施政，都要讓更多人民滿意，就是政府永無止境努力的目標。	Over the past several years, we have made achievements in governance, but there have also been areas where we have not met expectations. As president, I cannot shirk my responsibilities. This is a democratic country, and those in power can never be complacent. Each act of governance must bring the people greater satisfaction, and this is the goal of a government’s unceasing efforts.
各位國人同胞，蔡英文的任期會停在明年的520，但國家要繼續前進。	My fellow citizens, my term will end on May 20 next year, but our country will continue moving forward.
我相信，自信沉穩的臺灣，一定會繼續前進。我們不只要給世界更好的臺灣，更要讓世界因為民主臺灣而更好。	I have no doubt that Taiwan, calm and confident, will continue moving forward. We not only want to give the world a better Taiwan, we want to make the world better because of democratic Taiwan.
臺灣加油！中華民國加油！謝謝大家。	I wish all the best to Taiwan. I wish all the best to the Republic of China. Thank you.

Footnote

________________

*)	Tsai combined mínyì and gòngshi today – at times in the past, she has also referred to the “Taiwan Consensus” simply as táiwan gòngshi.

A few takeaways

President Tsai’s speech is a proud speech, and justifiably so. Whoever is going to succeed her as president next year will have to live up to the standards set by her. Her administration seems to have shown an exemplary combination of ingenuity and pragmatism where their predecessors under Ma Ying-jeou had mostly banked on “cooperation with China”. In that regard, Tsai was lucky: the standards set by her predecessor were rather poor. She was also lucky as her mainland counterpart Xi Jinping turned up as her effective canvasser in January 2019, during the early days of the election campaigns in Taiwan that gave her a second term a year later.

Taiwan offered shortwave listeners in the region (and maybe beyond) a nice gift on the occasion of its national day: Radio Taiwan International’s Mandarin service transmitted live coverage from the celebrations in Taipei on several shortwave frequencies^*)  this morning – a software-defined receiver in northern Taiwan helped me to listen to a rather clear signal even here in Europe. Of course, there were also live transmissions on the internet, even in German, but I only believe that things happen when they happen on shortwave.

Note

*)	9670 kHz, 9790 kHz, 12100 kHz (and maybe more than these).

President’s Double-Ten Speech 2022: Expect no Walk in the Park

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen looks ahead to her two remaining years in office. The following is an excerpt from her Double-Ten national day speech this morning (Monday), based on the presidential office’s Chinese text, and an English translation by CNA.

^{Double-Ten speech 2022, click picture for video}

…

疫情沒有擊倒我們，反而讓世界看見了臺灣的韌性。我們不只守住了疫情，更把我們往前推進了一步，成為我們心中更好的國家。	Instead of holding us back, the pandemic has helped the world see Taiwan’s resilience. Not only did we manage the spread of COVID-19, we helped Taiwan take a step forward, and made our country a better place.
但正如同棒球比賽一樣，這一局能夠化險為夷，並不代表，我們下一局就會風平浪靜。走過了上階段的疫情風暴，下一個階段我們挑戰更大，更需要我們沉著面對，共同解決。	But just as in baseball, being able to turn one inning around does not mean the next one will be a walk in the park. Having come through the outbreak of the virus, we know that our next challenges will be even greater, requiring a calm and collective response.
疫後的世界秩序，正在劇烈的變化。目前，歐美各國，正苦於通貨膨脹，和隨之而來的經濟衰退；臺灣的通膨，雖然還在可以控制的範圍，但我們仍然必須要因應，全球經濟衰退的變局。	The post-pandemic world order is in a state of rapid change. Countries across Europe and the Americas are suffering from inflation and the resulting economic downturn. While inflation in Taiwan is still at a controllable level, we must nevertheless prepare for the developments that might be triggered by a global economic contraction.
在此同時，全球供應鏈重組，仍在進行當中。臺灣雖然在半導體、以及資通訊軟硬體的領域，已經取得關鍵的地位；但在其他領域也必須要快步跟上，才能立於不敗之地。另外，極端氣候帶來的異常災變，也提醒我們，必須要建立更能夠快速應變的機制。	At the same time, global supply chains are still undergoing restructuring. Though Taiwan already holds a key position in the fields of semiconductors and information and communications technology hardware and software, we must quickly catch up in other fields to ensure our strong footing. In addition, disasters caused by extreme weather events remind us that we must build mechanisms for rapid response.
在經濟局勢的過程當中，我們還要面對的另外一個挑戰，那就是烏俄戰爭持續在進行；中國在南海、東海、以及臺灣海峽的軍事行動，衝擊印太地區的和平穩定。我們絕對不能忽視，軍事的擴張，正在挑戰自由民主的世界秩序。這些變局，都跟臺灣息息相關。	Aside from economic developments, Russia continues its war against Ukraine, while China’s military activity in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait undermines peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. We absolutely cannot ignore the challenge that these military expansions pose to the free and democratic world order. These developments are inextricably connected with Taiwan.
臺灣正處在變局之中。我們不能抱著僥倖的心態。我們必須堅定民主立場，審慎的做出準備，隨時因應瞬息萬變的情勢。	With Taiwan a part of this changing landscape, we cannot leave things to chance. Instead, we must stand up for our democracy, and prepare prudently and sufficiently to respond to any possible contingency.
回顧過去，正是因為臺灣的韌性，我們才能夠度過疫情的挑戰。未來的兩年，在我任期的最後，我們不僅要持續站穩「四個堅持」的立場，更要在經濟產業、在社會安全網、在民主自由體制、在國防戰力，打造更精實的「四大韌性」。	Looking back, we can see that we were able to weather the challenges of the pandemic precisely because of Taiwan’s resilience. Over the remaining two years of my term, we will continue to resolutely uphold our Four Commitments. We will also enhance the resilience of four key areas: our economy and industry, social safety net, free and democratic government system, and national defense.
把中華民國臺灣，打造成為一個更強韌的國家，就是現階段國家發展，最重要的目標。	The work of making the Republic of China (Taiwan) a more resilient country is now our most important national development priority.

