Ma Ying-jeou, Presidential Inauguration Address, May 20, 2008

Taiwan's Renaissance

Heads of State of Our Diplomatic Allies, Distinguished Guests, Overseas Compatriots, My Fellow Taiwanese, and Dear Friends in front of a Television Set or Computer: Good Morning!

I. Historical Significance of the Second Turnover of Power

Earlier this year on March 22, through the presidential election of the Republic of China, the people changed the course of their future. Today we are here not to celebrate the victory of a particular party or individual, but to witness Taiwan pass a historic milestone.

Taiwan's democracy has been treading down a rocky road, but now it has finally won the chance to enter a smoother path. During that difficult time, political trust was low, political maneuvering was high, and economic security was gone. Support for Taiwan from abroad had suffered an all-time low. Fortunately, the growing pains of Taiwan's democracy did not last long compared to those of other young democracies. Through these growing pains, Taiwan's democracy matured as one can see by the clear choice the people made at this critical moment. The people have chosen clean politics, an open economy, ethnic harmony, and peaceful cross-strait relations to open their arms to the future.

Above all, the people have rediscovered Taiwan's traditional core values of benevolence, righteousness, diligence, honesty, generosity and industriousness. This remarkable experience has let Taiwan become "a beacon of democracy to Asia and the world." We, the people of Taiwan, should be proud of ourselves. The Republic of China is now a democracy respected by the international community.

Yet we are still not content. We must better Taiwan's democracy, enrich its substance, and make it more perfect. To accomplish this, we can rely on the Constitution to protect human rights, uphold law and order, make justice independent and impartial, and breathe new life into civil society. Taiwan's democracy should not be marred by illegal eavesdropping, arbitrary justice, and political interference in the media or electoral institutions. All of us share this vision for the next phase of political reform.

On the day of Taiwan's presidential election, hundreds of millions of ethnic Chinese worldwide watched the ballot count on TV and the Internet. Taiwan is the sole ethnic Chinese society to complete a second democratic turnover of power. Ethnic Chinese communities around the world have laid their hopes on this crucial political experiment. By succeeding, we can make unparalleled contributions to the democratic development of all ethnic Chinese communities. This responsibility is ours to fulfill.

II. Mission of the New Era

The new administration's most urgent task is to lead Taiwan through the daunting challenges from globalization. The world economy is changing profoundly, and newly emerging countries are arising rapidly. We must upgrade Taiwan's international competitiveness and recover lost opportunities. The uncertainty of the current global economy poses as the main challenge to the revitalization of Taiwan's economy. Yet, we firmly believe that, with right policies and steadfast determination, our goals are within our grasp.

Islands like Taiwan flourish in an open economy and wither in a closed one. This has been true throughout history. Therefore, we must open up and deregulate the economy to unleash the vitality of the private sector. This will strengthen Taiwan's comparative advantages. Taiwan's enterprises should be encouraged to establish themselves at home, network throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and position themselves globally. Taiwan's labor force must learn to adapt to rapid technological changes and industrial restructuring. Our youth must develop character, a sense of civic duty, global perspectives and lifelong learning capabilities. All forms of political interference in education must be eradicated. In this era of globalization, the government must satisfy the basic needs of the underprivileged and create opportunities for them to develop. While pursuing growth, we must seek environmental sustainability for Taiwan and the rest of the world.

The new administration must also restore political ethics to regain the people's trust in the government. We will endeavor to create an environment that is humane, rational and pluralistic—one that fosters political reconciliation and co-existence. We will promote harmony among sub-ethnic groups and between the old and new immigrants, encourage healthy competition in politics, and respect the media's monitoring of the government and freedom of the press.

The new administration will push for clean politics and set strict standards for the integrity and efficiency of officials. It also will provide a code for the interaction between the public and private sectors to prevent money politics. I hope every civil servant will keep in mind: "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." The KMT will honor its sincere commitment to accountability in governance. The new government will be for all the people, remain non-partisan and uphold administrative neutrality. The government will not stand in the way of social progress, but rather serve as the engine that drives it.

As President of the Republic of China, my most solemn duty is to safeguard the Constitution. In a young democracy, respecting the Constitution is more important than amending it. My top priority is to affirm the authority of the Constitution and show the value of abiding by it. Serving by example, I will follow the letter and the spirit of the Constitution, especially the separation of powers. We must ensure that the government is based on the rule of law. The Executive Yuan must answer to the Legislative Yuan. The Judiciary must guarantee the rule of law and protect human rights. The Examination Yuan must make the civil service sound. The Control Yuan must redress mistakes by the government and censure malfeasance by civil servants. All told, we must take this opportunity to re-establish a robust constitutional tradition.

