Full text of President Chen Shui-bian’s 2007 National Day Address. Vice Preside - II

Tomorrow I will leave for the Second Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit, to be held in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Whenever I go abroad, far from home, it makes me realize the preciousness of my own country.

Taiwan and its Pacific sister nations — namely the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Republic of Palau, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Kiribati, and Tuvalu — share a deep kinship because we are all oceanic nations, and their peoples as well as our indigenous peoples are all Austronesians.

Since I became President, I have visited all of these nations and have witnessed their efforts in pursuit of prosperity, development, and happiness. When I compare what I have seen with what the 23 million people of Taiwan have undergone in the past half century, I know we should cherish even more what we have today.

In the past few years, Taiwan-born stars, such as Ang Lee, Wang Chien-ming, Chen Shih-hsin, Chu Mu-yen, Kevin Lin, Chan Yung-jan, and Chuang Chia-jung, have had stellar performances on the world stage and continue to bring honor to the nation. It is hard to put into words the pride we feel for their outstanding achievements.

At the same time, however, we feel deep distress when people, for political reasons and in pursuit of power, disparage Taiwan. For in denying Taiwan, they deny all the sacrifices and contributions made by the 23 million people of Taiwan for their nation over the past half century and more.

My dear fellow citizens, Taiwan is a success story. We should not underestimate and look down on ourselves. Taiwan is our homeland, our mother. It is the 23 million Taiwanese people’s foundation and source of hope for development. If we lose Taiwan, we will lose everything. Taiwan has never been marginalized or ceased to be one of the four Asian tigers.

As long as we have Taiwan in our hearts, Taiwan will surely always be prominent. We, as her children, must work to strengthen ourselves and unite with a spirit of sincerity, and we must use our hard work, wisdom, and creativity to make her visible to the whole world.

In closing, let me wish you a happy Double Ten National Day. May our great nation enjoy peace and everlasting prosperity. To all our distinguished guests, fellow citizens, and colleagues, may you enjoy good health and success in all of your endeavors. Long live democracy, and go, Taiwan! Thank you.

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