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144 China and Taiwan: Cross-Strait Relations Under Chen Shui-bian© 2002 Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore Victorius Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu. The election results for the 10th ROC Presidential and Vice-Presidential election have been declared. The Democratic Progressive Party candidates, Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu, have been elected President and Vice-President in Taiwan’s second democratic presidential election. First, we want to thank the people of Taiwan with our most solemn and modest hearts. We would like to thank the DPP comrades. We want to thank the Academia Sinica President Lee Yuan-tseh and the national policy advisers for boldly pledging their support. We furthermore would like to thank all those who have contributed to the campaign process. This moment is a dignified and sacred one in the history of Taiwan — because the courageous people of Taiwan, with love and hope, have conquered fear and darkness. They have used their sacred ballots to express their determination to uphold the democracy of Taiwan. That A-bian and Annette Lu are elected does not mean a personal victory or a victory for the DPP. This is a victory for democracy and a victory for the people. This glorious moment also marks the beginning of our responsibility. We want to thank all the countries of the world who have over the years shown concern and support for Taiwan. This has facilitated the smooth completion of Taiwan’s presidential election. Today, Taiwan has written a new chapter in our road to democracy, and has given birth to a renewed opportunity for democracy and peace in the Asia–Pacific region. It has also concretely acted as a demonstration of the third wave of global democratization. From now on, Taiwan will continue to enhance the exchange and interaction between the government and people of the Western Pacific regions. We will Appendix 3 Chen Shui-bian’s Victory Speech after the 10th Republic of China Presidential and Vice-Presidential Election 145 Appendix 3© 2002 Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore dedicate ourselves toward preserving the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and Asia–Pacific regions. A-bian and Annette Lu’s government for the people will take advantage of Taiwan’s developmental experience to assist the promotion of democracy and preservation of human rights in international societies. With our economic strength, we will assist Third World countries in reforms and developments, and fulfill our responsibility as a member of the international society. This election is not only the pride of the people of Taiwan, but it is also the pride of Chinese all over the world. We share the same bloodlines and culture. We hope that through more intimate exchange and interaction, with patience and respect, we can collectively create a harmonized and joyous new era. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the common hope of people on both sides. In the future, we are willing to conduct extensive, constructive communication and dialogue with the utmost sincerity and determination. Under the priority of ensuring national security and social benefits, we are willing to negotiate in various issues, including direct transportation links, business links, investments, peace agreement and a confidence-building mechanism for military affairs. We will also, with sincerity, invite Mr. Jiang Zemin, Mr. Zhu Rongji and Mr. Wang Daohan to visit Taiwan. A-bian and Annette Lu are also willing to embark on a trip of negotiation and communication to Mainland China before our inauguration. We believe that the leaders of both parties are willing to exercise our wisdom and courage to initiate positive development for future relations, so as to launch an everlasting objective of “goodwill reconciliation, active cooperation and permanent peace”. The results of the election may mean a momentary triumph or failure, but we believe the end of the election is the beginning of reconciliation. The people in Taiwan will need to collaborate on building a grand vision for the future and not dissipate our power by one moment’s emotions. When tomorrow’s sunlight shines on the top of the Yushan Mountains, it will be another dawn for Taiwan’s progress to peace, democracy and reform. The people in Taiwan need to convene and face the engineering of future reform. “The dream has come true and the sunlight is seen”. We believe Taiwan can transcend its historical burdens and prejudices if we only truly respect and understand each other. By doing so, we can conquer the anxiety and aversion in our hearts...

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