中華民國總統府網站 
上午9時正，總統由總統府秘書長廖了以陪同蒞臨會場。蕭萬長副總統、中央與地方政府與會官員都起立向總統致敬。
典禮開始，總統首先率領大家唱國歌，接著向國旗暨國父遺像行三鞠躬禮；隨後全體與會人士先向總統行禮拜年後，再相互行鞠躬禮。團拜後，總統隨即發表元旦祝詞。
總統表示，過去一年我們經歷金融海嘯與「八八水災」的衝擊，經濟嚴重衰退，失業率急劇攀升，災區失去了許多寶貴的生命與財產。但在中央與地方、政府與人民攜手努力之下，我們克服了重重難關。如今臺灣經濟正在復甦，災區重建也順利進行。過去一年政府施政確有不足之處，造成民怨，我們已經深入檢討，將努力在新的一年策勵改進。
總統也進一步針對未來國家經濟發展與海峽兩岸關係等層面表達期許，他表示，未來一年是重振臺灣經濟的關鍵年。對外，我們要積極改善經濟體質，加速產業創新的廣度與深度，推動產業結構多元化，促進傳統產業升級，提升服務業附加價值；對外，則要掌握國際經濟的趨勢，參與東亞區域經濟整合，拓展新興市場，以維持經濟穩定成長。
總統表示，從前年執政以來，政府恢復海峽兩岸協商，始終堅守對等、尊嚴的立場。中華民國是主權獨立的國家，臺灣也早已成為主權在民的民主社會。我們應當充滿自信，臺灣的未來，當然是掌握在二千三百萬人手中。總統說，正因為中華民國是民主國家，海峽兩岸政策必須受到國會與輿論的監督，並向人民負責。任何攸關人民福祉的海峽兩岸協議，政府一定虛心聽取各界意見，加強與在野黨和人民溝通，以尋求共識，爭取支持。
總統強調，臺灣的改革需要朝野政黨共同努力。我們熱切期盼，朝野儘早就重大政策展開對話，以增進互信，凝聚共識。社會不斷在前進，政黨不能停留在過去，相互猜疑鬥爭。有太多議題，朝野可以攜手合作，共同推動臺灣的繁榮與進步。這是我們新年的希望，更是全民的期待。
總統最後表示，今年是臺灣經濟再度起飛的重要一年，也是我們推動各項改革的行動年。他有信心，只要我們懷抱熱忱，大家攜手同心，全力以赴，一定可以克服所有的困難，再創臺灣競爭力的高峰!
總統元旦祝詞內容全文為：
改革奮鬥 臺灣再起
今天是中華民國99年開國紀念日。過去一年，我們經歷金融海嘯與「八八水災」的衝擊，經濟嚴重衰退，失業率急劇攀升，災區失去了許多寶貴的生命與財產。但在中央與地方、政府與人民攜手努力之下，我們克服了重重難關。如今臺灣經濟正在復甦，災區重建也順利進行。過去一年政府施政確有不足之處，造成民怨，我們已經深入檢討，將努力在新的一年策勵改進。
一、把握景氣復甦，推動重大投資
一個多月前，我們很高興看到景氣燈號轉為綠燈，上週又轉為黃紅燈；外銷訂單逐漸回復正常，新竹、中部、南部三個科學工業園區內，放無薪假的人數從去年元月高峰期的13萬2千餘人，降到去年底已經不到1,000人，失業率已連續兩個月下降，預估今年經濟成長率將達到4.39%。
未來一年是重振臺灣經濟的關鍵年。對內，我們要積極改善經濟體質，加速產業創新的廣度與深度，推動產業結構多元化，促進傳統產業升級，提升服務業附加價值；對外，則要掌握國際經濟的趨勢，參與東亞區域經濟整合，拓展新興市場，以維持經濟穩定成長。
但是，在推動經濟成長過程中，必須注意財富分配，提升就業能量，扶助社會弱勢。英九了解，目前在一些縣市，以內銷為主的中小企業以及一些商店和餐廳，還沒有真正復甦，仍在艱苦中打拼。也因為如此，失業的人數雖然下降，但仍然比往年多。為了舒緩失業壓力，政府決定今年度繼續推動各項就業方案，估計可以創造10萬個以上的工作機會，包括剛剛進入社會的大學畢業生也可以受惠。
今年，政府預定在重大公共建設投入大約3,285億元經費，包括中山高速公路五股－楊梅段拓寬工程、桃園國際機場聯外捷運系統建設、台中都會區鐵路高架捷運化工程、高雄市區鐵路地下化工程、花東鐵路電氣化與雙軌化工程等；中部科學工業園區四期彰化二林園區上星期已經動工，未來5年可以創造1萬2千個以上的就業機會。今年民間投資金額估計將達到1兆7,188億元，如果「產業創新條例」順利通過實施，相信還會引進更多的民間投資，創造更多的就業機會，將可非常有力地驅動臺灣經濟成長。
我們了解，過去國內投資不足，與海峽兩岸關係緊張、政府政策不明以及行政效率不彰有關。但是，近來情勢出現變化，臺海情勢轉趨穩定，海峽兩岸經濟合作積極開展。同時，政府有決心加快腳步鬆綁與重建，大幅掃除有關法令、流程、租稅、交通與生活環境的投資障礙；也會善用臺灣獨特的優勢，推動六大新興產業，譬如觀光服務業可以帶動國內就業，綠色能源產業能夠強化節能減碳。近來為了提升行政效率，政府努力推動行政院組織再造；為了提振地方競爭力，進行縣市合併升格。這些從中央到地方的制度性變革，並不是為了下一次的選舉，而是為下一代的幸福。我們深信，以臺灣在東亞經濟的關鍵地位，配合開放、友善的營運環境，發展潛力不可限量。英九在此向全世界宣布，現在是投資臺灣最好的時機！
