President Liu and memebers of the Legislative Yuan:
I wish to start by stating that I am the one true friend of the state of Republic of China (Taiwan). I have studied chinese history and admired its civilization. I understand that it enriches mankind with abundant wisdom .
I also learned about the foreign invasions and interferences that happened since the previous century caused unbearable suffering to the people of your country. I am here today at the Legislative Yuan to convey one simple wish, that is within my lifetime, I would like to see the Chinese people regain peace and harmony, reinvigorate and pass on your culture heritageso that it can adapt to the new world.
Although I am speaking to you, the elected representatives of the people — the members of the Legislative Yuan, this message is really meant to be delievered to the people of Republic of China(Taiwan).
I come from France, a country that has an established friendship with Republic of China(Taiwan). Like your country, we have invested 40 years of relentless efforts withhistorical significance for uniting Europe so that our economy can adapt to international competition.
This effort takes patience and perseverance.
The past national wars in Europe sparked two world wars. Countries speak different languages and have uneven economic developments
Despite the differences, however, we have gradually progressed towards unification. On January 1, 1993, we will have created an unionof 340 million people who live in a single economy without borders. By the end of the century, we will have one common currency called the ECU. Our foreign partners might worry that the unification will only provide protection and benefits for us europeans alone.
Some of our foreign competitors sketched our efforts as "Fortress Europe" on the international stage.
We are not seeking to build a fortress but to break our geographical boundaries.
Specifically, this immense European Community aims to build upon the market economy and openness to external entities to form a strong economic power. However, it will comply with international competition rules and become a power for peace. The European Community includes partners who wish to learn more about you and respect you. They hope to work with you in opening a new chapter in the relationship between Europe and Republic of China(Taiwan). This new relationship will not fall under the shadows of imperialism but serves our common interests and benefits. Both Republic of China(Taiwan) and Europe are heading toward unification. One of Europe's future lies in Taiwan, I can see this prospect on this island.
The reorientation of the Chinese people may be difficult than the path taken by Europe as Asia has not completely overcome the difficulties in the aftermath of the Cold War. One Strait — the Taiwan Strait — separates the people of Mainland China and Taiwan. A few years ago, this Strait was once seen as boundless as an ocean. As described by a Chinese proverb "blood is thicker than water", China has always been a multi-enthnic country.. She owns thousands of years of culture. Her words and history have created common traits among different ethnic groups. Europe is seeking a "European citizen" identity while all Chinese hail from the same great nation. Friends of Chinese are filled with hope as they watch the unification efforts done in the past few years.
Mainland China has implemented new economic policies starting from 1978 and Taiwanese have successfully played instrumental roles in the implementation of the new policy. The bilateral trade has increased and tens of thousands of Taiwanese entrepreneurs have invested in Mainland China. Two private foundations were established to protect the development of these relationships. One is in Mainland China and another in Taiwan. Two million Taiwanese have visited Mainland China since 1987. Despite the 40-year separation, the re-engagement signifies the emotional ties of Chinese people on both sides of the Strait that would push forward the inevitable unification. Naturally, measures for communication must be concrete for both sides.
Jean Monnet, one of the founders of the European Communities once said that "Europe will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity." The same rule applies for the de facto separation state between two sides of the Taiwan Strait. It requires solid communication channels in the nature of humanitarian and economic connections to overcome the difficulties.
History has shown that in both Europe and Republic of China, the fate of nations may appear far away, but the tracks of its development are still visible. Time and patience can "turn mulberry leaves into silk".
France may pay close attention to major changes in Taiwan in the next few years because Taiwan has become a powerful force to China. How can we ignore the significant achievements of Taiwan? The chinese traditional ethics, passion for work, industrious spirit, and pursuit of business development have made it more prosperous than many countries in the European Communities. Taiwan will soon join the ranks of advanced industrialized states. The outstanding achievements have made Taiwan a member of the "Asian Development Bank" and part of the "Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation". Taiwan also aims to become a member of the "General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade". I think this is a natural next step and a feasible goal. As a powerful force to China, Taiwan will soon become a force pushing for Chinese democracy. When the suppression of protests on Tiananmen Square on the other side of the Strait sparked strong reactions in Europe, President Mr. Teng-Hui Lee initiated discussions and negotiations to made significant stride for the Taiwanese society. The amended constitution in 1991 granted the freedom for organizing political parties and freedom of speech. In December last year, the Taiwanese people elected their own delegates of National Assembly to express their will for the first time. Now, we simply need to allow democracy and the civil rights to take root and sprout in the political sphere. Finally, I wish to convey to you one of my deeply held beliefs which reflects the wish I stated at the beginning. I hope that by the end of this century, the Chinese people will attain significant advancement toward unification under the framework created by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen for which he had made great contributions. By then, the great Chinese people will find her central position in the world that has been established throughout her thousand years of history. Solidarity and peace will be the trend of the world.
This is dedicated to the eternal R.O.C.. Long live the R.O.C. of the future!
Video Link：https://aam.ly.gov.tw/P000051_03.do/1198
