DEMOCRATIC PROGRESSIVE PARTY

CELEBRATES ITS 21ST ANNIVERSARY.……...1-3


CHAIRMAN YOU SEEKS SUPPORT FOR TAIWAN’S SEPTEMBER 2007
UN APPLICATION .......................................3-4

ONE LETTER, ONE
 PERSON : CAMPAIGN FOR A
DEMOCRATIC BURMA….………………….…. 4

DPP CONDEMNS CRACKDOWN IN BURMA……..5

UN FOR TAIWAN RALLY A BIG SUCCESS...........6

democracy &
TAIWAN LEFT OUT OF OLYMPRIC TORCH
RALLY…………………………………………7

CHAIRMAN YOURESIGNS PARTY POSITION……8

NORMAL NATION RESOLUTION……………9-11

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY THE DPP’S

progress
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Democratic Progressive Party Celebrates its 21st Anniversary

The Democratic Progressive Party celebrated its 21st Anniversary on September 28th. The
noontime reception was attended by more than 60 ambassadors and representatives to Taiwan,
as well as hundreds of DPP party officials and representatives.

President Chen Shui-bian officially opened the event by reminiscing about the early days of the
DPP. Several pioneers, including Chairman You Si-kun, who at that time served as
Chairperson of the Assembly, willingly risked their lives by forming the first major opposition
party in Taiwan.

President Chen recounted the DPP’s essential role in promoting democratic reforms towards the
end of the KMT-imposed period of martial law in Taiwan. The country’s next tasks, he added,
are to push forward with “KMT illegally possessed party assets” as well as “Joining the United
Nations, under the name Taiwan.” The President emphasized that the DPP has never deviated
from its policy of "deepening Taiwan's democratic consolidation," pursuing "social justice," and
"strengthening Taiwan's national identity," all of which represent the party’s basic line and core
values. As long as the DPP adheres to the concept of following the right path and doing the right
thing, it will win the trust of the people and lead Taiwan toward becoming a normal, complete,
and great democratic country.

Premier Chang Chun-hsiung congratulated Taiwan on creating not only an economic miracle,
but a democratic miracle. He emphasized that a firm belief in Taiwanese sovereignty and a
strong desire to join the United Nations is now the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan.
Presidential Office Secretary-General Yeh Chu-lan also applauded the DDP’s ability to
transform Taiwan into a democratic nation, and stressed that the party must stabilize Taiwan’s
sovereign status in the international community.
2 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

Foreign dignitaries addressing the

audience were Charge d’Affaires Lydia
Ngirablosch of Palau and H.E. Mawdo
C. Juwara, the Gambian Ambassador
to Taiwan.

Ambassador Juwara called attention to

his nation’s continued cooperation with
Taiwan based on their shared
“common values of respect for human
rights, freedom, democracy, and the
rule of law,” and highlighted the Charge d’Affaires Ngirablosch extended her
achievements of the recently concluded government’s best wishes to the DPP on this 21st
Taiwan-Africa Heads of State Summit anniversary, and confirmed its commitment to
in Taipei. “continue to voice out and speak for Taiwan in the
international arena.”

Both speakers likewise expressed their

firm support for the “UN for Taiwan”
campaign. Charge d’Affaires
Ngirablosch proclaimed that “the
world would benefit from Taiwan’s
membership in the UN and other
institutions… any great nation should
respect every country’s right to UN
membership based on the principles of
democracy and self-determination.”

Several of the speakers including

H.E. Mawdo C. Juwara, the Gambian Ambassador to
President Chen, Premier Chang, as
Taiwan, openly calls for UN membership for Taiwan.
well as Secretary General to the
President Yeh all used the opportunity
to condemn the atrocities taking place
in Burma, and expressed Taiwan’s
concern and support for the people of
Burma.
3 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

DEMOCRACY &
PROGRESS
Department of
International Affairs
Democratic Progressive Party

8F, No. 30, Pei-Ping East Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

t. 886-2-23929989 ext. 305

f. 886-2-23214527

e-mail: foreign@dpp.org.tw

web: http://www.dpp.org.tw

Director
Dr. Lai I-Chung

Editor:
Roger Lee Huang Celebrating the 21st birthday for the DPP, from Left to Right: DPP Secretary-General Lin
Chia-Lung, Secretary-General to the Presidential Office Yeh Chu-lan, National Human
Rights Commission member Huang Er-hsuan, Premier Chan Chun-hsiung, President Chen
Shui-bian, Vice President Annette Lu, former Legislator Chou Ching-yu, President of the
Examination Yuan Chia-Wen, and DPP Central Executive Committee Member Huang
Ching-lin.

