 Good morning, everybody. I'm Bonnie Glazer. I'm a senior fellow here with the Freeman chair for China studies at CSIS Thank you all for coming. There have been many events in Washington to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act But we think that ours is particularly special I will first introduce Our special guest here who will then introduce our even more special guests speaking to us from Mr. Richard Armitage has had a very distinguished career of public service Beginning in the US Navy and in several administrations both in the Department of Defense and the Department of State His most recent post as you all know Was his deputy secretary of state from 2001 until 2005 and Mr. Armitage is now President of Armitage International and importantly a member of our board of trustees here at CSIS So please join me in welcoming the honorable Richard Armitage Thank you very much Bonnie. Good evening, mr. President. It's a delight to see you Looking so well this evening in Taipei. I want to report to you. You have a room full of policy experts academics businessmen and women all who are friends of taiwan and supporters of taiwan and they're Quivering with anticipation at what you might have to say to us this morning And I can also report to you mr. President That your excellent ambassador jason ewin has made it back from taipei in good shape After testifying and he's here this morning as well. We're honored to have him Sir on this 30th anniversary The men and women who work at CSIS are extremely honored that you've chosen this venue to give this very important address We're absolutely thrilled and I might say if it meets with your approval, mr. President After you've given your remarks if you'd be willing to take a few questions from the audience I will read them to you and we'll await your reply And then I understand you want to make a some wrap up remarks at the end And so we'll make sure we leave some room for that if that meets with your approval Mr. Armitage Ladies and gentlemen It is my great pleasure to be here today I'd like to extend my deep appreciation to the center for strategic and international studies for making this event possible CSIS has been a true leader among us think tanks for the last half century Providing clarity and wisdom in the often intricate world of diplomacy and security studies Before I begin my remarks, I'd like to take a moment to thank mr. Richard Armitage for his kind introduction Mr. Armitage has long been a friend of the Republic of China on Taiwan During his tenure at the defense department under president ronald reagan And later at the state department under president george bush Mr. Armitage performed a vital role in carrying out the letter and spirit of the taiwan relations act I'm therefore honored by an appreciative of mr. Armitage's participation in today's event Ladies and gentlemen, we get her here today to commemorate an auspicious occasion started 30 years ago When u.s. Lawmakers across the isles had the vision and foresight to write into law What would become the foundation of an unprecedented and in retrospect Unparalleled partnership They realized that as the united states established formal diplomatic relations in china america's relations in our region Did not have to be the product of a zero sum equation And that its engagement with beijing did not have to be an all or nothing proposition Certain obstacles would not have been overcome without america's enduring commitment To the principles embodied in the t.r.a. For example, president ronald reagan's six assurances in 1982 relating to continued arms sales to taiwan Reminded us that the evolution of u.s. China relations would not have a deleterious fact on america's Special bound with taiwan. Similarly, president bill clinton's decision to send two aircraft carrier Bottle trips to the taiwan's trade in 1996 Demonstrated our allies firm resolve to preserve peace and stability of the region Since the enactment of the t.r.a. Three decades ago u.s. Commitment to taiwan has not only remained steadfast, but has grown in strength last month 25 members of the u.s. House of Representatives Endors in a voice vote on house concurrent resolution 55 Pledge it and an unwavering commitment to the t.r.a. And calling it a cornerstone of u.s. Policy This resolution further reiterate america's longstanding policy to provide taiwan with arms of defensive character To maintain the capacity to resist any forms of coercion that will Japan dies the social economic or political system of taiwan Moreover, president barack obama secretary harry clinton and other senior statesmen have all and ambiguously expressed positive overtures and support for taiwan's defense and the maintenance of peace security and the healthy balance in the taiwan's trade the continual affirmation of the t.r.a.'s commitment to taiwan's security And this shows that our two governments share a common strategic perspective The strong security partnership established by the t.r.a. Not only provided the basis for the people of taiwan To embark on the journey of democratization But also allow our a scenery that is rich in entrepreneurship The opportunity to build a free market economy that has today become the 18th largest in the world In many rich respects this landmark legislation Help launch the emergence of what i call the taiwan spirit of benevolence Perseverance diligence honesty and hard work that has been the touchstone of our success During the last eight years from 2000 to 2008 We have had a lot of time to reflect on what went wrong with the country Especially why taiwan's economy has slipped as the leading engine of growth in the region One conclusion i draw is that some in our society Have been excessively burdened with the legacies of civil war and the cold war While others have been gripped perhaps too tightly by the so-called victimization complex hoping to break out and change the status quo at all cost Unfortunately instead of contributing to the advancement of the nation Both mindset had in juice only disrupted social harmony at home and incurred tension abroad As such precious political and economic capital has not been efficiently allocated to cultivate an environment