A total of 281 Chinese scholars and specialists from within Taiwan and from overseas participated in the 1980 National Development Seminar, held in Taipei July 15 to 28. This year's meeting is the 10th to be held since the seminars were started in 1972. All those taking part contributed their wisdom and offered their diverse opinions on solving a wide range of problems.

As the seminar provides a good forum for the exchange of opinions between government and the public, and indirectly reflects administrative and political development, the government attaches great importance to its recommendations.

Premier Sun Yun-suan said at the opening session of the seminar: "All of the sagacious suggestions and proposals of participants were referred to the government departments concerned for study and vigorous implementation. For example, the election law was enacted. Parliamentary elections have been scheduled for the end of this year with a big increase in the number of seats to be filled in the Legislative Yuan, Control Yuan and National Assembly. In reforming the judicial system, we separated the courts from the prosecutor's office as of July 1. Additionally, the government has prepared a "major program for developing the bastion of national revival" to expedite simultaneous implementation of medium-range and long-range economic, social and cultural plans over the next 10 years."

He continued: "Over the past more than 30 years, we have in fact made remarkable progress in various fields as the result of joint endeavors by the government and people. At the same time, our progress has raised the people's expectations, which, in turn, have led to social tensions and conflicts. Such phenomena are commonplace in an open society; the challenge is to confront and solve these problems.

"We have never deviated from our line of march toward the great goal of democracy and the rule of law...However, the unfortunate incident at Kaohsiung late last year has shown the need for strengthening respect for the rule of law and for reviewing the attitude of some people toward political participation."

Premier Sun informed the participants that in handling "this regrettable affair," the government has been most concerned, and has carefully followed the rule of protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty. The incident has in no way affected the central administration's determination to implement democratic and constitutional government.

He also proposed the nation move forward in the following aspects:

Political development: To implement democratic and constitutional government by holding various elections regularly, to continue administrative renovation, and give particular emphasis to the introduction of new ideas, and the recruitment of talented people.

National defense development: To give priority to modernizing the weapons and equipment of the armed forces, improve military education and training, intensify study and research in military science and technology, and expand the national defense industry.

Economic development: To continue to base the nation's economic policy on Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Principle of the People's Livelihood in order to sustain growth with stability and attain the goal of an equitable distribution of wealth.

Social development: To focus efforts on grass roots construction, social welfare, public housing, medical services and public health measures, control of public hazards, sports, and constructive recreation and tourist activities.

Scientific and technological development: To augment training of specialists and technicians, solicit expert help from abroad and continue the vigorous pursuit of science and technology.

Cultural development: To create the basis of rich new traditions while still supporting outstanding old traditions, thus giving rise to a new culture which harmonizes with the times.

He concluded: "Our painstaking endeavors of the last 30 years in this bastion of national revival have been aimed at solving the 'China problem' and seeking freedom and democracy for all of China. Regrettably, a few people still harbor the illusion of seeking partial security to protect themselves. They even pursue the illusion of schism and secession completely in disregard of the need to solve the China problem as a whole."

President Chiang Ching-kuo hosted a tea party for the participants in the seminar on July 24 at the Armed Forces Officers' Club. Stating that free China has been buffeted by storms, the President added: "But storms are temporary. Only the brightness of light is eternal." He called on the nation to create an image of the Republic of China as a country characterized by "great wisdom, great fraternity and great courage." The Republic of China has proved that it has confidence and determination stronger than any storm it has gone through. While admitting that the government is not yet a perfect government, President Chiang said his administration is striving to serve the people to the best of its ability. "Ours is a government of action and principles. Although we make mistakes sometimes, we have the courage to remedy them," he said. The President praised the scholars for their loyalty to the country and urged them to state frankly what is on their minds concerning affairs of state during the meetings.

The seminar is featured by two characteristics. The first is that most participants have received higher education, as 173 of them are holders of Ph.D. degrees, and 42 of master's degrees. The second is the addition of a group for panel discussions on culture, which reflects the government's emphasis on the importance of a cultural build-up in national development.

At the end of the seminar, the cultural panel suggested that the government set up a specific ministry in charge of the cultural affairs of the nation, lift the ban on Chinese literary works written during the 1940s, and invite scholars and experts to make fair and detailed criticism. The mass communications panel adopted the slogan: "If you want to fare well, follow the Taipei example," and presented their views on what a government spokesman should do, and how to uphold press freedom. On science and technology, the 63 participants offered the benefit of their practical experience and knowledge on the development of national defense, electronics, electrical engineering, chemical engineering and mechanics. The education panel suggested the government extend the compulsory education system from nine to 10 years, the public health panel members asked the government to include health care as one of the national construction projects. On the economic front, the seminarians urged the government to institute a second round of taxation reform. The foreign affairs panel compiled a petition asking the government to hold fair and open elections.

Despite its success, there were some criticisms of the seminar. For instance, some of the conclusions were said to be too broad and too vague, and as a result, discussions were sometimes superficial. Each scholars gave his own views on the subjects under review and hundreds of separate ideas emerged for the government to consider.

Many scholars suggested that in future each group should be smaller, and topics more specific to bring about concrete resolutions and practical solutions to problems.

Addressing the closing meeting of the seminar, Premier Y. S. Sun said that time is always on the Republic of China's side. "It has become abundantly clear which side of the Taiwan Straits is better, and which side will win. Although we have encountered a number of difficulties in the past years, we continue to march forward toward greater democracy in politics, greater prosperity in economics, and greater stability in society," he said.

[Picture Caption]

1. The opening ceremony of the 1980 National Development Seminar. 2. President Chiang Ching-kuo hosts a tea party for participants in the seminar. 3. Premier Sun Yun-suan speaks at a garden party to encourage the scholars and experts to contribute their opinions on national development projects. 4. Panel for economic development.

1. The mass communications panel adopted the slogan: "If you want to fare well, follow the Taipei example." 2. Panel discussions on culture have been added this year. 3. A meeting of the foreign affairs panel.

President Chiang Ching-kuo hosts a tea party for participants in the seminar.

Premier Sun Yun-suan speaks at a garden party to encourage the scholars and experts to contribute their opinions on national development projects.

Panel for economic development.

The mass communications panel adopted the slogan: "If you want to fare well, follow the Taipei example.

Panel discussions on culture have been added this year.

A meeting of the foreign affairs panel.