Videotaped Address to the 2005 Annual Convention of the International Society for Human Rights

To begin, I would like to thank the International Society for Human Rights for this opportunity to convey my greatest respect and admiration for your contributions in promoting human rights around the world.

Through this videotaped message, I want to take this rare opportunity to thank the chairman of the ISHR, Mr. Karl Hafen, for his salute to President Chen and the people of Taiwan in his letter of March 21. Mr. Hafen has called for the unconditional revocation of China's anti-separation law (the so-called Anti-secession Law), and asked the international community to take seriously China's threat to Taiwan. The moral courage that the ISHR has demonstrated and the substantive support that you have extended to Taiwan's democracy have made an indelible impression on the minds of my people and government.

In 2000, Taiwan witnessed its first change of governing party and opened a new stage of democratic development. The people of Taiwan have always had great confidence in the future as they overcame formidable adversities in their pursuit of democracy, freedom, and human rights. Even more important than our own staunch faith and dedicated efforts, however, has been the enormous support and assistance that we have received from foreign friends and international organizations such as the International Society for Human Rights.

I am a lawyer by profession. My political career began 25 years ago when I served as a defense attorney in a political incident that arose from the struggle for human rights and democracy. Since then, respect for humanity and concern for human rights have been the major ideals and driving force behind my participation in politics. Today, my party has become the governing party, but we have not changed the ideals and values that we held so steadfastly as the opposition in the past. Instead, we hope to realize these universal values and transform Taiwan into a full-fledged democracy with complete freedom.

Nevertheless, it is just at a time when the people and government of Taiwan are courageously striding in a positive historical direction, that they are faced with this challenge from China. The Chinese authorities' hostility toward Taiwan's democracy and China's threat to Taiwan's peace can be seen clearly in the recently passed anti-separation law. No matter how the Chinese authorities package this law, the central message is that Beijing's leaders are now allowed to adopt "non-peaceful measures" to resolve cross-strait issues. So-called non-peaceful measures include, of course, war. The value of democracy lies, without doubt, in the freedom to choose one's own future, and we will not permit anyone to deprive us, or our descendents, of that freedom. China's use of war threats to deal with Taiwan severely damages Taiwan's freedoms and human rights. It is also a direct provocation of the international community's principle of advocating peaceful resolution of disputes. The Taiwan people's participation in the March for Democracy and Peace to Protect Taiwan on March 26, 2005, was a collective expression of popular will aimed at letting the whole world witness our committed belief in the pursuit of peace and defense of Taiwan.

In fact, since China passed the law, many Taiwan businesspeople operating in China have encountered all manner of pressure from Beijing, which wants them to show their support for the law and for the political position of the Chinese authorities.

Moreover, the ISHR has always expressed concern over human rights issues in China, being fully aware of China's poor record in this area. Human rights in China, especially the freedom of religion and freedom of speech, have seen little improvement over the years and even have taken a wrong turn in certain respects.

In this light, helping China to upgrade its military and, thereby, pose an even greater threat to Taiwan constitutes not just a matter of security, but more importantly of human rights. From this perspective, in determining whether to lift the arms ban on China, the European Union must take into consideration not only economic and security factors, but also morals and values. Should the EU decide to remove the arms ban on China, it would be endorsing China's military threat against Taiwan and democracy. Such a move would directly infringe upon Taiwan's freedom and human rights. In addition, it makes a mockery of Europe's long tradition of respecting human rights and freedom.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your staunch stand against China's anti-separation law and the EU's arms sale to China. The ISHR epitomizes the conscience of Europe and humanity's eternal values. Forcing a free and democratic nation into the hands of one that isn't would be an immoral and regressive act that would violate the principles of humanity and human rights. We sincerely call upon EU member nations to consider the decision they face. It is not about choosing sides between Taiwan and China. Rather, it is about standing up for universal values.

The ISHR's headquarters is based in Germany. The tremendous historic changes Germany underwent in the late 1980s sent a clear message to the people around the world. Democracy, freedom, and human rights will prevail over totalitarianism, enslavement, and persecution. Values and ideals, not military force, brought about Germany's unification. When people enjoy the right to choose, they opt for freedom and democracy. This is indicative of true humanity and a historical reality. The ISHR has promoted the philosophy that human rights cannot be realized with military force. Taiwan has totally supported and identified with this principle, and this has been our stance all along.

Finally, please rest assured that my government is sincerely and actively striving to strengthen democracy, safeguard freedom, and improve human rights in Taiwan. In the meantime, we hope that the international community can stand with us in responding to external challenges to our democracy, freedom, and human rights. Although the ISHR is a nongovernmental organization, its moral force and substantial influence is exactly the kind of international support Taiwan needs most.

Thanks to your presence, Taiwan will never feel alone and will be encouraged to confront any challenge. In return for your support, Taiwan wholeheartedly offers to strive even harder for the promotion of democracy and human rights.

In closing, I would like to extend to each of you my warmest wishes for good health and success for the conference. Thank you!

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