ROC centennialThe peals of peace (Courtesy of Council for Cultural Affairs)
On Aug. 23, the peals of peace resonated from Taiwan’s outlying Kinmen County as President Ma Ying-jeou performed the first sounding of a new commemorative bell. Inaugurated to mark the 53rd anniversary of ROC forces repulsing a large-scale communist mainland Chinese invasion of the islands, the bell also marks the ROC centennial and government’s desire to promote peace across the strait and throughout the world. The ceremony, which was attended by guests from around the world such as former South African President Frederik Willem de Klerk and Song Kosal, youth ambassador for the campaign to ban landmines, underscores the importance of ROC government efforts in ensuring Taipei-Beijing relations continue developing in a manner benefiting people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. For the government, the bell is a powerful reminder that there can never be a return to the dark days of 1958 when half a million communist rounds rained down on 150-square-kilometer Kinmen. The loss and wounding of 2,000-plus soldiers and civilians in the 44-day bombardment reaffirms the need for pragmatic cross-strait policies designed to reduce tensions and promote peace between the two sides. A key component of the government’s drive to solidify the basis for long-lasting peace between Taiwan and mainland China is the “1992 consensus,” and principles of no unification, no independence and no use of force. The 1992 consensus, which means one China with each side having its own interpretation of what this constitutes, is in keeping with the Constitution and represents a resounding vote of confidence in the ROC. Conducted under the framework of the Constitution, the 1992 consensus and three noes serve to maintain the cross-strait status quo and function as a solid platform for further developing Taiwan’s prosperity and stability. This approach has won broad support from the public and international community. There is no question that development of peace between Taiwan and mainland China, as well expanding economic and cultural exchanges, has paid handsome dividends. To date, the representatives of Taipei and Beijing have inked 15 agreements, including the landmark Cross-Straits Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). Although the launch of the Kinmen peace bell augurs well for the future of cross-strait relations, peace is not something that can be achieved simply by wishful thinking. ROC government policies reflect this reality, and are set to play a key role in ensuring both sides of the Taiwan Strait embark upon a new era of harmonious relations that silences the guns of war forever. Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mail.gio.gov.tw |