二、因應「ASEAN加一」，調整全球布局
各位先進，今年全球經濟將從谷底翻轉，國際競爭將更為激烈，臺灣需要提高警覺，積極布局，以為因應。今年開始，東南亞國家協會（Association of Southeast Asian Nations，簡稱ASEAN）與中國大陸自由貿易區正式啟動，ASEAN十國相關產品銷往中國大陸，將是零關稅；臺灣同類產品出口到中國大陸，仍須負擔高額關稅，自然吃虧。面對「ASEAN加一」的衝擊，我們不能坐視臺灣產業即將面臨的困境，這是為何政府推動與中國大陸協商《經濟合作架構協議》(Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, ECFA)的原因。我們希望在這項架構協議中，納入降低關稅的「早期收穫」條款，以維繫臺灣產品外銷的競爭力，避免外銷市場的邊緣化，並引進新的外來投資，進而激勵臺灣經濟成長，創造更多就業。當然，對於可能受到不利影響的弱勢產業與勞工，政府也會提出配套措施，並在10年內投入950億元，進行必要的輔導與支持。同時，政府一定會堅守原則，絕對不會增加開放中國大陸農產品進口，也不會開放中國大陸勞工來臺工作。
當前亞洲經濟整合趨勢，極為明顯而快速。區域內貿易占了亞洲各國總貿易額的五成以上，已經超過對區域外的貿易。亞洲國家間簽署的自由貿易協定，2000年只有3個，去年增加到58個，成長達19倍之多，只有臺灣與北朝鮮不在其中。面對這種情勢，臺灣不但不能被邊緣化，而且要掌握區域合作發展的機會，拓展市場版圖。所以，我們要以海峽兩岸《經濟合作架構協議》為起點，為臺灣企業爭取公平競爭的國際環境；另一方面，也要積極尋求與其他主要貿易夥伴洽簽自由貿易協定。唯有透過這樣的連結，才能加速臺灣參與東亞區域經濟整合，維繫臺灣的競爭力。
三、關注氣候變遷，節能減碳刻不容緩
全球氣候變遷是臺灣面對的另一項挑戰。最近落幕的哥本哈根聯合國氣候變化會議，減碳議題受到空前重視。身為地球村的ㄧ員，我們樂見這項發展，並將減碳列為國家發展重要的目標。英九在兩年前競選總統期間，就主張2016年到2020年間，臺灣二氧化碳排放量拉回到2008年水準；2025年排放量拉回到2000年水準；2050年拉回到2000年排放量的50%，現在已經成為政府的政策。
節能減碳是利人利己的運動，也是進步的生活方式，人人都應該身體力行。政府推動電費折扣獎勵措施已經頗有成效，從前年7月實施以來到去年12月底，總共節省大約63億度電，相當於臺南縣市187萬人兩年的住宅用電量；所減少的二氧化碳排放達404萬公噸，相當於10,919座面積26公頃的大安森林公園一整年的二氧化碳吸附量。2008年臺灣排碳量比2007年減少4.4%，降回到2005年的水準；2008年每仟元國內生產毛額（Gross Domestic Product，簡稱GDP）產值使用的能源量，比2007年減少了3.6%，顯示能源使用效率向上提升，扭轉了2008年新政府上任前持續下滑的趨勢。這些成績只是往目標邁進的一小步，但透露的訊息卻激勵我們，只要肯努力，我們每一個人都可以對自己的環境與人類的未來作出貢獻。今後政府將透過制度誘因，包括規劃碳權交易，提供租稅獎勵等措施，協助企業更新設備，減少二氧化碳排放。政府也將全力扶植綠能產業，讓臺灣成為能源技術與生產的大國，創造更多就業機會，提升對外競爭力。
全球氣候變遷對臺灣已經造成不利影響，去年8月南部發生「八八水災」，今年南部又將出現嚴重旱象。我們必須深入檢討臺灣水資源的開發與運用，現在政府已展開應變措施，紓解旱象壓力，但節約用水不能只是喊口號，必須成為全國、全民、全面的運動，共同渡過缺水難關。
四、營造和平環境，深化海峽兩岸交往
各位先進，海峽兩岸人民分屬臺灣民族與中華民族，分享與傳承共同的血緣、語文、歷史與文化，但海峽兩岸隔海分治迄今已經60年，期間各自採取不同的政治、經濟、社會制度，生活方式與經驗有很大的不同，確實需要一段長時間的交往來相互了解。現階段任何躁進的政治選擇，不論急統或急獨，都會引起嚴重的對立與紛擾，沒有一方可以獲利，周邊國家也連同受害。
因此，在海峽兩岸關係上，英九一向主張在《中華民國憲法》的架構下，維持「不統、不獨、不武」的狀態，並在「九二共識」的基礎上，推動海峽兩岸交流與合作。這不是消極地維持現狀，而是積極地爭取一段足夠長的時間，讓臺海持續和平發展，讓海峽兩岸人民透過經貿、文化各方面的深度交流與合作，增進了解，淡化成見，並在臺灣文化與中華文化的基礎上，為海峽兩岸爭議尋求一條務實可行的出路。
各位先進，從前年執政以來，政府恢復海峽兩岸協商，始終堅守對等、尊嚴的立場。中華民國是主權獨立的國家，臺灣也早已成為主權在民的民主社會。我們應當充滿自信，臺灣的未來，當然是掌握在我們二千三百萬人手中。正因為中華民國是民主國家，海峽兩岸政策必須受到國會與輿論的監督，並向人民負責。任何攸關人民福祉的海峽兩岸協議，政府一定虛心聽取各界意見，加強與在野黨和人民溝通，以尋求共識，爭取支持。