____________

Related

An Economy with new Bones, May 20, 2016
____________

The State of Taiwan

First of all, let me come clean: like many people I know, I take sides. I believe that Taiwan’s citizens have a right to determine their future, and that China has no legitimate reasons to interfere with Taiwan’s affairs.
However, you may be aware that not everybody sees Taiwan this way. China’s Communist Party (CPC) doesn’t only want to rule Hong Kong, Macau, and “the mainland”, as the People’s Republic is often referred to by mainlanders, Hong Kongers, Macauans, and by many Taiwaners alike. Rather, the CPC wants to rule Taiwan, too.

“Taiwanese are also Chinese, aren’t they?” A tourist from Hong Kong visiting Taiwan on “double-ten” day, in 2009

In the end, China will most probably try to occupy Taiwan, either by laying siege – a naval blockade – to it, or by trying to invade it right away. In either case, China will probably have its way unless Taiwan’s (probably substantial) military resistance gets support from America, and maybe from Australia, Japan, and other countries. So, if lucky, China would gain control over Taiwan by military force, and that would be that (apart from a rather unpredictable Taiwanese population under occupation – Taiwaners could turn out to be rather unruly).

A. Image concerns

But success by naked force, however tempting it may be in the eyes of many Chinese citizens, isn’t the preferred means to achieve the goal of what the CPC refers to as „reunification“. That’s true for a number of economic and military (including nuclear) reasons, as even a successful invasion and a rather smooth occupation might come at heavy opportunity costs, imposed by countries that wouldn’t accept China’s annexation of Taiwan.

This is also true for image reasons, While China appears to have abandoned the idea that it could convince the Taiwanese that „reunification“ with China would be in their best interest, it apparently still hopes to achieve the goal of „peaceful reunification“ by coopting Taiwan’s economic and political elites, and by intimidating a sufficient number of Taiwan’s citizens so as to push them over.

But if the need for military action to achieve „reunification“ would arise (from China’s point of view), China would like to justify its military aggression, just as it has tried to justify its efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally (hint: the never-ending Taiwan-WHO saga, or pressure on governments of third-party  countries to threaten Taiwan’s economic lifelines.