for reform and development in taiwan in these last years Since the outset of my illustration my focus has been more on taiwan geography rather than on its history Geographically speaking I believe the island of taiwan is a premium piece of real estate in the world To its east the united state is the largest economy and the so-superpowered of the world To its north west and south japan Men in china and asian nations are the second third and the fifth largest economies respectively taiwan is fortunate to be so Advantagesly located at the center of these is dense and rich network of economic power houses In addition taiwan is culturally and linguistically familiar with all its neighbors Combined together taiwan is optimally situated to serve as a conduit and springboard for multilateral exchange and growth In other words to provide the platform for a multifaceted wing wing situation However to achieve this goal taiwan must fully capitalize and leverage these assets To its maximum advantage by linking up with all the members of this super economic network Including men in china If we succeed taiwan will indeed become a treasure island that will be accessible to and from this country's next to none in east asia Having lost a group eight years We should now look forward toward the 21st century and take full advantage of this invaluable Geographical assets for obvious reasons Crusty relations occupy a special place and this new geographic Perspective for too long. This relationship has been described as hot economic but cold politics Nowhere has this discrepancy grounds to such gaping proportions Then in recent years where it's threatened not only the security of taiwan, but peace and stability in east asia However, since my administration came into office last may We have get into motion the elements that will not only diffuse Crustry tension, but more importantly embed a new foundation for stability At the center of this new cross trade reproachful is the 1992 consensus That is both sides recognize that there is only one china But agree to defer on its definition As negotiations with the mainland over 15 years ago were also founded upon this premise So a common understanding has existed ever since This very fact has been well recognized by former president George bush in his key march 26 telephone conversation with pendant chinese last year on the 1992 consensus That is one china with each side having its respective interpretation The policies of my administration will drive the impetus to move Crusty relations forward and beyond the hostility and bricksmanship Witness in the last eight years Upon a new foundation rooted in mutual benefit and friendship We reopen negotiations channels after a hiatus of over a decade Since then my administration has worked incessantly to fulfill our campaign promise to our people of improving cross-strait relations This includes the inauguration and expansion of cross-strait direct charter flights Open up Taiwan to mainland tourists hosting Two unprecedented and historical High-level talks between the Strait Exchange Foundation SEF and its mainland counterpart Association for relations across the thailand street erect The john chen talks have already Resulted in six groundbreaking agreements which have enhanced mutual cooperation in a range of important issues from direct links to food safety In virtually a few months. My administration has transformed 60 years of cross-strait relations to better reflect the needs of our people and realities of the changing times We are fully aware that for taiwan to maintain its strength vis-à-vis the mainland taiwan must strengthen its international competitiveness As men in china becomes the workshop of the world Normalizing economic relations with the other side is crucial step in achieving the scope The prospective creation of the cross-strait economic cooperation framework agreement Aqfa is at the heart of this idea The spirit of aqfa Can join taiwan's interest with the ideals of liberalization and globalization By concluding the aqfa with the mainland while also building taiwan into an innovation and logistic center for multinational companies We will surely bolster and safeguard taiwan's competitive edge in the mainland market and in turn The greater global market The benefits of aqfa to the international community including american investors are more than obvious Opening the three lanes and the goodwill behind them have made flying Shipping or mailing across the street a feasible option now Together with a more stable political environment There will be more incentives for foreign business to include taiwan in their regional operations By changing our cross-strait policy We were able to restore mutual trust and cooperation in taiwan's bilateral relations with other countries Of particular importance is taiwan's relationship with the united states My penetration's foreign policy style can be aptly described as surprise free and low key And i believe that in the past few months We have made significant strides in restoring american trust in taiwan In particular i want to express my appreciation to president barack obama and secretary of state hitory clinton For acknowledging the positive contributions to cross-strait relations that our policy have brought about The united states positive assessment and support of current cross-strait developments Demonstrate our policies are being favorably received In truth the policies of my administration share the same common ideas as those embodied in the taiwan relations act This sentiment was echoed by american institute in taiwan chairman reyman berger Who recently welcomed this new era of cross-strait civility as not only reducing the danger of miscalculations But also creating real tangible economic benefits for american and american business as a whole These goals are at the heart of my foreign policy calling for flexible diplomacy In which we have taken the first step to our reconciliation as a mainland by declaring a diplomatic choice These truths will bring about the end of diplomatic Delingerency so that we can concentrate on issues that will yield more real and substantive rewards This includes my administration's goal to