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.