When Lien Chan assumed the post of Premier, he stated that "the government will bring together various forces in order, before the dawn of the 21st Century, to bring the Republic of China into the ranks of the developed nations." He also declared his commitment to the ideal of "multidimensional implementation of government policy."
Generally speaking, this concept includes administrative reform, pumping vigor into the economy and improving public safety. Regarding governmental affairs, Premier Lien has actively promoted setting out a legal structure for local autonomy. For foreign relations, he has worked toward opening up bilateral and multilateral relations. Besides taking an active part in regional organizations (such as APEC) and seeking entry to organizations that are functional in nature (such as GATT), he has also established a small policy group for working out a strategy for getting the R.O.C. admitted to the United Nations. As for relations with mainland China, the first face-to-face talks were held in 40 years.
In the economic realm, the government has proposed an economic development program that promotes willingness to invest and has taken steps to solve the problems of the outflow of capital and the emptying of the factories. And while proceeding with the Six-Year National Development Plan, he is at the same time subjecting it to assessment and review.
As for measures to improve public safety, social welfare and universal health insurance ... these have all been the focus of promising government efforts. Only by making advances in these areas will the Republic of China meet the conditions necessary to enter the ranks of the developed nations, and Sinorama will continue to publish reports on related developments.
In this issue, we are publishing a report on something of great concern to the public, the "Taking the Knife to Corruption" campaign.