"As we meet here today for the second plenary session of the 12th Central Committee of our party, we are at an important juncture of history when we should carry forward the revolutionary cause and move ahead into the future."

With these stirring words, the mood was set for the opening of the second plenary session of the 12th Central Committee of the Kuomintang. As the rain fell on February 14, 1984, some 950 delegates, reporters and other interested persons gathered at the Chungshan building in Yangmingshan to review party affairs and make new decisions.

First on the list of affairs was the task of selecting the candidates for the offices of president and vice-president of the ROC. As the Constitution states that the president's term of office is six years, President Chiang Ching-kuo called on the session to select the candidates was on choice of candidates, the session was also important for the party as a whole. The six-year term of President Chiang has seen the smooth and continued growth of all sectors of Taiwan life. The economy is one of the most buoyant in all of Asia. Politically, the consolidation of the democratic process is almost complete. The time therefore was ripe for an overview party policy, to make plans for the future. The meeting set the stage for a new mission and clarified the responsibility of the party.

Looking back at the history of the Central Committee meetings, it is evident that they occurred at important junctures in the country's history. In recent years the meetings were called under special circumstances. When President Chiang Kai-shek passed away in 1975, an emergency session was held. It was at this session that Chiang Ching-kuo was elected to the post of Chairman of the Central Committee. In February of 1978, another session was called and Chiang was nominated for the sixth presidency of the Republic of China. In December of the same year the United States broke relations with the ROC and another session was held. This was a breakthrough meeting. The decision to speed implementation of democracy and begin a policy of self-reliance were agreed upon. With the end of the U.S./ROC mutual defense treaty in 1979, another meeting was held. At this plenary session, many new measures to speed economic and political development were endorsed. President Chiang stressed that democracy was the goal and that nothing should impede its implementation.

From a brief review of the Committee's meetings, it can be seen that at each session important decisions were made and goals set. The meetings served as a united voice for the policies of the government and the people.

The Republic of China faces a new challenge in 1984. The nation today is stronger and more secure than at any other time in its history. This session is therefore important in terms of launching a new plan for the future. On a basis of past gains, the session adopted a new mission with the goal of bringing the ROC into a new era. It attracted the attention of both local and foreign journalists.

The most pressing and important task of the meeting was the selection of presidential and vice presidential candidates. While it was evident that the enormously popular Chiang would be the presidential choice, speculation ran high as to who his running mate would be. On the day of the official announcement the atmosphere in the meeting hall was extremely tense.

The selections were made on the 15th of February. At 9:30 a.m., the 200 drafting members of the planning session opened the meeting. The first item of business was the selection of the president. The overwhelming choice was Chiang Ching-kuo. The thunderous applause at the announcement of his name only confirmed his popularity and the unwavering support he enjoys throughout the country.

At 2 p.m. the session to nominate the vice president opened. With the retirement of 78-year-old Vice President Hsieh Tung-min, the field was virtually wide open. Excitement reigned when the name Li Teng-hui was announced. The hall exploded in a thunder of applause. Li was a somewhat surprising choice. But after reflection, the committee members realized he was a wise selection. The 61-year-old Li is an extremely popular man. He also has an outstanding academic background. He has a PhD. from Cornell university and has taught at National Taiwan University. Li is also a former mayor of Taipei and is serving as governor of the island. His tenure as a minister in the Cabinet earned him a reputation for thorough research in all his tasks. His name is associated with many important pieces of domestic legislation, especially in the field of agricultural affairs.

Besides Chiang's opening speech, which stressed the goal of unifying China under the "Three Principles of the People," many other important addresses were made.

Premier Sun Yun-suan reported to Committee members on the progress of the last few years. He stated that while the ROC has made great strides in improving the quality of life for all sectors of society, these improvements have brought structural changes in society and created problems. He said he felt methods had to be found to overcome these difficulties. To fulfill all proposed goals, every problem must be solved. Sun stressed in the last three years the government has worked toward four objectives:

(1) To strengthen foreign policy and improve the image of the ROC on the international scene through trade, finance, transport and culture.

(2) To upgrade the military with investment in research and development on advanced weapons systems.

(3) To promote technical research and development with more support in the offing.

(4) To improve the cultural aspects of society through the promotion of education, music, art and similar activities.

Central Committee Secretary Chiang Yen-shih gave a major working report on the strength and support of the people. To fulfill its goals, the Kuomintang needs the backing and the united support of the entire population. This is the key to future success. He pointed out that the recent elections confirmed the party's popularity and approval. In last December's elections, 96 percent of the candidates fielded by the party were elected. However, the party must strive to serve the needs of the people and not allow itself to become involved in corruption or scandal.

President Chiang closed the meeting with a call to the people to unite with "one heart and mind" and to "work together and have the courage and determination to march forward." As the meeting closed, the Kuomintang moves forward on a new mission with a mandate from the people.

(Gerald Hatherly)

[Picture Caption]

1. With the underlying message of "continuing with the teachings of the past and bringing them into a new age", the Second Plenary Session of the Twelfth Central Committee opened officially on February 14, 1984. 2. The meeting was held at the Chung-shan building in scenic Yangmingshan. 3. In his opening address, President Chiang said the Kuomintang is a party that was based on the people and must always have the interests of the people at heart. 4. The Secretary-General of the Central Committee, Chiang Yen-shih, gave the Administrative Working Report. 5. Premier Sun Yun-suan gave a stirring report to the assembled delegates, stressing the achievements of the past three years.

1. Members of the Drafting Committee group report to President Chiang that the Committee delegates had selected the president as their candidate for the seventh president of the ROC 2. The president gave the opening remarks at the closing banquet. He called on the Committee members not to feel superior in their position but rather assume a feeling of responsibility and dedication to their jobs. 3. With the announcement of President Chiang as the nomination choice, delegates respectfully congratulate him.

The importance of this Plenary session was evidenced by the presence of all high party officials and returning diplomats and ambassadors.

2. The meeting was held at the Chung-shan building in scenic Yangmingshan.

3. In his opening address, President Chiang said the Kuomintang is a party that was based on the people and must always have the interests of the people at heart.

4. The Secretary-General of the Central Committee, Chiang Yen-shih, gave the Administrative Working Report.

5. Premier Sun Yun-suan gave a stirring report to the assembled delegates, stressing the achievements of the past three years.

1. Members of the Drafting Committee group report to President Chiang that the Committee delegates had selected the president as their candidate for the seventh president of the ROC.

2. The president gave the opening remarks at the closing banquet. He called on the Committee members not to feel superior in their position but rather assume a feeling of responsibility and dedication to their jobs.

3. With the announcement of President Chiang as the nomination choice, delegates respectfully congratulate him.