Legislators Of The Republic Of China On Taiwan

"We can only achieve victory for Pingtung (County) when working as a team."

"Taiwan will be a beautiful country. A normal country. We need time to change, the road is long but we will continue to follow it."

"It is often difficult to explain to people why democracy is important. Even in Taiwan, even if we are a young democracy, it is not a simple mission. It is enough to look at the previous local elections to understand that even here it happens that hope for economic growth is placed before democratic values."

"Constitutionally, and presently, we consider the Chinese Communist Party a menacing party and a menacing regime. They have missiles targeting us and have incessantly threatened to invade us by force."

"I believe that China needs to address its own internal problems, from Xinjiang to Tibet, and when they manage to fix them and they can be more stable the discussion between us will be easier."

"We are two separate political entities. Of course, we must also explain it to other international friends. That is, Taiwan and China are two countries that are in a bit of trouble. In our respective constitutions, they also put the other's territorial sovereignty in their own constitutions. This is the biggest trouble for both of us. However, in fact, if we look at the two countries at present, whether they are sovereignty, culture, or the entire political system of the country, they are basically two completely different countries."

"About a more pragmatic approach in relations with China, from my point of view I believe that real advantages for both of us, Taipei and for Beijing, can only come from a normal relationship and a balanced dialogue between country and country, between party and party. This is something that can only happen if Taiwan strengthens its democratic system and its international role."

"We are in a complicated situation but we are trying to maintain and increase our democracy and our values. We are rather isolated and unsupported within international society but our responsibility is to promote cooperation on practical issues, such as public health, climate change or human rights, but also on democratic values. The rest of the world should do the same with us."

"According to some, Beijing may need to try to recover Taiwan with greater urgency, while others think it should focus more attention on its internal problems. From my point of view, I believe that China should really focus on its own internal problems because otherwise it risks one day following the same parabola of Russia and maybe it will need to reorganize in several small regions with greater autonomy than now."

"In terms of global knowledge about Taiwan, more could certainly be done. And we would need it. Let's start with how we are called: our official name is still the Republic of China but now most of our population prefer to say that our name is Taiwan. As far as we are concerned, we would very much like to become friends or partners with a larger number of countries around the world, but it is not a simple matter. In our history, most of the time governments have focused only on the relationship with mainland China. We have changed this line, trying to diversify international relations."

"Taiwan's democracy embodies not merely a democratic experiment; it signifies an exemplary success. The standard of democracy achieved in Western nations is the result of years of trial and error. By comparison, Taiwan's new democracy, after weathering rough waters, has burgeoned into an even more precious accomplishment. Our experience also serves as a reminder that democracy does not come ready-made, nor is it a utopian ideal. There is no express train to transport us to the final destination. Democratic advancement occurs only through constant and gradual endeavor, one step at a time."

"As long as we are united as one, stand firmly in our stride, and master our own direction, I believe we will again open up our own road and carve out the future of Taiwan"

"In the past, there was no freedom, so we struggled to get freedom. In the past, we were oppressed by the political system, so we opposed the system. But today's Taiwan is a democratic nation. Besides seeking freedom, we must also consolidate the rule of law, accept the responsibilities associated with that, and work together to sustain our system of democratic, constitutional government."

"Taiwan is not a part of someone else, not someone else's local government, and not someone else's province."

"Our Taiwan road is "a road of democracy, a road of freedom, a road of human rights, and a road of peace for Taiwan". Taiwan is our country. Our country should not be bullied, dwarfed, marginalized, and localized."

"As the leader of this nation, I want to make Taiwan into a normal country. Even though Taiwan is an independent, sovereign country, it is not yet a normal and complete country. Why do I say that Taiwan is not yet a normal country? Because if it were, it would be a member of the UN family and also be the member of the World Health Organization. Why do I say that Taiwan is not yet a complete country? Because our current Constitution has never been approved by our people. The 23 million people of Taiwan really need a new Taiwan constitution that is timely, relevant, and viable."

"With no clear national identity, our national security cannot be safeguarded, for there will be no basis upon which national interests can be defended."

"It is our solemn duty and obligation to defend the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait. It is China that is attempting to use military force to invade Taiwan and to change the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait."

"After I finish my term as president, I want to be a happy volunteer. As I have said before, our democratic reform is still ongoing and it must continue to be consolidated and deepened. But there is still a lot we could do regarding strengthening Taiwan-centric consciousness as well as realizing social equity and justice. I think I could be of assistance in this regard. Apart from being a happy volunteer, I also wish to make some contribution as a pusher and a cultivator and a gardener on Taiwan's road to democracy."

"This [Taiwanese] government, therefore, has always striven to maintain an ever-forbearing attitude with respect to the freedoms of speech, the press, publication and assembly in hopes of liberating Taiwan's people from the spiritual shackles that have bound them. The government has done so not only to enable the people to dare to speak, but to ensure the protection of every person's right to truly speak his or her mind and express views different from those of others."

"Taiwan and South Korea maintain a deeply strong trade partnership. We are open to any opportunity to complement each other and make both of us more capable and competent. I am aware that South Korea has a great influence on the semiconductor industry. Thus, I think that both of us can cooperate as long as we share a common goal, which is technological advancement that will take humanity to the next level. A shared purpose between us is to invent technologies not to control and monitor citizens but to make quality of life better for all in cooperation with our partnering nations."