Chairman You Seeks Support for Taiwan’s UN Application Referendum

Chairman You Si-kun recently contacted political party heads and leaders from all over the world, including
ambassadors to Taiwan, seeking their support for Taiwan’s application to the United Nations. In his letter, Chairman
You explained the importance of Taiwan’s UN membership, calling it a moral imperative as well as a practical and basic
right of Taiwan’s 23 million citizens.

Chairman You emphasized that the Taiwanese people have already expressed their collective will to join the United
Nations. As leader of the ruling party, he consequently believes it is his duty to achieve this goal. At the same time,
Chairman You requests that the KMT act responsibly and listen to the Taiwanese people, who have made it clear that
they seek to apply for UN membership under the name of Taiwan. Furthermore, they will tolerate neither Chinese
interference nor KMT collusion with China.
 4 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

In his letter dated September 12th, Chairman You stated that as Taiwan’s democratically-elected ruling party, it is
the DPP’s responsibility to help Taiwan break free from its current international isolation. Joining the UN would
demonstrate Taiwan’s desire to become a responsible and productive member of the international community.

Friends and supporters from all over the world have already affirmed their support for Taiwan’s UN bid in response
to Chairman You’s international appeal, including the Ambassadors of The Gambia, Belize, Malawi, Palau, Honduras,
and Marshall Islands as well as freedom loving political parties all over the world.

Prolonged international isolation would have serious consequences for Taiwan, especially during times of crisis or
natural disaster. For example, when the destructive September 21, 1999 earthquake and the 2003 SARS Crisis hit
Taiwan, our country suffered from international neglect. When the people of Taiwan desperately needed the care and
attention of the international community, China interfered by manipulating the political situation, thus preventing
immediate assistance from the international community and disregarding the lives of the Taiwanese people.

Chairman You also pointed out that supporting Taiwan’s UN membership is a moral imperative. Taiwan’s UN
membership application was twice rejected by UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon on the basis of the events of 1971 and
Resolution 2758. However, given that the text of this resolution addresses solely the issue of representation of China,
and does not address Taiwan’s representation, we must apply to the UN under the name ‘Taiwan.’ It is unjust that the
UN has not seen fit to grant UN membership to a politically free and economically robust nation such as Taiwan.
Therefore, it is our responsibility to continue to support Taiwan’s UN bid and lobby our friends and allies to bring up
Taiwan’s cause in the 62nd General Assembly.

One Letter, One Person: Campaign for a Democratic Burma

The Democratic Progressive Party Department of Youth Development Director Chou Yong-hong expressed his solidarity
with the Burmese people and with democratic movements worldwide on September 28th. As Taiwan does not have a voice
in the United Nations, he called upon Internet users to launch an online letter campaign pressuring the UN and urging it to
show concern for the Burmese democracy movement and stop the bloody crackdown. By writing one letter, one person at a
time, the Taiwanese people can tell the United Nations that they are not only concerned about democracy at home, but also
democracy movements abroad. Moreover, they should urge the United Nations to place sanctions upon Burma and defend
democratic values.
 5 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

DPP Condemns Ongoing Repression by Burma Military Rulers

The Democratic Progressive Party condemns the Burmese junta’s ongoing repression of the Burmese people, and calls
for the return of freedom and human rights in Burma. Beginning on September 26, after weeks of peaceful protests, the
Burmese government resorted to brutal force and crushed the monk-led opposition.

President Chen Shui-bian expressed regret over the violent actions of the Burmese government, and added that he
personally and “solemnly called on international society to take note of the essence of the Chinese dictatorial rule and its
terrible human rights and pay close attention to China’s military intimidation, diplomatic suppression and political
‘united front’ campaign against Taiwan.”