十天前舉行的第四次江陳會談，雙方簽署3項協議，連同先前簽署的9項協議，一年七個月以來，兩岸總共簽署12項協議，包括海峽兩岸直航、直接通郵、陸客觀光、金融合作、食品安全、船員勞務合作、商品檢驗認證、農產品檢疫檢驗、共同打擊犯罪與司法互助等等，成果相當豐碩。每一項協議的目的都在保障及增進臺灣民眾的權益，與主權問題並無關連。歷次談判中，政府始終堅持「以臺灣為主、對人民有利」的原則，凡是有損臺灣主體性或對人民不利的事，絕對不會去做。不僅如此，政府也將議題透明，協議內容公開，並接受國會監督。多次民意調查顯示，這些協議得到過半數民眾的支持。一年七個月來，海峽兩岸關係踏著穩健的步伐，向前邁進。
海峽兩岸關係的緩和，也獲得國際社會普遍的肯定，連帶增進中華民國與主要國家間的互信，打開深度交往的大門。在國際社會中，臺灣象徵的意義，除了「自由」、「民主」、「繁榮」以外，又增加了「和平」一項。從前許多國家迴避臺灣，深恐捲入海峽兩岸對立，如今海峽兩岸和解，他們開始願意與我們商談免簽證待遇或避免雙重課稅協定，也有更多國家願意支持臺灣參與國際組織及其相關活動，這些都是海峽兩岸關係緩和的附帶效果。當然，政府也不會一廂情願，將臺灣對外關係完全寄託於海峽兩岸關係的發展。我們會採取平衡原則，讓對外關係與海峽兩岸關係相輔相成，同步前進，不會有所偏廢。事實上，海峽兩岸兩岸和解增加了臺灣的國際空間，也使我們更有意願與信心繼續深化海峽兩岸兩岸關係，兩者之間形成良性循環。
五、追求進步價值，全民推動改革
各位先進，臺灣面積不大，過去60年卻創造出經濟與政治的雙重奇蹟。臺灣的民主與生活方式是臺灣創意與活力的來源，這是我們在華人世界的驕傲。一個多月前，我們的青年發明家在德國紐倫堡國際發明展中一鳴驚人，以26金、26銀和15銅拿下團體總冠軍，寫下近年來的最佳成績。我們的服裝設計師古又文和吳季剛，也在國際舞臺上大放異彩。這次H1N1新流感疫情蔓延全球，疫苗極度短缺，可是臺灣卻能自行成功研製疫苗1,000萬劑，目前民眾接種已達520萬人，超過總人口的22%，在全球名列前茅，不僅有效降低疫情，使學生停課的班級從四位數降到兩位數，而且我們還準備在高峰期之後，疫情有效控制之時，將另外採購50萬劑自製疫苗捐給世界衛生組織，以幫助其他國家，讓國際社會感受臺灣存在的正面價值。
近年來，中國大陸快速崛起，影響力日益增加，但在民主制度、人權保障、法治水準、創新設計與生活品質等層面，仍與臺灣有一定差距。我們應該有自信，對臺灣價值與制度充滿信心，在與大陸交往過程中，樂於分享我們的價值觀與生活經驗，讓自由、民主成為臺灣人昂首闊步的精神標誌。
臺灣需要不停的進步，改革的座標不能停留在與過去比較，而要有未來性與前瞻性。我們的改革不只是證明比過去進步，而是證明我們有能力形塑新的願景，並落實人民的期待與希望，不斷向前邁進。
獨統對立、族群摩擦與政黨惡鬥是臺灣過去幾十年爭議不休的老議題，儘管環境變了，人民也倦了，卻依舊揮之不去。但是如果我們的話題始終停留在過去，改革與進步必然停滯不前。
最近一群記者朋友合著了一本書《我的小革命》，介紹24個發生在臺灣各地的小故事。每個故事的背後，都見證臺灣有那麼一群人，相信自我的力量，帶著幾分傻勁與執著，在各個領域，突破傳統的思維與羈絆，實踐自己的夢想，想要為這個社會帶來進步的變革。故事中有為了縮小城鄉數位落差，而上山下鄉的「胖卡」團體；有為了幫助第三世界邊緣貧農，反對剝削，直接進口「公平貿易咖啡」的余宛如、徐文彥；有為了照顧智障兒，設立「庇護農場」的陳錳僅；有921地震後在鄉村為老人送餐，在臺中縣和平鄉、南投鹿谷鄉、嘉義縣梅山鄉龍眼林等地，成立公共食堂的許多年輕人；還有在花蓮海邊實踐儉樸生活哲學的區紀復等等。儘管他們的每項努力，並不是石破天驚，一時也未必得到足夠的認同與支持，甚至有可能失敗，但每個故事都讓我們看到了理想、熱情、堅持與在地關懷，勇於改革，勇於創新，這是臺灣此刻最需要的價值。
英九相信，臺灣各地的「小革命」不只24個，而有成千上萬個，他們默默付出，勇敢實踐，為臺灣帶來多元進步的活力。政府的責任是要建立一個開放的環境，鼓勵那些進步的嘗試與改變，讓每個人有機會實踐夢想，並讓這些夢想成為形塑臺灣新風貌的動力。
臺灣的改革也需要朝野政黨共同努力。我們熱切期盼，朝野儘早就重大政策展開對話，以增進互信，凝聚共識。社會不斷在前進，政黨不能停留在過去，相互猜疑鬥爭。有太多議題，朝野可以攜手合作，共同推動臺灣的繁榮與進步。這是我們新年的希望，更是全民的期待。
六、攜手同心，再造榮景
各位鄉親父老，今年是臺灣經濟再度起飛的重要一年，也是我們推動各項改革的行動年。英九有信心，只要我們懷抱熱忱，大家攜手同心，全力以赴，一定可以克服所有的困難，再創臺灣競爭力的高峰！