On Twitter, you are faced with a lot of Chinese propaganda, carried forward by the CPC’s official mouthpieces as well as its useful minions (some of them may be paid by China, others may act out of mere fanatism). Some free samples:

Table 1

“Taiwan is an inseparable part of China”	(Reality shows that this is not the case.)
“If Taiwan declares independence, we / China will go to war right away.”	(We are looking for an excuse – we’ve decided to annex Taiwan anyway.)
“Taiwan has always been a part of China.”	(Only during the Qing era, and only if the Qing cared to say that there was “one China” including Taiwan. They probably didn’t care.
“There is only one China.”	(Yes, and thank God for that.)
“Taiwan is part of China because Taiwan’s official name is “Republic of China”.	If so, which Congo is part of the other? There are two Congos, the “Republic” and the “Democratic Republic”.China’s logic probably prescribes that the Republic must annex the Democratic Republic, because it’s always the democratic countries that get annexed.
You / your country have committed yourselves to the one-China principle.	This is probably the case in a number of bilateral declarations of China and third governments – but by no means in each of them. For example, “one-China” policy basically means that you somehow handle China’s “once-China” principle, not necessarily that you agree with it. Besides, you can always walk away from it – it has happened before.

So, a lot, if not all of the mouthpiece talk on “social media” is hollow words, suitable for propaganda, and maybe not even that. But China has to make do with the excuses it can find to gloss over its aggressiveness.

Did I mention that China applies pressure on third-party governments to deny Taiwan international space? Well, it isn’t just the World Health Organization, or the Nigerian government who accept that pressure, because it comes with good business. Many other third-party countries do likewise, to varying degrees. We’ll have a look at the examples of America and France later on.

But first, let’s take a look at the nomenclature that is flying around when people talk about China-Taiwan relations. To that end, I might use some pseudomath (it isn’t really that scientific).

B. Chinamaths

Table 1

or the other way round,

Table 2

Then there’s that One China – or more than one idea of what that is. But wide swathes of mainland Chinese people, plus uncertain numbers from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, will have this kind of math on their mind:

Table 3

From the CPC’s perspective, it can’t be

because that would imply that Taiwan’s political system would be the emperor of the whole Congo.
Now, when we are talking about Taiwan, we usually refer to everything that is governed from Taipei, not just the island of Taiwan itself, although that’s where Taiwan’s (or the ROC’s, etc.) citizens live.

Table 4

That’s my definition of Taiwan, too – when you read “Taiwan” in this post, this table-4 definition is the definition of it.

C. Taiwan: one country, two positions

Position 1 (pan-Green, more or less)

It may be more than two just as well, but these are the two I can think of.
One is that, when Japan relinquished sovereignty over Taiwan, it didn’t transfer sovereignty to anyone else. Two authors, Michal Thim and Michael Turton, described that position in an article for “The Diplomat” in 2017 – they are themselves supporters of this position, I believe.
Under international law and practice, only an international treaty can settle the status of specific territories, they wrote, adding that the San Francisco Peace Treaty, and the Treaty of Taipei between Japan and the Republic of China on Taiwan fell under that category. If those two had contradicted one another on the matter of Taiwanese sovereignty, the San Francisco Peace Treaty would have outweighed the Treaty of Taipei, but both treaties were silent on the issue of who owned Taiwan, merely affirming that Japan gave up sovereignty over Taiwan.

Position 2 (pan-blue, more or less)

Another position, also widely spread among Taiwanese citizens (if they care about what might be the legal superstructure of their statehood) is the Republic of China.
Now, there are probably many sub-positions to this one, like Taiwan equals the Republic of China, or that Taiwan can somehow claim mainland China (plus Hong Kong and Macau)  as well (that would be a minority, I guess). There is also a an interpretation of what the RoC is that seeks common ground between the San Francisco Peace Treaty supporters, and the RoC guys. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen adopted (and possibly coined) it when she ran for president for the first time, eleven years ago: the ROC, having lost all its territory in 1949, found shelter on Taiwan.

“Taiwan Independence”

In practical daily life, globally speaking, China and Taiwan are two separate countries. The rest is silly political squabble. But the silly squabble is accompanied by the clouds of war, and that’s why the rest of the world tries to take it into consideraton.
Obviously, wanting to please China (because it might be great business) is another reason to care about the “one-China” noise.

Supporters of the San-Francisco-Peace-Treaty version may argue that Taiwan is independent because Japan gave up sovereignty over it, and because there was nobody entitled to pick it up.

The “Taipei Times”, a paper from Taiwan’s “pan-green” political camp, led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), described it this way, in 2017:

Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) changed the constitutional system and became the nation’s first directly elected president.
By “vesting sovereignty in Taiwanese,” he acknowledged that Taiwan had become an independent state via democratic elections.