Department of International Affairs Director Lai I-Chung also condemned the military government’s use of violence to
suppress the local populace, and called for an immediate end to the repression. He likewise demanded that leaders grant
freedom of assembly and association to the Burmese people and arrange for the immediate release of all political
prisoners, including National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung Sung Suu Kyi. Director Lai decried the
Chinese government's support for the military, which has subsequently harmed the democracy movement in Burma.

Director Lai stressed that the junta has long relied on Chinese support to resist growing international pressure for a
regime change. He called upon leaders in Beijing to stop granting foreign aid to the military junta, without which they
could not perpetuate their regime.

"Democracy is a universal value,” said Director Lai. He emphasized that even though Taiwan was once deeply
authoritarian, the people made many sacrifices to help Taiwan become a democratic country. Thus, the people of Taiwan
will give their full support to the Burmese populace, so that they might likewise pursue democratic reforms and gain
their freedom.

The Democratic Progressive Party and The National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB) are both members of the
Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) The DPP recently supported CALD Resolution No. 5 S, which
openly proclaimed its support for a free and democratic Burma and condemned the repressive regime.
6 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

‘UN for Taiwan’ Kaohsiung March a Huge Success

Recently, surveys conducted by the Democratic Progressive Party found that over 70% of the
Taiwanese people wish to join the United Nations using the name ‘Taiwan.’ The people made their
voices clear by participating in the ‘UN for Taiwan’ event in Kaohsiung on September 15th, 2007.
Over half a million people took part in a march through Kaohsiung, which culminated in a massive
rally that evening. President Chen Shui-bian, VP Annette Lu, DPP Presidential Candidate Frank
Hsieh and other luminaries spoke passionately to the crowd about Taiwan’s UN bid. The rally also
featured video footage of similar rallies all over the world. Participants sent a unified message to
the United Nations: Taiwan is a productive, democratic member of the international community
and deserves membership in the UN!

Chairman You with

supporters from
Freedom House, Ms.
Aili Pinano and Dr.
Karin Deutsch
Karlekar.
7 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

China Leaves Taiwan Out of the 2008 Olympic Torch

Relay

After months of frustrating negotiations, the International Olympic

Committee has announced that Taiwan will not take part in the 2008
Olympic torch relay. According to DPP Director of International Affairs
Lai I-Chung, Beijing’s boycott of Taiwanese participation in the torch
relay will only further increase the Taiwanese people's dissatisfaction
with the Chinese side, thus having a detrimental impact on any positive
development of cross-strait relations.

The entire controversy first began last April, when Beijing released its
plans for the torch relay route. The Chinese Government arranged for
the torch to travel from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Taiwan before
arriving in Hong Kong. Democratic Progressive Party leaders and
government officials immediately condemned the plan, which
envisioned Taiwan as the beginning of the domestic leg of the route.
They refused to accept any subsequent agreement denying or
downgrading Taiwan’s status as a sovereign country.

A consensus was reached on August 29th. However, Mainland Affairs

Council chairman Chen Ming-tong was informed at the last minute by
Beijing via telephone that Taiwan’s Olympic Committee would be
responsible to coordinate ‘all relevant parties to not use any flag,
emblem, or anthem other than those [described by the IOC] during the
torch relay."

Not only is this last minute change a direct provocation and disregard of
the dignity of the people of Taiwan, it is also a deliberate hostile act
ensuring that logistics will not allow the torch to come to Taiwan.

Vice President Annette Lu expressed her disappointment in the

outcome, but reaffirmed the Democratic Progressive Party’s position
that Taiwan would refuse to accept any arrangement that downgraded
Taiwan’s sovereignty. “It might be misinterpreted by the world that
Taiwan is part of China." stated Lu.
8 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

Chairman You Resigns Party Position

On September 21st, Democratic Progressive Party Chairman You issued a four

point statement, summarized here, which announced his resignation as the
chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party. First, he stated that the
Taiwanese people can vouch for his honest and upright political career.
Second, any public investigation will find that he has always used his special
discretionary funds for public purposes. Third, Chairman You respects the
Taiwanese judicial system, and is certain that he will be proven innocent.
Fourth, he is a man who means what he says and does what he means, as well
as a man of his word. Thus, he has decided to resign as Chairman of the
Democratic Progressive Party.

In a separate statement issued the following day, Chairman You expressed his
deep love of Taiwan, as well as his hope that his children would one day see
Taiwan fully integrated into the international community. The Chairman
believed that his resignation best suited the needs of the party at this time,
which faces many challenges ahead and needs to remain unified.