Taiwan has to be a respectable member of the global village. Dignity, autonomy, pragmatism and flexibility should be Taiwan's guiding principles when developing foreign relations. As a world citizen, the Republic of China will accept its responsibilities in promoting free trade, nonproliferation, anti-global warming measures, counter-terrorism, humanitarian aid, and other global commons. Taiwan must play a greater role in regional cooperation. By strengthening economic relations with its major trading partners, Taiwan can better integrate itself in East Asia and contribute more to the region's peace and prosperity.

We will strengthen bilateral relations with the United States, our foremost security ally and trading partner. Taiwan will continue to cherish its diplomatic allies and honor its commitments to them. We will expand cooperation with like-minded countries. On top of that, we will rationalize our defense budget and acquire necessary defensive weaponry to form a solid national defense force. At the same time, we are committed to cross-strait peace and regional stability. The Republic of China must restore its reputation in the international community as a peace-maker.

I sincerely hope that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can seize this historic opportunity to achieve peace and co-prosperity. Under the principle of "no unification, no independence and no use of force," as Taiwan's mainstream public opinion holds it, and under the framework of the ROC Constitution, we will maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. In 1992, the two sides reached a consensus on "one China, respective interpretations." Many rounds of negotiation were then completed, spurring the development of cross-strait relations. I want to reiterate that, based on the "1992 Consensus," negotiations should resume at the earliest time possible. As proposed in the Boao Forum on April 12 of this year, let's "face reality, pioneer a new future, shelve controversies and pursue a win-win solution." This will allow us to strike a balance as each pursues its own interests. The normalization of economic and cultural relations is the first step to a win-win solution. Accordingly, we are ready to resume consultations. It is our expectation that, with the start of direct charter flights on weekends and the arrival of mainland tourists in early July this year, we will launch a new era of cross-strait relations.

We will also enter consultations with mainland China over Taiwan's international space and a possible cross-strait peace accord. Taiwan doesn't just want security and prosperity. It wants dignity. Only when Taiwan is no longer being isolated in the international arena can cross-strait relations move forward with confidence. We have taken note that Mr. Hu Jintao has recently spoken on cross-strait relations three times: first, in a conversation of March 26 with US President George W. Bush on the "1992 Consensus"; second, in his proposed "four continuations" on April 12 at the Boao Forum; and third, on April 29 when he called for "building mutual trust, shelving controversies, finding commonalities despite differences, and creating together a win-win solution" across the Taiwan Strait. His views are very much in line with our own. Here I would like to call upon the two sides to pursue reconciliation and truce in both cross-strait and international arenas. We should help and respect each other in international organizations and activities. In light of our common Chinese heritage, people on both sides should do their utmost to jointly contribute to the international community without engaging in vicious competition and the waste of resources. I firmly believe that Taiwan and mainland China are open minded enough to find a way to attain peace and co-prosperity.

In resolving cross-strait issues, what matters is not sovereignty but core values and way of life. We care about the welfare of the 1.3 billion people of mainland China, and hope that mainland China will continue to move toward freedom, democracy and prosperity for all the people. This would pave the way for the long-term peaceful development of cross-strait relations.

The damage from the recent earthquake in Sichuan was shocking. All Taiwanese have expressed deep concern and offered immediate emergency assistance. We offer our deepest condolences to the earthquake victims and pay homage to the rescue workers. May the reconstruction of the affected area be completed at the earliest time possible!

III. Taiwan's Legacy and Vision

Upon being sworn in, I had an epiphany about the significance of accepting responsibility for the 23 million people of Taiwan. Although I have never felt so honored in my life, this is the heaviest responsibility that I have ever shouldered. Taiwan is not my birthplace, but it is where I was raised and the resting place of my family. I am forever grateful to society for accepting and nurturing this post-war immigrant. I will protect Taiwan with all my heart and resolutely move forward. I'll do my very best!

For over four centuries, this island of ours has welcomed waves of immigrants, nurturing and sheltering us all. It has provided us, our children and grandchildren, and the generations to come a safe haven. With its lofty mountains and vast oceans, Taiwan has invigorated us in mind and spirit. The cultural legacies we inherited over time not only survive on this land, but flourish and evolve, creating a pluralistic and vigorous human landscape.