This, from Taiwan’s pan-green point of view (or the “Taipei Times” rendition of it), means that Taiwan’s independence is the status quo. Taiwan is independent, and the above is the legal reason.

Position 2, the pan-blue one, basically, may be best summarized by what former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou told an American audience in 2017:

On the question of Taiwanese independence, Ma recalled once being asked by a reporter why the island doesn’t formally declare. “Have you ever heard of a country declaring independence twice?” he replied. “We were an independent country back in 1912 — how can I declare independence again?”

1912 refers to the declaration of the Republic of China in the aftermath of the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. Ma therefore sees Taiwan as an independent state in the continuity of the mainland RoC from 1912 to 1949. That is pretty much in line with the general KMT view.

And if any version of “Taiwan independence” was palatable to the CPC in China, it would be this second one, because it is somehow about “one China”. The official reason for Beijing to be mad at Tsai Ing-wen and her DPP is that they would rather consider Lee Teng-hui the founding father of Taiwan’s sovereignty, than RoC founder Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

They ignore, however, that President Tsai’s position is somewhere between those two positions, and probably leaning towards position 2. It would be hard to ignore the RoC superstructure when you want to become Taiwan’s President – in fact, you are sworn in on the RoC’s constitution, in front of a large picture of Sun Yat-sen. That’s a tradition left behind by the KMT’s dictatorship era when there was only one legal political party on Taiwan anyway – the KMT itself. The RoC had, for many years, been a one-party state.

What is noteworthy is that both positions – pan-green and pan-blue alike – avoid another declaration of independence. What either camp would do if there wasn’t a threat of war from China is a question for another day. China’s reading of Taiwan’s status is that there hasn’t been a Taiwanese declaration of independence (yet).

How does the rest of the world deal with the “one-China” noise (mostly from China, not from Taiwan)? Let’s have a look at two third-party governments that have established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and severed (official) diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (RoC). Some countries either switched official diplomatic relations from Taipei to Beijing at some point in time, and some others – like the Federal Republic of Germany – hadn’t had diplomatic relations with Taipei anyway, and therefore found it rather easy to establish theirs with Beijing.
The two examples I know a few things about are the American and the French positions concerning Taiwan’s status.

D. Third-government positions

Sample 1: America

The frequently-quoted Joint Communiqué of the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China (aka the “Shanghai Communiqué”), issued in February 1972 on a visit by then U.S. President Richard Nixon to China, says that

The Chinese side reaffirmed its position: the Taiwan question is the crucial question obstructing the normalization of relations between China and the United States; the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government of China; Taiwan is a province of China which has long been returned to the motherland; the liberation of Taiwan is China’s internal affair in which no other country has the right to interfere; and all U.S. forces and military installations must be withdrawn from Taiwan. The Chinese Government firmly opposes any activities which aim at the creation of “one China, one Taiwan”, “one China, two governments”, “two Chinas”, an “independent Taiwan” or advocate that “the status of Taiwan remains to be determined”.

As far as the withdrawal of U.S. forces and military installations are concerned, the U.S. appears to have obliged (although there may be varying, and unconfirmed, numbers of U.S. military staff plus equipment in Taiwan from time to time, or permanently, or whatever).

But Washington did not agree with China’s definition of Taiwan’s status – the 1972 Joint Communiqué basically says that the Americans listened to what the Chinese said about it during the talks:

The U.S. side declared: The United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The United States Government does not challenge that position. It reaffirms its interest in a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question by the Chinese themselves. With this prospect in mind, it affirms the ultimate objective of the withdrawal of all U.S. forces and military installations from Taiwan. In the meantime, it will progressively reduce its forces and military installations on Taiwan as the tension in the area diminishes. The two sides agreed that it is desirable to broaden the understanding between the two peoples. To this end, they discussed specific areas in such fields as science, technology, culture, sports and journalism, in which people-to-people contacts and exchanges would be mutually beneficial. Each side undertakes to facilitate the further development of such contacts and exchanges.

Nearly seven years later (save one month), Washington and Beijing established diplomatic relations. That was accompanied by the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations of January 1, 1979. Here,

The United States of America recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. Within this context, the people of the United States will maintain cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan.

This is followed by a bilateral reaffirmation of the principles agreed on by the two sides in the Shanghai Communiqué. Also,

The Government of the United States of America acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China.