Chairman You resigns his position as party chairman.

9 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

Normal Nation Resolution

Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation. Neither Taiwan nor China belongs

to one another, nor is one country under the jurisdiction of the other. However,

the combination of an internal threat, that of the remnant authoritarian

Kuomintang regime, and an external threat, that of the hegemonic behavior of

China, constitute five threats to the normalization of Taiwan.

1. Abnormal International Relations

China has displayed blatant aggression towards Taiwan in the form of military,

diplomatic, economic, cultural, and political actions, and through its

promulgations of the “One China Policy,” as well as the “Anti-Secession Law.”

China has unilaterally altered the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, thus

undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty and security, threatening Taiwan’s survival

in the international community, and creating abnormal international

relations for Taiwan.

2. Abnormal Constitutional System.

Taiwan is still currently using the unsuitable Constitution of the Republic of

China. The democratically elected government is thus prevented from

functioning normally, resulting in an abnormal constitutional system.

3. Abnormal National Identity.

The legacy of cultural and educational indoctrination by the authoritarian alien

KMT regime, along with its suppression and stigmatization of local culture, has

obstructed the formation of national identification, thus causing an abnormal

national identity.

4. Abnormal Social Justice

Unequal treatment of certain social groups over time by the KMT regime has

led to a disruption of social cohesion, which should be based on equal

citizenship, thus creating an abnormal social justice reality.

10 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

5. Abnormal Electoral Competition

The KMT’s long-term possession of illegitimately gained party assets has

fostered a culture of vote-buying, a failure to distinguish between party and

State, and is furthermore detrimental to democracy, thus creating abnormal

competition between political parties.

The Democratic Progressive Party is the progressive force representing the

people of Taiwan, who seek to preserve Taiwan’s popular sovereignty and

pursue democratic justice. Faced by these aforementioned five threats, the

DPP shall move forward and respond on the basis of our “Taiwan

Independence Clause” and “Resolution Regarding Taiwan’s Future,” along

with our “Normal Nation Resolution.”

In order for Taiwan to become a normal nation, we need to actively promote

and implement name-rectification, promulgate a new constitution, and accede

to the United Nations. In addition, we must realize transitional justice and

restore a Taiwan-centric identity, with the ultimate goal of transforming

Taiwan into a normal nation. To accomplish these aims, we propose the

following plan:

1. Recognizing that Taiwanese national identity is based on the idea of a

community of “common destiny,” we must strengthen democratic

values and Taiwanese consciousness. Since the country name,

“Republic of China,” is not recognized by the international community,

Taiwan must seek accession to the United Nations, World Health

Organization, and other international organizations under the name

“Taiwan.” It is thus important to achieve name-rectification of Taiwan

in the near future. We must write a new constitution, and at a proper

11 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

time, ratify it through referendum to demonstrate that Taiwan is an

independent, sovereign State.

2. Taiwan should adopt the Gregorian calendar as its official calendar, in

order to facilitate the country’s integration with international norms.

3. The government should foster Taiwanese national identity, intensively

promote the development of Taiwanese culture and the public usage of

mother tongues, and implement the Taiwanization of the education

system.

4. It is a necessary prerequisite of economic development to first ensure

national security, social justice, and sustainable development, in order

for the people of Taiwan to experience happy and dignified lives.

5. The government shall dedicate itself fully to advancing transitional

justice on every front. It will rid the nation of the politically symbolic

remnants of authoritarianism and its unjust allocation of national

resources, oversee a complete overhaul of Taiwan’s judiciary,

investigation, and prosecution systems, and ensure that the KMT return

its illegitimately gained party assets. The Government must also

rehabilitate the victims of political oppression and investigate the truth

of the oppression which took place during the White Terror period.

The Democratic Progressive Party believes that Taiwan must move forward

with the times. Taiwan must therefore break away from the bonds of power

politics, put in place by an irrational and authoritarianism system, actively

pursue name-rectification and promulgate a new Constitution, accede to the

United Nations as an equal member, and implement transitional justice and

policies aimed at nurturing a Taiwan-centric consciousness. By uniting

together, we can build a normal and magnificent nation.