expand taiwan's international space Of course foremost we hope to enhance taiwan's meaningful participation in international Organization for the betterment of our citizens My administration firmly believes that it is the equal rights and human rights of our citizen to access international services Vital to their well-being Therefore participating in the world health assembly WHA is an endeavor that we will That we will not stop pursuing until the day our citizen can enjoy the same health resources And information freely get granted to the rest of the world The united states has always been one of our strongest supporters in joining igo's so i express my deep appreciation As a champion of democratic rights and freedom I hope america will take up the banner with us and call for greater fairness when judging taiwan's international role However, I want to emphasize that taiwan's international space is not a one-sided arrangement Instead it is a mutually beneficial scheme that will not only provide our citizens the right to access international services But also a change to give back to the world in more meaningful and substantive ways Taiwan is a democratically thriving economically prosperous country and all with sophisticated scientific technological and medical expertise We are proud of the fact that today taiwan has the capability to make significant contributions to foreign aid In fact, we remember that it was once the general donations of other countries such as the united states that helped us achieve Our own economic miracle and social advancement Therefore, I hope to revamp taiwan's foreign aid so that we can provide more effective and ethical assistance In alleviating the sufferings of recipient countries In addition to foreign aid taiwan will also work to expand its bilateral relations with the united states and other countries in common interest and value We will move forward as a responsible peacemaker Helping to safeguard the stability of the international system so that economic and peaceful relations can continue to prosper in the region taiwan's democratic system strong rule of law and sophisticated social services will provide multinational firms a better point of entry into the mainland market As you can see when taiwan expand its international space and global community benefit as well The future prospect of taiwan u.s relations will particularly focus on issues of low politics with an emphasis on pragmatism We will work closely with our american friend on issues such as opening taiwan's market to us agriculture products promoting e-commerce Exponent ways to reform our investment environment for mutual benefit and improving the protection sexual property rights We will also like to conclude an extradition agreement as well as participate in america's visa waiver program Furthermore as trade has been one of the major facets of our thriving relationship We hope to enhance this through an fta with the united states Of course, u.s arm sales is equally if not more Central to our relations in which i want to be assured america that taiwan will not free ride on the united states for its own security Last month we published a quadrennial defense review that shows our intention to build up our military trends on the principle of Resolute defense effective deterrence On top of that we have made plans to create an all volunteer force to enhance the professionalism of our military Furthermore, starting from this year our defense budget will reach at least three percent of gdp However, the delicate balance of the status quo is being shaken by the gross military imbalances across the state Therefore, I urge the united states to not hesitate to provide taiwan with the necessary defensive volumes as stipulated in the tra My administration will continue to redouble our efforts in not only removing obstacles But also realizing new potentials for the mutual benefit of our bilateral relationship In particular, we will continue to look towards america for guidance and inference inspiration in advancing our own democracy President obama once said that as americans We can take enormous pride in the fact that courage has been inspired by our own struggle for free Freedom by the tradition of democrat law secured by our four fathers and enshrined in our constitution With these words of inspiration taiwan's own endeavor to improve human rights protection has also entered a new era A few weeks ago under my leadership Our latest achievement has with overwhelming enthusiasm the two united nations conventions concerning human rights international competence on civil and political rights and international covenant on economic social and cultural rights We by adopting Implementing statue also made these two united nations Covenant a part of our domestic law at the same time so that we may do away with the difficult if not impossible move Of depositing them with the united nations secretariat Pursuant to the requirement of the covenants the passing of these two covenants Signified a historic milestone in taiwan's democrat development, especially in regard to human rights protection In the next two years the ministry of justice and relating agencies will execute a comprehensive plan to implement these Covenants in taiwan Ladies and gentlemen in the past 30 years since the enactment of the taiwan relations act We have witnessed defining moments when these principles have come to life through the inspired actions of both our leaders and our people I'm sure the next 30 years will see a new chapter of the tra Requiring the same if not more inspiration that derives from our mutual desire for enduring security disability and peace If it is for this reason that the tra will remain an essential blueprint Reminding us of our commitments and inspiring us to proceed with covenants tour the future. Thank you Mr president I I know that I speak for everyone here at csis this morning when I thank you for that uplifting upbeat Spirited speech as far as I'm concerned. It was an extraordinary act of statesmanship and one that humbles us To have been able to hear at first hand And I think equally all of us in this audience today Join with you in celebrating that unique taiwan