The Republic of China was reborn on Taiwan. During my presidency, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China. This democratic republic, the very first in Asia, spent a short 38 years on the Chinese mainland, but has spent nearly 60 years in Taiwan. During these last six decades, the destinies of the Republic of China and Taiwan have been closely intertwined. Together, the two have experienced times good and bad. On the jagged path toward democracy, the ROC has made great strides. Dr. Sun Yat-sen's dream for a constitutional democracy was not realized on the Chinese mainland, but today it has taken root, blossomed and borne fruit in Taiwan.

I am confident about Taiwan's future. Over the years, I have traveled to every corner of the island and talked with people from all walks of life. What impressed me most was that the traditional core values of benevolence, righteousness, diligence, honesty, generosity and industriousness could be seen everywhere in the words and deeds of the Taiwanese people regardless of their location and age. These values have long been ingrained in their character. This is the wellspring of our progress, also lauded as the "Taiwan Spirit."

One can see that Taiwan is blessed with an excellent geographic location, precious cultural assets, a maturing democracy, innovative entrepreneurship, a pluralistic society, active civic groups, patriotic overseas compatriots, and new immigrants from all over the world. We should couple the "Taiwan Spirit" with our comparative advantages and the principle of "putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people." This way we can transform our homeland—Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu—the envy of the world.

To revive Taiwan requires the efforts of both the government and the people. We need the expertise of the private sector, cooperation among all political parties, and participation by all the people. My dear compatriots, from this moment on, we must roll up our sleeves to build up our homeland. Together, we can lay a solid foundation of peace and prosperity for our children, grandchildren and the generations to come. Let's work hand in hand for our future! 

My dear compatriots, please join me:

Long live Taiwan's democracy!

Long live the Republic of China!

Thank you!

