Today marks the 89th National Day of the Republic of China. I would like to thank all the distinguished guests and overseas Chinese who have come from after to share with us this solemn moment of joy.
During the almost one hundred years of the history of the Republic of China, from establishing the nation to modernization and democratization, none of the achievements it made came about without our having to overcome many obstacles and difficulties. Success through each stage did not depend on the strength of any single individual or group, but rather came as a result of the awaking of the whole society and the resolve of the entire people.
Likewise,the political and economic achievements of the 23 million people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu today did not suddenly fall from the sky, but result from the accumulation of the relentless efforts made generation after generation. For the past fifty-odd years, we have, on this island of the Pacific Rim, followed in the footprints of our forefathers to create step by step an economic miracle and set the course for our democracy. These demonstrated inherent strengths of Taiwan and its people have thus repeatedly and inevitably attracted the attention of the world.
We have successfully gone through the stages of hard-won economic development and difficult democratic reform. The Taiwan Experience of the past half century should give us much confidence. Beginning from the time when our ancestor sailed from across the sea to Taiwan hundreds of years ago, and running through the blood of all, from the indigenous peoples to the frontierless e-generation, the Taiwan Spirit is shared by all of our 23 million compatriots.
TheTaiwan Spirit originates from the interaction and mutual influence of Han culture and Austronesian islands cultures. It was successfully forged through all of our hardships and dreams. From the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the top of Mount Jade, all the people living on this land spare no effort, wisdom, confidence and hope in order to see the best understanding of this Taiwan Spirit recorded. Although we came from different places, and although there were once differences between the Hoklos, the Hakkas, the indigenous peoples and more recently arrived residents, we are now all merged in the Taiwan Spirit, sharing both our fortunes and mishaps. No matter if we are called Taiwanese, Chinese" or "global citizens, we will not confine our vision of the future nor forget where we stand.
Mydear fellow countrymen, in the last year of the 20th century, the people of Taiwan completed the first alternation of political parties in power of our history. We are confident that the future will prove the peaceful transition of political power does not simply mean win or lose for any individual or political party. Rather, it is a victory for all people and a victory of democracy. Building on this glorious foundation, we cannot but have more confidence in ourselves in facing the new century.
As we constitute a new paradigm of democracy for all Chinese societies, we should fearlessly strive to move forward on the path of freedom, democracy and human rights. Yet the role of the Republic of China in the 21st Century should not only be that of "the realizer of democracy, but also that of "a protector of peace in the Asia Pacific" and "an active participant in the international community."
Infacing the new political scene after the first alteration of political parties in power, we are a bit like the patient after surgery, in need of growing new bone tissue and blood, while at the same time we face both internal and external challenges.
SinceMay 20, in order to seek the greatest welfare of the people, yet in a very short time, we cautiously but vigorously worked on stabilizing the situation across the Taiwan Strait, preserving our national security, expanding our international space, and weeding out corruption while at the same time promoting good virtues. As a newly established government, we are keenly aware that there are still many things to be improved. I myself, the national leader, as well as all members of the new administration should exercise some self-examination and remain alert all the time. Meanwhile, we would like to once again sincerely plead with all political parties, both ruling and opposition, that they jointly uphold the common ideals of "national interest first, people's welfare first."
TheAmi indigenous people of eastern Taiwan hold the belief that the oceans, the rivers, the land, the fruit trees and mothers are the breeders" of all that is in the universe. They are supreme and cannot be profaned. Pondering carefully and feeling with our hearts the significance of this belief, we can see that it contains the ideas of creation, nourishment and tolerance. It is a warm and touching symbolism, which contains no sense of antagonism or hatred. If all things in the universe can thus be created, then why can it not be so for our national future? Reflecting upon the spirit of our ancestors when they crossed the Taiwan Strait from Tangshan, apart from learning from their adventurous courage and creativity, we should always remember the virtues of self-confidence, trust in fellow countrymen, and faith in the land. These are the most solid foundations upon which to build our home.
Mydear fellow countrymen, as we celebrate together the founding day of the Republic of China both at home and abroad, we should ponder solemnly upon the common destiny of the 23 million people in Taiwan. Although Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu are only tiny islands in the Pacific, our morale has never been daunted and our vision has never been blocked. "The Taiwan Spirit" will continue to guide and lead us. With this unparalleled confidence, mutual trust and eternal faith, we will create the most spectacular and beautiful Formosa in the 21st Century!
I wish prosperity to the Republic of China and good health and happiness to all of citizens and all of the distinguished guests. Thank you!
