Democratic reform should be pursued within the framework of constitutional government

Minister Cheng Wen-tsang of the Government Information Office said today that holding demonstrations is a right guaranteed by the Constitution, but that any reforms must be pursued via legal procedures within existing institutions.

At an international press conference held at the GIO today, Minister Cheng spoke on Taiwan's current political situation as well as the progress of major government policies on finance, the economy, and cross-strait relations. Also present were Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council Joseph Wu, and Minister of the Council for Economic Planning and Development Hu Sheng-cheng. The event was also attended by foreign media correspondents.

Minister Wu indicated that cross-strait relations have not been affected by domestic political developments, while Minister Hu said that major economic plans are proceeding apace.

Minister Cheng went on to say that political strikes and large-scale confrontations or long-term antagonism amongst the people would unquestionably affect the nation's macroeconomic development and cause turmoil. Citing comments made by Premier Su Tseng-chang at this morning's Executive Yuan Council meeting, he expressed hope that those responsible for staging the current protests would keep in mind the best interests of the nation, society, and the majority of the people. He further expressed his wish that Taiwan's society would soon return to a state of normalcy.

The GIO Minister further noted that, in order to meet the public's expectations for the establishment of an honest and competent government, the Executive Yuan is calling on the governing and opposition parties to jointly push for the passing at the earliest possible date of major sunshine bills and other relevant amendments to laws, such as: the draft bill of the Political Party Act, draft bill of the Act Governing the Disposition of Assets Improperly Obtained by Political Parties, draft amendment to the Organizational Act of the Ministry of Justice, draft bill of the Organizational Act of the Bureau Against Corruption under the Ministry of Justice, draft amendment to the Act on Property-Declaration by Public Servants, draft amendment to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, draft bill of the Lobbying Act, and draft amendment to the Political Contribution Act.

Expressing his views concerning the influence of Taiwan's domestic situation on cross-strait relations, Wu noted that Taiwan's China policy has always adhered to the principles of reconciliation and goodwill, proactive cooperation, and lasting peace. Fully taking into consideration the imperative to ensure Taiwan's security and national interests, the government has taken the initiative in gradually promoting peaceful, stable cross-strait relations, which have not been noticeably affected by the domestic political situation, Wu said. Indeed, thanks to the efforts and support of Taiwan's various sectors, cross-strait exchanges have even witnessed some solid progress. This includes an increase of exchanges between the peoples of the two sides, expansion of cross-strait charter flights, and progress in promoting visits of Chinese tourists to Taiwan.

Wu further pointed out that in conformance with consensuses reached by the Conference on Sustaining Taiwan's Economic Development, the government has relaxed restrictions on the number of Chinese allowed to come to Taiwan for business; in July and August, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. used air cargo charter flights to ship critical equipment for its 8-inch IC wafer plant in Shanghai; Taiwan recently approved two medical charter flights, one each on September 14 and 19, which flew back to Taiwan 15 sick or wounded Taiwanese patients for medical treatment; and, in the latter half of August, the government set up a nongovernmental organization commissioned to conduct timely negotiations with China's authorized agency to arrange visits of Chinese tourists to Taiwan.

According to Hu, various indicators show that recent political conditions have not had an impact on the domestic economy, with foreign trade continuing to be robust and movements in the domestic stock market following international trends. The government therefore maintains its August forecast of 4.28-percent economic growth for this year. A future political strike, however, would have a negative impact on the country's economic stability, influencing the domestic stock market and foreign exchange market, local investment, and exports.

Hu stressed that the government is studying and drafting a plan for a three-year sprint program in order to realize the vision for economic development by 2015 that was laid out in the conclusions of the Conference on Sustaining Taiwan's Economic Development. Through increasing investment in Taiwan, creating job opportunities, as well as reducing urban and rural differences and narrowing the gap between rich and poor, the government aims to increase GDP per capita to US$30,000 by 2015. This would allow Taiwan's economic competitiveness to once again be increased and the vision of "building a beautiful Taiwan that enjoys prosperity, justice, and sustainability" to be realized.

Cheng put great emphasis on stating that since Taiwan is a democratic country that follows the rule of law, people's right to express their opinions should be safeguarded. However, he said, protest rallies should not take the place of the judiciary, the media should not pass judgment prior to trials, and the system of constitutional government should be respected. The present and future welfare of the 23 million people should, he said in closing, be of utmost concern.