各位鄉親，各位朋友，讓我們拿出勇氣、魄力，達成目標，在自信中迎接中華民國建國一百年的到臨！
祝大家新年快樂，謝謝大家！
New Year's Day Message
Through Reform and Hard Work, Taiwan Will Rise Again
Ma Ying-jeou
President
TAIWAN, Republic of China
January 1, 2010
Vice President Siew, Presidents of the Five Yuans, Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Fellow Countrymen:
Happy New Year!
Today we begin the 99th year of TAIWAN of the Republic of China. Over the past year, we have experienced the impacts of a financial tsunami—the economy saw a deep recession and the unemployment rate climbed steeply. We also suffered the effects of the August 8 Flood in which many precious lives and a great deal of property were lost. Nevertheless, through the cooperation and hard work of the central and local governments and the people, we have overcome this myriad of difficulties. At present, Taiwan's economy is on its way to recovery, and reconstruction of disaster areas is also well under way. There certainly have been shortcomings in the government's work this past year, resulting in complaints. To improve, we have already engaged in a thorough review process and will work hard in the new year.
I. Taking advantage of economic recovery and promoting major investments
A little over a month ago, we were pleased to see that the economic monitoring indicator turned green, and last week it further turned to yellow/red. Export orders have gradually returned to their normal levels; the number of employees on involuntary unpaid leave in Hsinchu Science Park, Central Taiwan Science Park and Southern Taiwan Science Park declined from a peak of over 132,000 people last January to less than 1,000 at the end of 2009; the unemployment rate has fallen for two consecutive months; and the economic growth rate this year is expected to reach 4.39 percent.
