ROC Vice President Lien Chan graduated from National Taiwan University in 1957 and earned a master's degree followed by a doctorate in political science at the University of Chicago. He has served in numerous government positions, including the premiership.
FCR: What do you think is the most serious issue in terms of home affairs?
Lien Chan: Our country has made rapid progress in the past fifty years, witnessing both economic miracles and democratic reforms. But frankly, this has brought problems, some of which are common to all countries in the process of development, such as problems concerning environmental protection, standards of living, social order, and political and economic injustices. So what kind of a society do we anticipate now that we are faced with a new century? I often think about this question and seek the opinions of scholars and experts. I think that what we all want now is a humane, secure, upright, high -quality, sustainable Taiwan. This is what most people are wishing for in the next century, and I hope to implement policies that will make their dreams a reality.
How would you manage cross-strait relations, diplomacy, and national defense?
Our government's policy on mainland Chinese affairs is based on four principles. It is meant to preserve national pride and safety. It ensures the rights and happiness of the people of Taiwan. It helps to maintain peace and develop relations between Taiwan and mainland China. And finally, we use it to build prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
For the time being, we should adopt the policies of "Three Noes" and "Three Wants" when dealing with mainland affairs. Three Noes means "No Taiwan Independence, No Reunification, and No Confrontation." The Republic of China is a sovereign country in the first place, so we do not have to declare independence again. We should not rush to unite with mainland China until it becomes a democracy. To avoid creating an atmosphere of confrontation and tension, both sides of the Taiwan Strait should avoid deliberately provoking the other.
"Three Wants" means: "We want peace, we want exchanges, we want a win-win situation." Cross-strait relations should be based on a peaceful environment, so that understanding can be enhanced and hostility reduced through gradual exchanges between the two parties. Leaders on both sides should also bear in mind the win-win principle and promote various ex changes for the purpose of maintaining peace and ensuring development across the Taiwan Strait. Then mutual prejudices will disappear naturally, and the time will be ripe for the reunification of a democratic China.
As to diplomatic affairs, we should continue carrying out pragmatic diplomatic policies whose guiding ideas should be peace, democracy, reciprocity, humanity, national pride, and foresight, in order to safeguard the 22 million citizens of the Republic of China. Peaceful diplomacy will enhance national safety, stabilize relations across the strait, encourage dialogue, push for a regional peace-maintaining mechanism, and then make substantial contributions to the Asia-Pacific region and the world in terms of peace promotion. Democratic diplomacy serves to promote our country as a democracy that wants to join forces with other democratic forces in the international community and then expand the world's democratic front.
Reciprocal diplomacy means creating a favorable and friendly international environment to safeguard and promote people's rights and happiness. Humane diplomacy puts stress on care and helping develop a humane international community. Diplomacy based on national pride is meant to boost our own self-esteem in various ways, with a view to receiving reasonable treatment from other countries. Diplomacy with foresight is to view the big picture when making plans based on pragmatism for bilateral and multilateral relationships with other countries; by so doing, a country can develop lasting inter national relationships.
As to defense, we must construct a mechanism to avoid warfare and seek peace in order to ensure national security. We do not want to initiate a war, but we won't shrink from one, either. We should think broadly and take regional safety into consideration when building a modern and effective defense system.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I have worked for the government for almost thirty years, holding posts ranging from chairman of the National Youth Commission, Minister of Transportation and Communications, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Taiwan Provincial Governor, all the way to the premiership. I have served the people diligently, conscientiously, and honestly. I don't boast of making great contributions to the country, but my well-rounded experience in government has enabled me to become rich in administrative experience, prudent, and capable of self-examination. Accordingly, I feel a strong sense of mission toward Taiwan and her people.
A country's leader must be loyal to the nation, government, and people. He should also be tolerant, stable in personality, and rich in experience. A leader needs to have foresight and a global view. These traits may seem like the basics, but it takes a long time to acquire them and you have to go through many different stages first. I believe this is what places me in a more advantageous position than other candidates. And I think the Kuomintang, having led the way to a stable, secure and prosperous Taiwan, can reassure the public and win its support.
On the threshold of the competitive twenty-first century, this year's presidential election is crucial to the future of our country. I sincerely hope that the public will support [Premier and KMT vice-presidential candidate] Vincent Siew and myself. We'll strive together for a brighter future for our country.
What motivates you to run? How do you see your mission if elected?
What has touched me most is the way Taiwan's society has gone from nothing to plenty, from being an economic backwater to becoming a prosperous place. Together we worked hard and endured numerous hardships to create a Taiwan which many parts of the world envy. Today, as our country enters a competitive and challenging century, I feel people want a better tomorrow. I see my responsibilities and have decided at this crucial time to write a more brilliant chapter of history with my fellow compatriots for the land we love.
The ROC has undergone two significant reforms. The first one led to the economic miracle that is now recognized the world over, transforming the Republic of China from a backward, poor agricultural economy to a rich, modern industrialized country. The second stage of reform, sometimes called "the quiet revolution" by scholars, took place over the past ten years,
peacefully changing Taiwan from an authoritarian regime to an open democracy. If given the chance to lead the country, I will push for a third wave of reform based on the concept of "Upgrading Taiwan." That is, I will establish a democratic system which fully reflects public opinion, a democratic culture that is serious about ethics, an efficient, democratic government, and a means of improving human rights.
On the economic front, we should remove the quick-success and instant-benefit mentality, and become serious about research and development in order to gain a competitive edge. Meanwhile, we need to seek a balance between economic development and environmental protection.
Two aspects should be considered for the construction of a "caring society": care for nature and care for people. Care for nature means preserving the environment as well as planning a sustainable living environment. Care for people involves three things: ensuring safe living conditions, boosting the rights and interests of disadvantaged groups, and upgrading education and culture. The goal of building a caring society is to diminish people's indifference to each other, reduce violence in society and, most importantly, to create new mainstream social values.
The dream China has nurtured for a hundred years is gradually being realized in Taiwan. It is fortunate that our predecessors sowed seeds for us so that we could reap today's harvest. At the same time, we also have to face future generations and make commitments to our vision. Let's fight for a better future together!