spirit. You spoke about benevolence and perseverance honesty diligence and hard work and have no doubt that you will See taiwan as the treasure island as you stated. So congratulations on a masterful speech Sir, I have a couple of questions that have been collected from the audience Uh, but I'm going to take advantage if I may of this podium and ask the first one myself Uh You sir have expressed in the past some interest in a possible peace accord Uh and president uh hujintow in his new year's address mentioned the possibility of military confidence building measures I just wonder if you've given much thought to how you see this process evolving What steps would you envision the respective ministries of defense? To take and given the fact that the people's republic of china has more than a thousand missiles across the straits Is it necessary for them to move first? Thank you, sir The statement of mr. Hu jinghao released on december 31st last year was Obviously a positive one uh, there are things specifically focusing on some of the Ideas we have expressed in the last couple of months uh, so we actually have already responded into some of these Uh statements for instance when he talked about and comprehensive economic cooperation agreement We responded by proposing an f f five Economic cooperation framework agreement because we believe by using this form of agreement we will be able to cover many areas of trade investment and other matters Which will contribute to the normalization of economic relations with a manum on the issue of building Confidence building measures particularly in the military few we think that these are Rather difficult and sensitive and at a moment we have been overwhelmingly preoccupied with economic issues Which are not only urgent but also closely related to the livelihood of our people So we will rather Put the economic issues as a priority item Hoping to resolve at least that the majority of them before we move move ahead with other more sensitive more intractable issues Thank you very much. Mr. President Sir with improving communication between Taiwan and china How do you see the role of the us evolving or changing as compared to the previous 30 years? Uh, you mean the us role? Yes, sir Uh, I think as I put it in my uh address The us has played a very constructing role in the process First of all the enactment of the tyron relations act has effectively Uh support taiwan after the us switch recognition from taipei to beijing as I said in another occasion One commentator in the united states and in a law review says While the Uh, washington beijing joined communicate Establishing diplomatic relations De-recognized by one the taiwan relations act has re-recognized it So in as far as the domestic effect of a deregulation has been largely erased by the taiwan relations And that is very important to maintain continuity of the relationship between taiwan and united for instance They are uh 58 Treaties enforced between the two sides at a time. So this act itself plus other additions such as the six assurances offered by president reagan in 1982 help Set up a new model for conducting relations between the two sides and the us strong support of taiwan To a point where the the us can send aircraft Battles aircraft battle groups to taiwan Shows that the us sincerity and that made a very important contribution To maintain not just the security of taiwan, but also stability in the region Thank you, mr. President Mr. President you have your administration and you yourself today in this excellent speech have emphasized the importance Of establishing a relationship with the world health organization. Are there any other organizations? That you feel it is equally important for taipei to establish a relationship with we work on one organization at a time We want to make sure We want to make sure that we can get into the Uh, the the wha this time and uh, I think the outcome will be known in a few weeks This is very important. It's not just a political issue. It's also the issue of human rights So we could we hope we could make it this time Which we have been working for a long 12 years And if that can be done, then we will uh, see what we can do next Well, I think everyone in this room today, mr. President joins you in a sincere desire that we will increase the international space And that decision which will be known in a few weeks will be a positive one from your point of view Sir many here in washington would cite the restoration of confidence in the us taiwan relationship As a major achievement during your tenure thus far And now that this relationship is on a better footing What do you think is achievable during the remainder of your term? To capitalize on the improved environment. So I guess what i'm really asking is do you have specific goals for enhanced us taiwan relations? I mentioned also A few moments ago On the us side the u.s. In interest in selling more agricultural products to taiwan Which we Are considered as seriously But we also want to I have an extradition treaty extradition agreement with taiwan so that we can bring back Some fugitives of economic crime They are now at large in the united states In addition to that We have already had the visa waiver program with other countries For instance with japan which help Tremendously the increase of tourists on two and from taiwan. We hope we could do that with the united states as well Certainly as us is our number three trading partner We hope we could also have an fta with the united states in the future Obviously, we understand very well that at a time the administration has no authorization from congress But so we are doing something the expert call building blocks First we have a bilateral investment agreement a double taxation agreement and hoping in the future We can build the blocks into a free trade agreement I think it's very important that you have those specifics To label for the administration and give our colleagues who are now serving in government specific targets To try to meet and I think it makes it a lot easier frankly for those targets to be achieved And we're dealing with specifics and not with sort of just language and rhetoric Mr. President Intellectual