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中華民國97年05月20日

中華民國第12任總統馬英九先生就職演說

中華民國第12任總統馬英九伉儷及副總統蕭萬長伉儷今天上午參加在台北小巨蛋舉行的就職慶祝大會，總統並以「人民奮起，台灣新生」為題，發表就職演說，演說全文為：
各位友邦元首、各位貴賓、各位僑胞、各位鄉親父老、各位電視機前與網路上的朋友，大家早安，大家好！
一、二次政黨輪替的歷史意義
今年三月二十二日中華民國總統選舉，台灣人民投下了改變台灣未來的一票。今天，我們在這裡不是慶祝政黨或個人的勝利，而是一起見證，台灣的民主已經跨越了一個歷史性的里程碑。
我們的民主走過了一段顛簸的道路，現在終於有機會邁向成熟的坦途。在過去這一段波折的歲月裡，人民對政府的信賴跌到谷底，政治操作扭曲了社會的核心價值，人民失去了經濟安全感，台灣的國際支持也受到空前的折損。值得慶幸的是，跟很多年輕的民主國家相比，我們民主成長的陣痛期並不算長，台灣人民卻能展現日趨成熟的民主風範，在關鍵時刻，作出明確的抉擇：人民選擇政治清廉、經濟開放、族群和諧、兩岸和平與迎向未來。
尤其重要的是，台灣人民一同找回了善良、正直、勤奮、誠信、包容、進取這一些傳統的核心價值。這一段不平凡的民主成長經驗，讓我們獲得了「台灣是亞洲和世界民主的燈塔」的讚譽，值得所有台灣人引以為傲。顯然，中華民國已經成為一個受國際社會尊敬的民主國家。
不過，我們不會以此自滿。我們要進一步追求民主品質的提升與民主內涵的充實，讓台灣大步邁向「優質的民主」：在憲政主義的原則下，人權獲得保障、法治得到貫徹、司法獨立而公正、公民社會得以蓬勃發展。台灣的民主將不會再有非法監聽、選擇性辦案、以及政治干預媒體或選務機關的現象。這是我們共同的願景，也是我們下一階段民主改革的目標。
在開票當天，全球有數億的華人透過電視與網路的直播，密切關注選舉的結果。因為台灣是全球唯一在中華文化土壤中，順利完成二次政黨輪替的民主範例，是全球華人寄以厚望的政治實驗。如果這個政治實驗能夠成功，我們將為全球華人的民主發展作出史無前例的貢獻，這是我們無法推卸的歷史責任。
二、新時代的任務
未來新政府最緊迫的任務，就是帶領台灣勇敢地迎接全球化帶來的挑戰。當前全球經濟正處於巨變之中，新興國家迅速崛起，我們必須快速提升台灣的國際競爭力，挽回過去流失的機會。當前全球經濟環境的不穩定，將是我們振興經濟必須克服的困難。但是，我們深信，只要我們的戰略正確、決心堅定，我們一定能達成我們的預定目標。
台灣是一個海島，開放則興盛、閉鎖則衰敗，這是歷史的鐵律。所以我們要堅持開放、大幅鬆綁、釋放民間的活力、發揮台灣的優勢；我們要引導企業立足台灣、聯結亞太、佈局全球；我們要協助勞工適應快速的科技變遷與產業調整；我們還要用心培育我們的下一代，讓他們具有健全人格、公民素養、國際視野與終身學習的能力，同時要排除各種意識形態對教育的不當干擾。我們在回應全球化挑戰的同時，一定要維護弱勢群體的基本保障與發展的機會，也一定要兼顧台灣與全球生態環境的永續經營。
新政府另外一項重要任務就是導正政治風氣，恢復人民對政府的信賴。我們將共同努力創造一個尊重人性、崇尚理性、保障多元、和解共生的環境。我們將促進族群以及新舊移民間的和諧，倡導政黨良性競爭，並充分尊重媒體的監督與新聞自由。
新政府將樹立廉能政治的新典範，嚴格要求官員的清廉與效能，並重建政商互動規範，防範金權政治的污染。我希望每一位行使公權力的公僕，都要牢牢記住「權力使人腐化，絕對的權力使人絕對的腐化」這一句著名的警語。我們將身體力行誠信政治，實踐國民黨「完全執政、完全負責」的政見。新政府所有的施政都要從全民福祉的高度出發，超越黨派利益，貫徹行政中立。我們要讓政府不再是拖累社會進步的絆腳石，而是領導台灣進步的發動機。
我堅信，中華民國總統最神聖的職責就是守護憲法。在一個年輕的民主國家，遵憲與行憲比修憲更重要。身為總統，我的首要任務就是樹立憲法的權威與彰顯守憲的價值。我一定會以身作則，嚴守憲政分際，真正落實權責相符的憲政體制。我們一定要做到：政府全面依法行政，行政院依法對立法院負責，司法機關落實法治人權，考試院健全文官體制，監察院糾彈違法失職。現在是我們建立優良憲政傳統的最好機會，我們一定要牢牢把握。
我們要讓台灣成為國際社會中受人敬重的成員。我們將以「尊嚴、自主、務實、靈活」作為處理對外關係與爭取國際空間的指導原則。中華民國將善盡她國際公民的責任，在維護自由經濟秩序、禁止核子擴散、防制全球暖化、遏阻恐怖活動、以及加強人道援助等全球議題上，承擔我們應負的責任。我們要積極參與亞太區域合作，進一步加強與主要貿易夥伴的經貿關係，全面融入東亞經濟整合，並對東亞的和平與繁榮作出積極貢獻。
