Since the passing of President Chiang Ching-kuo last January, the country's political situation has remained extremely stable. President Lee assumed office within four hours of the late President's death, the work of the government continued as normal, and the nation's democratic system operated smoothly and steadily, confirming the institutionalization of democracy in our country.
During the past year or two, the political, economic, and social climate of our country has changed dramatically. Following the lifting of the emergency decree on July 15th two years ago, various disorderly or illegal occurrences have taken place because of citizens unable to adapt rapidly to the new situation. I believe that this period of adaptation can be passed through quickly.
The government is not incapable of dealing with illegal behavior; rather, it hopes that citizens will gradually come to understand what is meant by a democratic society. Democracy means rule by law; it's two sides to the same coin, and I hope that citizens will gradually come to accept this concept.
In addition, during the past year the government began allowing citizens on Taiwan to visit their relatives on the mainland, maiuland residents to attend funerals and visit ailing relatives on Taiwan, and ex-soldiers to return to Taiwan to reside--measures all based on a spirit of humanitarianism.
The Chinese Communists, however, during the same period have in no way improved their policies. The clearest evidence of their desire to subvert and infiltrate us is the fishing boats that constantly harass our waters, the numbers of which have shown a tendency to increase--clear proof of the Communists' hostile intentions.
Teng Hsiao-p'ing recently reaffirmed the Communists' refusal to renounce the use of military force in solving the Taiwan problem if necessary, and they constantly attempt to isolate us internationally, doing their utmost to strike at us through our allies and countries with which we maintain relations. Their deliberate and persistent attempts to isolate us have never ceased for a single day.
With regard to our flexible foreign policy approach, the Chinese Communists formally declared that they oppose the concept of two Chinas, of one on the mainland and one on Taiwan. Present relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait show that the other side is still full of hostility toward us.
Working overseas is a difficult task, and I hope that each of you clearly recognizes the attempts of the Chinese Communists for what they are, holds firm to our country's standpoint, and strengthens our relations with the nations in which you are posted, to solidify the position of our country in foreign affairs. Whatever your section or department, you must strive to achieve the mission our nation has bestowed on you.
[Picture Caption]
When they learned that Premier Yu was coming to visit, overseas Chinese in Guatemala went to the airport to welcome him.
Premier Yu Kuo-hwa (center) receives a plaque from Technical Advisory Committees members for "Promoting greater sophistication" in high tech development.
Premier Yu Kuo-hwa （center） receives a plaque from Technical Advisory Committees members for "Promoting greater sophistication" in high tech development.
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