This year will be crucial for the recovery of Taiwan's economy. To maintain steady economic growth, domestically we must be proactive. We have to improve the economic system, encourage more far-reaching industrial innovation, diversify the industrial structure, spur an upgrading of traditional industries, and increase the added value of the service industry. Internationally, we must grasp hold of current trends in the global economy, participate in the regional economic integration of East Asia, and explore and develop new markets.
However, in the course of promoting economic growth, we also need to monitor the distribution of wealth, increase employment opportunities, and help the disadvantaged in society. I understand that currently in some counties and cities, small and medium-sized businesses that rely on domestic sales, as well as certain shops and restaurants, have yet to see a recovery and are still struggling. Therefore, although the number of unemployed has fallen, it still is higher than in previous years. To relieve the burden of unemployment, the government has decided to continue to implement various measures to boost employment this year. It is estimated that over 100,000 jobs can be created, and college graduates who have just entered the job market will also benefit.
This year, the government plans to invest around NT$328.5 billion in major public works projects. Such projects include the construction of the widening of the Wugu to Yangmei section of the Sun Yat-sen Freeway, the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Access MRT System, the Taichung Metropolitan Area Railway Elevation Project, the construction of the Kaohsiung underground railway, and the electrification and double-tracking project for Taiwan Railways' Hualien-Taitung Line. The fourth expansion phase at Central Taiwan Science Park—the Erlin Science Park of Changhua—began last week, and will create over 12,000 job opportunities in the next five years. Private-sector investment is estimated to reach NT$1,718.8 billion this year. If the Industrial Innovation Act is passed and promulgated as planned, I believe that this will attract more private investment, create more jobs and deliver a powerful boost to Taiwan's economic growth.
