Taiwan Today

As the ROC counts down to its yearlong centennial anniversary celebrations Jan. 1, 2011, the people of Taiwan can reflect with pride on the nation’s storied past and look forward to the dawning of a golden era for Asia’s oldest republic. But this enviable state of affairs did not happen by chance. It is the result of shoulder-to-the-grindstone toil that was never diminished by presumptuous hope. The success of today is owed to the leaders of the ROC who exhibited the virtues of endurance, patience and stoicism in showing the world that a vibrant democracy can serve by its rigorous action the principles of solidarity, power and prosperity of the people. Such a single-minded approach to nation building paid handsome dividends. Since its establishment, the ROC has experienced the dual miracles of a prosperous economy and democratic political system—unsurpassed achievements in the Chinese-speaking world. And as the nation grows and develops, the government will continue promoting these social assets through reform, innovation and the pursuit of justice. As part of this commitment, human rights protections have been made a top priority by the government. In May last year, it ratified two U.N. human rights covenants—the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights—and is now working to amend domestic laws and regulations that run counter to their standards. To further promote the development and protection of human rights and basic freedoms in Taiwan, the government has also established the Human Rights Consultative Committee under the Office of the President. Comprising public officials and private citizens, the committee is working tirelessly to raise the level of human rights across the nation. Such respect for human rights is at the core of democracy and high standards of living. This plays a central role in enabling the government to foster an environment of innovation that capitalizes on Taiwan’s emergence as a clever country to deliver untold benefits for generations to come. The future of the nation now looks brighter than ever and, under this dynamic culture of progress, Taiwan’s vitality and prosperity are assured. There is no question that through the spirit of democracy and freedom that defines the ROC, Taiwan’s rich social diversity has flourished making its culture and lifestyle a benchmark for Chinese communities around the world. The ROC centennial will celebrate this momentous accomplishment in style, ensuring the nation embarks upon its next 100-year period of excellence in a manner befitting one of the world’s great republics.