Democracy not subject to ‘red lines’: Chen

In particular, Taiwan’s democracy should not be restricted just because China opposes it, Chen said in the latest issue of his online newsletter.

“Otherwise, we will send the wrong message to the dictators in Beijing that China can have its way with its military might,” Chen said.

Chen was referring to the U.S. objection to Taiwan’s plan to hold a referendum on whether to apply to join the United Nations under the name “Taiwan,” on the grounds that it could increase tensions across the Taiwan Strait — an issue which has affected the president’s plan to stop over in the United States for his latest visit to Central America.

Reportedly as a way of expressing its displeasure with the Chen administration’s push for the referendum despite U.S. objections, Washington has refused to allow Chen to stop over in major U.S. cities other than Anchorage, Alaska or stay overnight during the transit stops.

According to Chen, because of Taiwan-U.S. differences over the referendum plan, he opted to “simplify” the transit arrangements by stopping only briefly at Anchorage International Airport for refueling Tuesday without disembarking the plane.

“This has been an unprecedented experience for me in all of my foreign visits during my terms as president,” Chen said.

“But for the sake of protecting Taiwan’s national dignity and furthering the country’s democracy, the courtesy, comfort and convenience for myself are of little importance,” he said.

Taiwan must insist on its quest because “the well-being and future of the Taiwan people cannot be made bargaining chips or terms for any tradeoffs,” the president said.

He further said that sticking to the Taiwan-centric consciousness, deepening Taiwan’s democracy, and realizing social fairness and justice are courses that Taiwan must take toward becoming a “normal country.”

Despite the criticism and doubts over Taiwan’s efforts to further its democratic development, the country is not discouraged because as long as it stands on the right side of history and on the side of the majority of the people, it will overcome any obstacles and difficulties, Chen said.

“We are convinced that a more democratic Taiwan will be more helpful to the maintenance of long-lasting peace across the Taiwan Strait,” he said.

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