民進黨的存在,就是要台灣社會更好,更進步。現階段的民進黨,就應該有這樣的思維。所以,在面對公民社會、第三勢力的時候,我們希望能夠建立一個更有彈性的合作關係,不要去排除任何的可能性。這樣,我們就能把多元的價值,進步的力量都容納在民進黨這艘大船上,we’ll make sure everyone’s onboard,一起航向未來。
It is such a pleasure to see so many young people present today. Thank you for coming out to see me!
I know many of you here today are more comfortable with the English language, so I will take a few minutes to use English to speak to the younger members of our audience here today.
How many of you have gone back to Taiwan or traveled to Asia? Can I see some hands?
Well, Taiwanese have been the grandmaster of inventions. We are even good at inventing new and delicious foods and drinks. For example, the invention of the shaken tea (泡沫紅茶) and bubble tea (珍珠奶茶) has transformed the world’s drink industry forever.
Tonight, I want to talk to you about another kind of transformation. The kind of change that has been happening in Asia, and the role Taiwan can play in this transformation.
What do you see was the biggest social/political event in Taiwan last year? (The Sunflower Movement?) You would be correct.
The Sunflower movement happened partly due to the frustration over the non-transparent decision-making process of the government. The ruling party hurried through a vote on a major trade deal with China in 30 seconds!
Then, the young people in Taiwan took over the legislature and went to the streets to demand reform.
Tens of thousands of Taiwanese also came out and sat outside of the Legislative Yuan everyday in support of the students, while providing nourishment and financial support.
The Taiwanese value the quality of their democracy, freedom of speech and right to assemble. Democracy in Taiwan has become the norm, or, what the scholars often say, as “the only game in town”.
Taiwan is now also ready to collaborate with its allies and neighboring countries in Asia to become an example and inspiration to other countries, where freedom and democracy remain a dream.
Asia is also welcoming an age of change and innovation.
We are also developing a form of new economy. In the past, Asia was the world’s factory. Environmental pollution and harsh labor conditions have always been part of Asia’s industrial landscape.
Improvement of labor conditions, pursuit of sustainable development; green energy, technological innovation and creativity, have gradually becoming the mainstream for economic development in Asia.
Advanced technology, cultural creativity industries, cloud-based services, and brand marketing all have incredible development potential in Taiwan and for Asia.
Sustainability and innovation will be at the core of Taiwan’s new economy.
There is also a demand for peace. In the past century, Asia has experienced tremendous grief and pain caused by war. Taiwan has also suffered from the authoritarian rule.
Now, “peaceful resolution” to conflict is what people desire the most. They want the governments to tackle disputes seriously and to derive at a consensus that is acceptable to all parties involved.
In other words, peace is the only option for Asia. Every country in Asia, including Taiwan, must bear the shared responsibility for regional peace.
While Asia is transforming, new values are rising.
Democracy, freedom, sustainability and peace. These values are being crafted in Taiwan as a model of New Asian Values. And, Taiwan is eager to share and inspire our friends and neighbors in Asia with such model and make Asia a better place.
去年太陽花運動的時候,在紐約的各位,記不記得在 New York Times 上的全版廣告democracy for 4 am。那個廣告讓我印象深刻,我問了我的幕僚這位設計師是誰,他們告訴我是在設計界最亮眼的年輕設計師聶永真。