When you have read some “legal papers” before, you’ll probably think that in the 1979 Joint Communiqué, Washington didn’t accommodate Beijing’s positions any further than in the 1972 Shanghai Communiqué. I also think so.

The United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China (1972) only says that Washington understands that Chinese people in China and Taiwan see it that way.

The Government of the United States of America acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China (1979) doesn’t even acknowledge that an unspecified number of Taiwaners (“all Chinese”) sees it that way.

Sample 2: France

France went a step further than America in pleasing China – in 1994, that is, not in 1964 when Paris and Beijing established official diplomatic ties, and when Paris didn’t mention Taiwan at all, according to a piece by France-Info, published in August this year.

In 1994, France stated in another communiqué with China that (my translation)

The French side confirmed that the French government recognizes the government of the People’s Republic of China as the only legal government of China, and Taiwan as an essential part of Chinese territory.
La partie française a confirmé que le gouvernement français reconnaît le gouvernement de la République Populaire de Chine comme l’unique gouvernement légal de la Chine, et Taïwan comme une partie intégrante du territoire chinois.

Now, I would think that this states explicitly that Taiwan, from France’s point of view, is under China’s jurisdiction. But Antoine Bondaz, a Research Fellow and the Director of both the Korea Program and the Taiwan Program at the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), points out that (my translation)

France doesn’t say explicitly that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China, there isn’t any such declaration.
La France ne dit pas explicitement que Taïwan fait partie de la République populaire de Chine, il n’y a eu aucune déclaration.

Sounds like logic applied by a bunch of weasels, but that’s diplomacy. And if this assessment is correct, you can be pretty sure that China’s diplomats knew that, and still didn’t squeeze France to make further concessions (because that would have meant no communiqué at all, I suppose).

E. Some cold hard facts

All this is mostly about superstructure – cream on a cup of coffee that wouldn’t go away even if there was no cream. What remains as a fact is the existence of Taiwan (and its semiconductors, of course), and a Chinese disposition towards violence against Taiwan.
So if there are two Chinas, just as there are two Congos, why would China believe that it has a right to harass, invade and/or annex Taiwan?
Former Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi probably said it best, at the 17th Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Hanoi in July 2010, reportedly: “China is a big country and other countries are small countries and that is just a fact”.

____________

Note

Thanks to Multiburst who suggested that this topic deserved some more attention than what a few tweets would allow.

____________

Related

Some people, March 23, 2022
China-Deutschland, “Beijing Rundschau”, Oct 11, 2017

____________

Updates

Wissenschaftlicher Dienst des Bundestags, undatiert, acc April 13, 2023

____________

Fun and Facts in Taiwan

Every year, there’s the fun

and the facts.

President Tsai’s 2022 new year’s remarks are also available in English.
____________

Trans-Pacific Press Review (TPPR), April 14

—

Happy reading …

Date	Item
	—
April 1	Argentina has sought Chinese support in its negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Argentina started with reaching an agreement with the IMF. China is one of Argentina’s biggest trade and investment partners. According to a report by Argentina’s embassy to China, Argentina’s ambassador to China, Sabino Vaca Narvaja, has had meetings with high-level Chinese officials. The purpose was to ask China to support Argentina in its talks to have deadlines extended and interest on debt lowered.
	—
April 9	Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and a master of innocuous small talk, died last Friday.
	—
April 9	Also on Friday, the world’s biggest Mazu pilgrimage started in Dajia District, Taichung, Taiwan.
	—
April 9	Still on Friday, China’s ambassador to Canada had reassuring news for Michael Spavor‘s and Michael Kovrig‘s fellow citizens: the “vast majority” should not worry about being kidnapped by the police, he reportedly told a Zoom audience Memorial University of St. John’s. (I suppose his wording was a bit different from kidnapped by the police, rather something like “people engage in those criminal activities, whether it’s Canadians or other nationalities”.)
	—
April 12	Gao Fu (高福), head of the Chinese Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, has been quoted as saying that China’s current vaccines  “don’t have very high rates of protection”, but later referred to this statement as a “complete misunderstanding”.
	—
April 14	US climate envoy John Kerry is in China, and two authors on Foreign Policy have some advice for him.
	—
April 14	Also, a US delegation is in Taiwan at President Joe Biden‘s request. President Tsai Ing-wen will reportedly meet with the delegation on Thursday morning.