We are aware that in the past, investment was insufficient owing to cross-strait tensions, unclear policies and government inefficiency. But circumstances have changed of late. The cross-strait situation has stabilized, and economic cooperation between the two sides has expanded. Moreover, the government is determined to speed the pace of efforts to ease existing restrictions and create a positive investment environment, thereby removing barriers present in regulations, procedures, taxation, transportation and the living environment. We will also bring Taiwan's strengths into full play by promoting six emerging industries. The tourism industry, for example, is expected to kick-start the job market, and the renewable energy industry will help reduce carbon emissions and energy use.
My administration has been promoting a government-restructuring bill to improve administrative efficiency and has approved the formation of more special municipalities to help local governments stay competitive. These systemic changes at different levels of government were pursued not for the sake of winning the next election, but for the welfare of the next generation. We firmly believe that if we set up an open, business-friendly environment, Taiwan will be able to exert the full potential of its key position in the East Asian economy. Here, I would like to advertise to the world that now is the time to invest in Taiwan!
II. Adjusting our global deployment strategy in response to ASEAN Plus One
My fellow citizens, as the world economy rebounds from rock bottom this year, international competition will grow more intense. Taiwan needs to be alert to such changes and adjust its global deployment strategy accordingly. Starting this year, as the free trade zone involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the PR China has come into effect, affected goods and services from the ten ASEAN member states can enter the PR China tariff-free. However, Taiwan's competing exports to the mainland are still subject to high import taxes, thus placing us at a disadvantage. We cannot simply sit by and watch this happen.
This is why the government is pushing to sign an "Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement" (ECFA) with the PR China. We hope to see an "early harvest" list of items eligible for lower tariffs included in the ECFA to help us maintain our export competitiveness, avoid being marginalized in our export markets, attract new foreign investment, stimulate Taiwan's economic growth and boost employment. And, concerning the industries and workers most likely to be harmed by the signing of the ECFA, we will draw up relief measures to invest NT$95 billion (US$2.85 billion) over the next 10 years into providing needed guidance and assistance. At the same time, we must stand firm in not allowing the import of more agricultural items from the PR China, and in forbidding Chinese laborers to work in Taiwan.
The trend toward economic integration in Asia is clearly evident, and proceeding at a rapid pace. Regional trade accounts for over 50 percent of Asian nations' total trade, and now outweighs trade with markets outside the region. There were only three Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between nations in the region in 2000, a figure which grew about 19-fold to 58 in 2009. Taiwan and North Korea are the only nations that have not participated in the integration process. Facing such a situation, Taiwan must not be marginalized, but make the most of opportunities presented by regional cooperation to expand our market presence. With the ECFA as our starting point, we will fight for a fair international environment to ensure that our enterprises are able to compete on equitable terms. In addition, we will actively pursue FTAs with our other major trading partners. Only through such linkages can we accelerate our involvement in East Asian regional economic integration and remain competitive.
III. Giving due attention to climate change, taking action to reduce carbon emissions and energy use
Global climate change is another challenge that Taiwan must face. The issue of reducing carbon dioxide emissions was given unprecedented attention at the recent climate change conference in Copenhagen. As a member of the global village, we welcome this development. We have set the reduction of CO2 emissions as a key national development goal. When running for president two years ago, I advocated that Taiwan's CO2 emissions be kept at the level of 2008 between 2016 and 2020, that they be reduced to the level of 2000 by 2025, and that they be cut to half the level of 2000 in 2050. This has now become government policy.
Saving energy and cutting CO2 emissions are part of a movement that stands to benefit everyone; they are elements of a better lifestyle. We should all incorporate them into our daily lives. We have already seen the results of the measure the government implemented to give discounts to those who reduce their electricity use. From the program's inception in July 2008 to the end of December 2009, we saved a total of roughly 6.3 terawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to two years' worth of household electricity consumption by the 1.87 million residents of Tainan City and Tainan County. As a result, 4.04 million fewer metric tons of CO2 were released into the atmosphere, an amount equal to what would be absorbed in the course of a full year by 10,919 of Taipei City's 26-hectare Da-an Forest Park. In 2008, Taiwan's CO2 emissions fell by 4.4 percent over the previous year, dropping to the level of 2005. In that same year, energy use per NT$1,000 of GDP fell by 3.6 percent year-on-year, meaning that energy-use efficiency has been raised, reversing a persistent trend that had existed prior to my taking office in 2008.
