Unite and Love Taiwan
Lung-chu Chen
March 18
has a special significance in Taiwan's history. On March 18, 2000, the
Taiwanese people, using their sacred ballots, wrote a new page of "party
rotation" in its democratic journey. On March 18 this year, the World
Taiwanese Congress met in Taiwan to urge the unity of Taiwanese at home
and abroad in their continuing quest for Taiwan's democracy and dignity.
Since May 20 last year, with the installation of the new government of
Chen Shui-bian, many politicians have not been able to reconcile
themselves to the new reality of a rotation in ruling parties. The
opposing alliance has resorted to one pretext or another to oppose and
obstruct the new government. Some politicians have been afflicted by the
China fever, and become, wittingly or unwittingly, China's instrument to
divide and conquer Taiwan. The pro-China elements are extremely
overbearing.
As Taiwanese felt increasingly threatened by China and its cohorts, the
Taiwanese at home organized "Say Yes to Taiwan" in September last year.
And later in December, the Taiwanese organizations all over the world
established World Taiwanese Congress (WTC) in Washington, D.C. WTC's
purposes are: 1. To develop the Taiwan spirit and to forge unity among the
Taiwanese worldwide; 2. To defend Taiwan's sovereignty, independence and
national security; 3. To promote the people-to-people diplomacy, and to
enhance Taiwan's international status; and 4. To campaign for Taiwan's
admission to the United Nations and to other international organizations.
The WTC held its first plenary conference on March 17 and 18 in Taipei,
and cosponsored with the "Say Yes to Taiwan" Alliance to hold a "Love
Taiwan and Unite" parade. The participants to these events were greatly
inspired.
In commemorating the anniversary of March 18, it is time for all Taiwanese
around the world to stand up courageously and to walk into the
international arenas. As a famous song puts it, "Mother, your name is
Taiwan." The Taiwanese must courageously call their Mother Taiwan, let
their voice be heard worldwide, develop the Taiwan spirit, and build a
first class island nation in the new century. |