"Taiwanese people have lived under military threat from China over several decades. It will continue to be a problem for the people of Taiwan as long as the Chinese do not renounce the use of force. However, we are in the dynamic process of enhancing our capabilities of curbing its threats. I see that we are in a position to deter the Chinese by making it their consideration of an invasion too costly to operationalize."

"We are in a period of complicated politics and a geostrategic situation. Certainly the imperative is there to initiate negotiations. That is very much Taiwan's agenda. We certainly hope that the U.S. would share that view and also work with us to proceed with negotiations."

"Our top priority is to maintain regional stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait and beyond. It is not a matter only for Taiwan but a common issue for the interests of other regional stakeholders."

"As a governmental delegate, [I] should not take a side in a domestic election in the U.S. because it is after all the choice to be made by the American people."

"There is a longer-term threat and that is, China hasn’t renounced the use of force to absorb Taiwan, and that is not a new threat. It’s been there for decades."

"The reality is that China has opposed almost every international initiative we have tried over the last four decades. They have also opposed efforts we have made to strengthen Taiwan's democracy. I mean, they tried to test fire missiles in the Taiwan Strait area when we had our first presidential election."

"The support for Taiwan and friendship with Taiwan is pretty much the same. My job here has three main focal points – security, economic issues, and political and international participation."

"This level of mutual trust is an extremely important foundation for Taiwan-U.S. relations. We are walking a tightrope and need to move very carefully. There will be times when we face setbacks, but in the end, we are still moving forward."

"Taiwan right now stands at the front lines of countering economic, political, and military coercion from the PRC. And the best way for supporting Taiwan is to engage with Taiwan on these fronts. And of course, on the economic side deepening our trade and investment relations with a stronger legal infrastructure, such as a trade agreement, would certainly help that effort."

"We also hope that the U.S., through its global influence, can encourage other like-minded countries to support Taiwan, take an interest in regional security, and support Taiwan’s international participation."

"It is clear that peace in the Taiwan Strait is a very important matter that has global consequences. Again, it would be in everyone's interest to see stability and peace maintained, to do what is possible to deter any kind of destabilizing moves and any unilateral changes to this to the stable situation in the Taiwan Strait on part of the PRC."

"History (white terror in Taiwan) cannot be forgotten. There is no history that cannot be declassified, no truth that cannot be revealed."

"Kuomintang is an inclusive political party, and different opinions can be discussed."

"Now is a very good time for Taiwan to ask for WHO (World Health Organization) participation, because some countries still do not understand the relationship between Taiwan and China during the global 2019-nCoV outbreak. We should let them know that Taiwan is Taiwan, not China, and that by attending the WHO, Taiwan could contribute to global healthcare by sharing its excellent healthcare experiences."

"If I am elected (as the Kuomintang) party chairperson, the necessary discussion or debate are things that should be done. Every proposition, if I am the party chairperson, I would need to respect. The most important thing is to be able to form a consensus after discussions. The role of the party chair is to serve as a platform for how to let this project of reforming and transforming (Kuomintang) run smoothly."

"If the social and financial situation in Hong Kong continues to unravel (due to the ongoing Hong Kong protests), then more institutions will flee the territory. Unfortunately, Taiwan is not as attractive as Hong Kong or Singapore as an alternative capital hub because of Taiwan's higher tax burdens and lower proximity to English-speaking economies."

"Transportation infrastructure should undergo a professional evaluation and should not be used as a bargaining chip for the election."

"It would be the "sin of our generation" if we fail to provide a good environment for our children."

"This is not the first time a branch of the executive (Presidential Office) has refused to answer questions (regarding cigarette smuggling scandal) from the legislative body using that excuse and I am sure it will not be the last."

"As long as the public still needs my services, I shall do my best."

"Taipei is committed to becoming a friendly, diverse and inclusive city."

"When the situation across the Taiwan Strait is tense, we have a need even more for communication and exchanges, and the two cities forum (Shanghai-Taipei City Forum) can be that kind of platform."

"As for the role of the Taipei City Government, we (the city government) will do our best to listen to different opinions, and will not avoid the (228 Incident) issue."

"If President Tsai refuses to accept the '1992 consensus' and refuses to acknowledge its existence, I implore her to provide a specific solution for discourse with (Mainland) China, and not just throw around hipster slogans."

"Both sides of the Taiwan Strait (Taiwan and Mainland China) have their differences of opinion. I hope people on both sides could help, protect and give their blessings to a simple businessman (bread master Wu Pao-chun) who wishes to develop his business without becoming too involved in politics."

"Fortune's wheel turns every 30 years. And now, it is time for Kaohsiung to be the master and the focus of the Chinese community worldwide."

"It (referendum by Kinmen County residents which voted against the establishment of casinos in Kinmen) showed that Kinmen folks were thinking about development (of the county) in the long term, instead of being shortsighted and allowing themselves to be lured by profits (from casinos) close at hand."

"Kaohsiung is opening its arms to all cities, nations and territories of the world."

"There are too many political issues (in Taiwan), he (bread master Wu Pao-chun) is not the one to deal with them, just let him do a good job in the bread profession."