我們要強化與美國這一位安全盟友及貿易夥伴的合作關係；我們也要珍惜邦交國的情誼，信守相互的承諾；我們更要與所有理念相通的國家和衷共濟，擴大合作。我們有防衛台灣安全的決心，將編列合理的國防預算，並採購必要的防衛性武器，以打造一支堅實的國防勁旅。追求兩岸和平與維持區域穩定，是我們不變的目標。台灣未來一定要成為和平的締造者，讓國際社會刮目相看。
英九由衷的盼望，海峽兩岸能抓住當前難得的歷史機遇，從今天開始，共同開啟和平共榮的歷史新頁。我們將以最符合台灣主流民意的「不統、不獨、不武」的理念，在中華民國憲法架構下，維持台灣海峽的現狀。一九九二年，兩岸曾經達成「一中各表」的共識，隨後並完成多次協商，促成兩岸關係順利的發展。英九在此重申，我們今後將繼續在「九二共識」的基礎上，儘早恢復協商，並秉持四月十二日在博鰲論壇中提出的「正視現實，開創未來；擱置爭議，追求雙贏」，尋求共同利益的平衡點。兩岸走向雙贏的起點，是經貿往來與文化交流的全面正常化，我們已經做好協商的準備。希望七月即將開始的週末包機直航與大陸觀光客來台，能讓兩岸關係跨入一個嶄新的時代。
未來我們也將與大陸就台灣國際空間與兩岸和平協議進行協商。台灣要安全、要繁榮、更要尊嚴！唯有台灣在國際上不被孤立，兩岸關係才能夠向前發展。我們注意到胡錦濤先生最近三次有關兩岸關係的談話，分別是三月二十六日與美國布希總統談到「九二共識」、四月十二日在博鰲論壇提出「四個繼續」、以及四月二十九日主張兩岸要「建立互信、擱置爭議、求同存異、共創雙贏」，這些觀點都與我方的理念相當的一致。因此，英九願意在此誠懇的呼籲：兩岸不論在台灣海峽或國際社會，都應該和解休兵，並在國際組織及活動中相互協助、彼此尊重。兩岸人民同屬中華民族，本應各盡所能，齊頭並進，共同貢獻國際社會，而非惡性競爭、虛耗資源。我深信，以世界之大、中華民族智慧之高，台灣與大陸一定可以找到和平共榮之道。
英九堅信，兩岸問題最終解決的關鍵不在主權爭議，而在生活方式與核心價值。我們真誠關心大陸十三億同胞的福祉，由衷盼望中國大陸能繼續走向自由、民主與均富的大道，為兩岸關係的長遠和平發展，創造雙贏的歷史條件。
最近四川發生大地震，災情十分的慘重，台灣人民不分黨派，都表達由衷的關切，並願意提供即時的援助，希望救災工作順利，災民安置與災區重建早日完成。
三、台灣的傳承與願景
從宣誓就職的這一刻開始，英九深知個人已經肩負二千三百萬人民的付託，這是我一生最光榮的職務，也是我一生最重大的責任。英九雖然不是在台灣出生，但台灣是我成長的故鄉，是我親人埋骨的所在。我尤其感念台灣社會對我這樣一個戰後新移民的包容之義、栽培之恩與擁抱之情。我義無反顧，別無懸念，只有勇往直前，全力以赴！
四百多年來，台灣這塊土地一直慷慨的接納著先來後到的移民，滋養、庇護著我們，提供我們及後代子孫安身立命的空間，並以高峻的山峰、壯闊的大海，充實、淬礪著我們的心靈。我們繼承的種種歷史文化，不但在這片土地上得到延續，更得到擴充與創新，進而開創出豐盛多元的人文風景。
中華民國也在台灣得到了新生。在我任內，我們將慶祝中華民國開國一百週年。這一個亞洲最早誕生的民主共和國，在大陸的時間只有三十八年，在台灣的歲月卻將超過一甲子。在這將近六十年間，中華民國與台灣的命運已經緊緊的結合在一起，共同經歷了艱難險阻與悲歡歲月，更在追求民主的曲折道路上，有了長足的進步。國父孫中山先生的民主憲政理想，當年在中國大陸沒有能夠實現，但今天在台灣終於生根、開花、結果。
面對台灣的未來，英九充滿了信心。多年來我走遍台灣各個角落，在與各行各業的互動當中，讓我感受最深刻的就是：地無分南北，人無分老幼，善良、正直、勤奮、誠信、包容、進取這一些傳統的核心價值，不但洋溢在台灣人的生活言行，也早已深植在台灣人的本性裡。這是台灣一切進步力量的泉源，也是「台灣精神」的真諦。
盱衡時局，環顧東亞，台灣擁有絕佳的地理位置、珍貴的文化資產、深厚的人文素養、日漸成熟的民主、活力創新的企業、多元和諧的社會、活躍海內外的民間組織、遍佈全球的愛鄉僑民，以及來自世界各地的新移民。只要我們秉持「台灣精神」，善用我們的優勢，並堅持「以台灣為主，對人民有利」的施政原則，我們一定可以將台澎金馬建設為舉世稱羨的樂土、我們引以為傲的美麗家園。
台灣的振興不只要靠政府的努力，更要靠人民的力量；需要借重民間的智慧、需要朝野協商合作、需要所有社會成員積極的投入。各位親愛的父老兄弟姊妹們，我們要從此刻開始，捲起袖子，立即行動，打造美麗家園，為子孫奠定百年盛世的基礎。讓我們心連心、手牽手，大家一起來奮鬥！
現在，請大家跟我一起高呼：
台灣民主萬歲！
中華民國萬歲！