exchange is the basis for a broader range of mutual understanding However, we can see few mainland students studying in taiwan right now I'm wondering what kind of strategies would be adopted to accept more mainland students Well, uh, it is our policy to recognize the deployment of men and universities As for the men and students the current plan is that uh, we will Allow them to come to taiwan In the spring Of next year first for a graduate student and in the fall for undergraduate students And this is unprecedented and certainly they are different opinions inside taiwan So in the beginning we will have rather restrictive practices Uh, in terms of the the students Disciplines uh at the number and areas the university could enter And gradually we'll see whether that will work very well to us So they are primarily three objectives We have in mind first of all the idea to let mainland students Come into taiwan to attend our campuses Is to let the young people of the two sides of taiwan street to get together early in their life So that they can become friends and that will have long lasting effect for future relations between taiwan and mainland Secondly Obviously, we also want to recruit the bright The the best and the brightest students from mainland to give our students a good stimulus So that both can compete In a very harmonious Environment number three Now we have roughly 130 university and colleges and our the passing rate of our College and university exams is sometimes close to 90 percent. So in a way, we have A surplus capacity for our universities on the other hand in the chinese mainland Roughly Slightly more than 50 percent of the high school graduate can get a place in their universities. So each year more than Four million students couldn't find a place. So I think this could also be a Good place for them to come to taiwan. So I think we if we can come over here They could fully utilize the surplus Capacity of some of our private university. So there are basically three reasons and hope this will serve as a good way to Understand each other more in the future Thank you very much mr. President for that very specific answer. That's terrific. Uh, sir, I I realized that, uh This anniversary this 30th anniversary of the taiwan relations act compels us to talk about us and taiwan relations, but I Wonder if we can take advantage of your time here this evening, sir Uh to ask about other countries for instance, uh, japan your relation the development of the relations with japan or others in asia As a matter of fact the improvement of relations between taiwan and chinese mainland Also bring benefits to our relations with the rest of the world The us is one and for japan Uh, we specifically Designate this year as the year for a special Partnership relationship between taiwan and japan. So we hope we think this year We will be able to set up an office in a northen city in japan Uh, so to uh for for taiwan tourists as you know as we, uh The both sides have a visa Weaver program They're the southern surge of taiwan tourists to japan and this is something to accommodate their needs Secondly, we will Add an cultural office in our own representative office in tokyo in order to promote the cultural exchange And the both sides are serious seriously Uh, considering the possibility of having an exhibition of the national palace museum Our treasures from taiwan And we will also start a new chapter in aviation between the haneda airport in japan near tokyo And the uh, son san airport in taipei these two airports used to be international airport, but fell into this use and Transform into domestic airport. Now those airports like to have international flights So beginning next year sometime in the later part of next year We first start with Four charter flights each and this will be a important milestone in aviation relation between the two sides and beginning this year In june, we will start a new program of working holidays between taiwan and japan With the participation of young people from 18 to 30 years old They could stay in each other's territory for up to one year working and then And studying and spending their holidays over there. And we have just concluded a fishery consultation meeting with the with the japanese people Two months ago, which will also help the two sides to regulate the fishing Uh Order in the waters between them. So there are quite a few programs that are going on now and To both sides understand that while we improve our relations with beijing We will do the same with japan after all we have had a long relationship our japanese friends So as i said earlier The improvement of relations between taiwan and manlan has actually Benefit our relations with other parts of the world as well Thank you very much. Mr. President sir if you'd indulge me two more questions and then we'll turn it back to you for closing remarks Sir what mechanisms or other efforts are you setting up To forge a national consensus on matters of national security As you know in taiwan, there are people who have many suspicions about our reproach among with the chinese manlan and during my Presidential campaign a year ago. I've always been accused of potentially selling out taiwan and actually We are a democracy nobody can sell out the country, you know, it's a major decision Will be determined by the people including the future of taiwan But for issues like manlan relations Certainly, we will explain Clarify whatever Are needed to our people for instance And in the issue of akva the economic cooperation framework agreement Some people said if we sign such agreement That means that we also agree to unification with the mainland So the kind of distortion or misunderstanding have to be clarified So the manlan affairs council, which is the agency in charge of conducting relations with the mainland sent a lot of people to all corners of the country to explain them what it is According to a recent opinion poll conducted just a couple of days ago Indicate that around 70 percent of the people in general support Concluding such an agreement with the mainland they understand very well that in the past 10 months We have already concluded several about six agreements