"There was just one vice mayor (in Hsinchu City Government). So I needed to do everything, not only as an engineer but as a deputy of the Mayor. As a vice mayor, I was in charge of everything in the (Hsinchu) city."

"The people of Taiwan enjoy complete freedom of religion, as guaranteed by our constitution. Any visit to Taiwan is enough to see how richly variegated Taiwan's religions landscape really is."

"There are no countries that have diplomatic relations with other countries simply because of democracy and freedom. They are all focused on national interests."

"We continue to assert the principles of no political preconditions, mutual respect and openness to innovation as the basis of talks with Beijing, while showing goodwill and creating a friendly environment for communication."

"To safeguard our nation's sovereignty and dignity, we've decided to terminate diplomatic ties with Panama immediately."

"Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in May 1997, Taipei has assisted São Tomé and Príncipe in promoting national development, with our bilateral cooperation touching upon the areas of public health, medicine, agriculture, basic infrastructure, energy and education. Accordingly, it disregarded its nearly 20-year friendship with us and approached both sides of the Taiwan Strait to seek the highest bidder. We regret and deplore São Tomé and Príncipe's reckless and unfriendly decision."

"The two sides (Mainland China and Taiwan) should learn a lesson from history and never fight each other again."

"Bilateral (cross-strait) relations have always been difficult and complex, requiring patience, wisdom and effort on both sides."

"We don't give them fish. However, we teach them fishing. In that way throughout your life you always have fish to eat. That is Taiwan's way in our joint co-operation in offering assistance to Taiwan's diplomatic allies in the Pacific. All these countries value their relationship with us very much."

"Any threat toward Cross-Strait relations would be unproductive."

"Maintaining stable cross-strait relations is a major factor (in maintaining the state of "green light" of ROC current state of diplomatic ties with other nations)."

"Different ethnic and religious groups are encouraged to engage in rational communication and friendly exchanges in Taiwan, giving rise to a respectful and stable society working for the benefit of the nation."

"There were some Gambian expectations that we (Republic of China) could not satisfy."

"I can guarantee they (Gambia) had had no contacts with (People's Republic of) China. We have cross-checked with various sources and were sure that the case had nothing to do with (People's Republic of) China. (People's Republic of) China has had no role in the case (Gambia's termination of diplomatic relations with ROC) so far."

"We (Taiwan and Mainland China) may not share the same history, but we could have a common destiny and future."