September 2002
Taiwan's Democratic Development
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Wu Sue-jen, first lady of Taiwan |
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On September 24, 2002, Wu Sue-jen, wife of President Chen Shui-bian, discussed the obstacles to democracy in Taiwan, and reiterated Taiwan's desire to regain membership in the United Nations. She is a veteran legislator, advocate for democracy, and key political adviser to Chen Shui-bian. Over the past two decades, Madame Chen and her husband have overcome numerous impediments in their path toward democracy. This is Madame Chen's first visit to Washington since becoming first lady of the Republic of China.
Christopher DeMuth
AEI
Taiwan's move toward democracy in May 20, 2000, marked the first peaceful democratic government transition in Chinese history. From an outsider's perspective, Taiwan's democratization appeared preordained, but appearances were deceiving. The struggle for democratic rule was a bitter and arduous one. Throughout the fight, President Chen Shui-bian and his wife, Wu Sue-jen, were indispensable leaders. Chen Shui-bian and Wu Sue-jen insisted on political freedom and stood firmly against political adversities, imprisonments, and even attacks. AEI is honored to welcome an activist of such singular principle, accomplishment, and bravery as Madame Chen Wu, Sue-Jen.
First Lady Chen
Taiwan
The repercussions of the September 11 attacks continue to be overwhelming. A passage by Rev. Mary Harvey captures the attitudes of the United States and its friends in the international community: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the capacity to act in the presence of fear. Faith is not the absence of doubt, but the courage to believe in spite of doubt. Trust is not the absence of qualms, but the capacity to go forward despite misgivings."
September 11 was a shock to the post-cold war international order. We have all been affected by this act of terrorism; its impact has extended into politics and economies all over the world. September 11 should be a reminder not only to fight against terrorism but to cooperate with all democracies in order to protect our freedom. Democracy is born from persistence; it did not happen naturally in Taiwan and is unlikely to come easily elsewhere. Despite my own disabling injuries sustained in pursuit of democracy, I will not back down.
Taiwan is a peaceful, democratic nation, a genuine success story in a world in which such stories are few and far between. As such, it is only appropriate that Taiwan be allowed to enter the United Nations.
James R. Lilley
AEI
President Chen Shui-bian is much like Winston Churchill: They both went from great defeat to greater victory. A comparison between President Chen and Kim Dae Jung of Korea, also a fighter for democracy, is valid as well. Kim was also held prisoner before his presidency and had a wonderful wife who supported him. Both women have been the indispensable elements of their husbands' careers. At the beginning of Chen Shui-bian's book is an inscription: "The people who grew with hardships have the sweetest ideals." It seems that the ideals are not sweet--they are glorious. In the words of Meng Zi, heaven must first give hardship before giving responsibility.
There is great hope in Taiwan. The transformation, the flood of refugees from mainland China, and the success of democracy has been nothing less than miraculous.
AEI research assistant Laurie Burkitt prepared this summary.