with the mainland None of those Has anything that will delegate our sovereignty at all So I think we have already established the credibility that what we do is to put The interests of taiwan ahead of anything and As I said taiwan is a democracy. No one can sell out taiwan We will work for the interests of our people and we'll continue to do that in the future Well spoken sir, sir one final query if I may You mentioned in your remarks this evening The qdr just just released Your review of defense requirements. I wonder if you could share with us what If you have any preliminary views on what your top priorities and weapon sales would be from the obama administration Two years ago. We made a request to acquire Seven categories of weaponry from the united states and in october last year The bush administration notified congress On five of them. So we are very appreciative of the american support There are two others one is related to these submarines, which is only a feasibility study and And the other one we are Proposing is f16 cd We need the kind of high performance jet fighters to replace our aging fleet of f5 And other less sophisticated the weaponry you see well the Defensive arms we are going to acquire from the united states are for defense purposes and in view of the Sharp changes in the military balance across how in straight I think this is fully justified for the us to seriously consider selling us and Don't worry that the sale of arms to us. We will Jurapodize your relations with the mainland remember Almost 20 years ago When we made similar requests for The six f16s at a time We were also able to reach a consensus with the mainland on the most intractable issue of one china so that is the The story of the 92 consensus. So at the same time We are we sort of have a consensus with the mainland and we acquire f16s from the united states We acquire a mirage 2005 from the france and we also had a high economic Gross rate and we are we were also doing Constitutional reform at the time So many things of this sort could be done at the same time And I think even the mainland understand very well that at the moment we want to improve relations with the mainland But we also have to ask the government to maintain military balance across the taiwan straight Mr president, you've been fantastic and a very good sport in indulging these questions tonight Before turning it over to you for your wrap-up remarks if you'd allow me to say and I I know I'm speaking for everyone In this audience here today that although previously we spoke about Confidence building measures in the context of hujian Tao's new year's message I think what you've done today here has really been a confidence building message Measure for the united states for all of those friends of taiwan for those who have worked so hard for to help this democracy develop And I must say that There's no question in this room today That we have full confidence that the fate of the people of taiwan is in very good hands as evidenced by the answers to the questions By president mai and joe so sir. We thank you very much and I'll turn it over to you My fellow friends ladies and gentlemen Though we are near the end of today's event in truth We have only just begun a new journey towards bright horizons The story of taiwan is rooted in the turbulence of the turn of the last century When the entire world underwent a great upheaval It would be the us open door policy that would change the trajectory of china development And bring about the dawn of western ideal to the far east The republic of china was born out of this dream for freedom democracy and equality for the chinese people This point in history would also mark the start of a deep and long-standing friendship between the republic of china and the united states A friendship for it in common ideals and spirit After 1949 a great part of taiwan success also rose out of our alliance with the united states america's unwavering support drove the momentum for taiwan's modernization We will also know that 60 years later this small island Would today bear the torch of democracy for all chinese people The republic of china on taiwan can be proud to know that it has truly achieved the dreams of our nation's forefathers Now a size stand here before you taiwan is once again on the brink of taking the next step forward As we and the world shed the grievances of the past march in the two World wars and cold wars We must look ahead towards this new era of engagement President obama often emphasized this idea My administration will not fail to rise to the occasion and place in taiwan at the forefront of this new global trend Our policies will be founded upon the principles of pragmatism Accountability and trust we will seek to become responsible stakeholders in the international community We will be responsible leaders of our domestic politics We will strengthen the backbone of taiwan's rule of law and civil liberties to our people We will engage men in china for the benefit of our nation's prosperity as well as the greater advancement of the chinese community I envision a taiwan open to the world where our stable political and economic system Will be a source of pride for our people as well as a source of inspiration for the rest of the world I'm confident that my administration is paving the way toward this future As was true more than half a century ago The united states will always be an integral part of taiwan development In the past america served as the champion of taiwan democracy and economic liberalization Today the united states will be the paradigm for which taiwan will emulate and inspire the rest of east asia Thank you very much Mr. President you've honored us greatly And we're now going to return that honor by letting you go off and run the country But I must say that all of all of your friends here Join me in wishing through you to the people of taiwan Every best wish in this year of the ox and beyond And we have every assurance Of your success. Thank you, mr. President Thank you. I see today's session. It's also an important Come to the beauty measures between taiwan and the united states and thank you very much for organizing this event. Thank you