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今天是中華民國八十九年國慶，感謝遠道而來的各國
嘉賓和歸國僑胞，與我們一起來分享此一莊嚴、歡欣的時
刻。
將近一個世紀以來的中華民國歷史，從國家的建立到
現代化、民主化的過程，無一不是歷經險阻逆境、克服艱
難挫折之後，才能獲致甘美果實。每一個階段的超越，憑
藉的絕不只是個人、或者少數人的力量，而是靠社會的覺
醒和廣大人民的意志。
今天，台、澎、金、馬的兩千三百多萬人民所擁有的
政治、經濟成果，同樣不是憑空而來，而是靠著一代一代
的努力、一點一滴的累積。五十多年來，在太平洋邊緣的
島嶼上，我們接續先民的腳印，一步一步締造經濟的奇蹟
、開創民主的里程。台灣這一塊土地以及土地上的人民所
蘊生激發的力量，一再地吸引世人難以忽視的目光。
從胼手胝足的經濟發展到無比艱難的民主改革，我們
都一路走過來了。半個世紀以來的「台灣經驗」，理應讓
我們有足夠的信心認為：從先民渡海而來的數百年前到即
將邁入二十一世紀的今天，從最早的原住民族到無國界之
分的網路世代，兩千三百多萬同胞的血液之中，自有一股
感通相容的「台灣精神」。
「台灣精神」源自於漢文化與南島文化的交匯包容，
歷經苦難與夢想的淬鍊超越。從太平洋之濱到玉山山頂，
立足於這一塊土地的所有子民，用汗水和智慧、用信心和
希望為「台灣精神」寫下最好的註解。儘管來自不同的地
方，也曾經有過閩南、客家、原住民、新住民的分別，但
是在禍福與共、相融一體的「台灣精神」中，不管稱之為
「台灣人」、「中國人」、或者「世界公民」，我們都不
至於侷限未來的視野，更不可能忘卻立足的根本。
親愛的同胞，在二十世紀即將結束的這一年，台灣人
民以民主的過程，完成了歷史上首次的政黨輪替。我們相
信，未來的歷史一定會證明：政權的和平轉移不是個人或
政黨的輸贏，而是全民的勝利、民主的勝利。在此光榮的
基礎之上，我們面對即將來臨的新世紀應該更有信心。
做為華人社會的民主新典範，我們應該毫無畏懼地繼
續邁向自由、民主、人權的道路。中華民國在二十一世紀
所要扮演的角色，除了是「民主制度的實現者」之外，更
應該是「亞太和平的維護者」與「國際社會的參與者」。
面對首次政黨輪替之後的政治新局，猶如手術之後必
須生出新的骨骼血肉，同時要面對內外的艱難挑戰。
五月
二十日之後，我們以積極戒慎的作為，用最短的時間穩住
兩岸情勢、維護國家安全、開拓國際空間，並且積極進行
內政改革、除弊興利，為人民謀求最大的福祉。新政府成
立至今，我們仍然覺得還有許多要努力的地方。身為國家
領導人以及新政府的每一位成員，都應該時時反省、自我
惕勵。同時，我們也要再次懇請朝野政黨能夠秉持「國家
利益至上、人民福祉優先」的共同信念，一起攜手努力。
在東部原住民阿美族的信仰文化中，海洋、溪流、土
地、果樹和母親象徵著天地萬物的「孕育者」，至高無上
而且不容侵犯。如果能夠仔細思考、用心體會，我們會發
現其中蘊含著創生、成長、滋養、包容的意義，如此溫暖
而感人，沒有絲毫的仇恨或對立。天地萬物可以如此生
成，國家的前途又何嘗不是？回想先民從唐山過台灣的渡
海精神，我們除了學習勇於冒險和創造，更應該永遠記
得：對自己的信心、對同胞的信任、對土地的信仰，是我
們賴以建立家園最堅固的磐石。
親愛的同胞，在海內外共同歡欣慶祝中華民國生日的
今天，我們更應該嚴肅的思索兩千三百多萬台灣人民的共
同命運。儘管台、澎、金、馬只是太平洋邊的蕞爾小島，
我們卻從來沒有因此而短少了志氣，更不曾因此而侷限遠
大的視野。「台灣精神」必將會繼續引領我們，在無比的
信心、彼此的信任和不朽的信仰中，創造二十一世紀最璀
璨美麗的福爾摩沙！
敬祝中華民國國運昌隆！全國同胞和各位嘉賓健康愉
快！
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