____________

Related

Universal topics, Mar 22, 2018
RAE adds Chinese programs, Jun 10, 2013

Ko Wen-je discusses his Chances to be elected President, Cross-Strait Relations

The following is a translation of an article by Radio Taiwan International‘s Chinese service.

The article contains interesting quotes from an interview Ko Wen-je gave Next TV, but leaves out critical comments he reportedly made about Xi Jinping‘s Qin-Shi-Huang kind of actions.

Links within blockquotes added during translation.

Xi Jinping acting like Qin Shi Huang?

Main link:

No great chance to be elected president/ there are currently no cross-strait relations

Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je said in an interview aired on July 9 that concerning the 2024 presidential elections, he was “taking a preparatory look at the issue” but his own view of the odds for him wasn’t promising, there would be new politicians, and the situation would be different.

台北市長柯文哲於9日播出的專訪中表示，對於2024總統「照這樣準備」，但自評勝算很低，且到那時會有新的政治人物出現、也沒有連任問題，戰局會不同。

Ko’s interview was broadcast on July 9 by Next TV. Asked by host Chen Yalin about the participation issue in the 2024 presidential elections, Ko declared for the first time that “I am still looking at such preparations, preparing for the presidential elections, just choosing like that, does it work or doesn’t it.”

台北市長柯文哲於9日播出的壹電視專訪中，被主持人陳雅琳問及參選2024總統問題，他首度表態「我還是照這樣準備，準備選總統，就這樣去選，行或不行」。

The host followed up, asking “what is the chance that it would work?”, and Ko answered that if you lean on personal popularity to win, the mobilization abilities of the blue and green camps were both strong, and only if you lead by eight percent from the beginning, “if you ask me at this stage, the chances to get elected would be very low.” “When all media are playing the game like this, it can’t be easy.” Also, there would be new politicians by then, and there wouldn’t be re-election issues, which would make it a different campaign.

主持人追問「你覺得行的比例差不多多少」，柯文哲回應若要靠個人聲望贏，藍綠動員能力強，除非一開始就領先8%，「你問我現階段，選了贏的機會很低」，「所有的媒體這樣打，不容易啦」，且到那時都是新的政治人物、也沒有現在連任的問題，戰局會不同。

Ko Wen-je said that he was in a very calm mood now, with doing his work at the Taipei government, and if it [the presidential opportunities] was there, that would be fine, and otherwise, let it be. There was no need to care.

柯文哲表示現在心情都很輕鬆，正常在北市府開工，行就行、不行就算了，何必那麼在意。

Ko also said that at this stage, there were no cross-strait relations, only a Taiwan issue within the confrontation between China and America, with both China and America having their bottom lines. “Frankly speaking, my conduct and actions wouldn’t differ much from Ying-wen’s [President Tsai].”

柯文哲並表示，現階段沒有兩岸關係，只有中美對抗架構下的台灣問題，中美各有底線，「坦白講，我所作所為跟小英(蔡總統)的做法其實也差不多」。

Asked by the host about the Hong Kong national security law and the cross-strait situation, Ko Wen-je said that China has to reflect on how to deal with the people’s longings for democracy and freedom once arriving at a certain stage of economic development.

主持人問及對香港國安法及兩岸情勢問題，柯文哲表示中國必須思考當經濟發展到一個程度時，該如何處理人民對民主自由的渴望。

Asked what he had to say to China’s chairman Xi Jinping, Ko Wen-je said that [Xi] had better respect Taiwan. Democracy and freedom were the core of Taiwan’s politics, cherished by the Taiwanese, and, more importantly, the Taiwanese would want to retain it. Therefore, [Xi] needed to understand Taiwan’s current situation.

至於對中國國家主席習近平有何話說，柯文哲表示，他還是要尊重台灣。民主自由是台灣政治的核心；台灣人會珍惜它、更重要的是台灣人會去想要保有它，所以他必須了解台灣的現況。

____________

Updates / Related

Taipei to continue forum with Shanghai (click picture)

____________

President Tsai Ing-wen begins her Second Term, Inaugural Speech in full

in Chinese

in English

____________

Related

A second term, Jan 13, 2020
“We uphold our principles”, Jan 2, 2019
First Double-Ten speech, Oct 11, 2016
Economy with new bones, May 20, 2016
She’s back, April 15, 2015

____________

Related / Updates

Domestic in Focus, J. A. Cohen, May 21, 2020

____________