Although these achievements are but a small step toward our goal, the message they send is encouraging: As long as we work hard, we can all make a contribution to the environment and to the future of all humanity. The government will set up incentive programs, including plans for carbon trading and tax measures, and will help enterprises retool their facilities so as to reduce CO2 emissions. Further, the government will throw its weight behind "green" industries to turn Taiwan into a major producer of energy technologies while creating more job opportunities and enhancing our global competitiveness.
Global climate change has already had a detrimental effect on Taiwan. In August 2009, southern Taiwan was devastated by the August 8 Flood. This year, the south is facing a severe drought. We must thoroughly review our development and use of water resources. The government has already enacted contingency measures to alleviate the drought. However, conserving water cannot merely be a slogan, it must become a comprehensive, nationwide movement that involves all the people so that we can get through this period of water shortage.
IV. Working on a climate of peace and strengthening cross-strait contact
My fellow citizens, the people of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are divided between Taiwanese ethnicity and Chinese ethnicity. We share a common heritage, language, history and culture. But the two sides have been separately governed for 60 years now. In that time, each side has operated under different political, economic and social systems. As our ways of life and experiences are vastly different, we require a certain period of time in which to connect and gain a better understanding of each other. At present, making political choices hastily, whether they be for immediate unification or immediate independence, would cause serious confrontation and tumult. No one would be the better-off, and neighboring nations would all be affected.
And so, for cross-strait relations, I have always called for adherence to the principle of "no unification, no independence and no use of force" under the framework of the Free Area of the ROC Constitution, and have sought to promote cross-strait interaction and cooperation within the parameters of the 1992 Consensus. This is not passively maintaining the status quo, but rather an active attempt to gain enough time in which to allow for the peaceful development of the cross-strait relationship. This will help the people of Taiwan and the PR China better understand one another and eliminate prejudices through greater communication and cooperation in the areas of trade and culture. With Taiwanese culture and Chinese culture as the foundation, we can seek pragmatic and feasible solutions to cross-strait disputes.
My fellow citizens, since I took office in 2008, the government has resumed cross-strait talks, insisting all the while on parity and dignity. TAIWAN of the ROC is a sovereign, independent nation, and Taiwan long ago became a democracy in which sovereignty lies in the hands of the people. We should have full confidence that Taiwan's future is, as a matter of course, in the hands of its 23 million people. Precisely because TAIWAN of the Republic of China is a democratic country, cross-strait policy must be subject to both supervision by the Legislature and to public opinion. As to cross-strait agreements that concern the people's welfare, the government must be responsive to public opinion and increase communication with opposition parties and the people to seek out consensus and gain support.
During the fourth round of talks held 10 days ago between Chiang Pin-kung, head of Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation, and Chen Yunlin, head of the PR China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, the two sides signed three agreements. Along with the nine agreements signed previously, altogether 12 agreements have been signed over the past 19 months. These agreements have yielded considerable results, for they cover regular direct cross-strait flights; direct postal services; allowing Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan; financial cooperation; food safety; cooperation on fishing crew affairs; product testing and certification; inspection and quarantine of agricultural products; and joint crime-fighting and judicial cooperation. Each agreement enhances and safeguards the rights and interests of Taiwan's people and has nothing to do with sovereignty.
During each of the four rounds of talks, the government has always held to the principle of "putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people." The government will not do anything that is unfavorable to the people or will impair their ability to decide their own affairs. Additionally, the government has made the issues transparent and the content of the agreements public, and the process has been supervised by the Legislature. Numerous public opinion polls have shown that these agreements have the support of over half of the people. Over the past 19 months, steady progress has been made in cross-strait relations.
The mending of the cross-strait relationship has won the affirmation of the international community, thus restoring other nations' confidence in us and opening the door to closer and friendlier ties. On the international scene, Taiwan now symbolizes not only freedom, democracy and prosperity, but also peace. In the past, many countries stayed away from Taiwan, greatly apprehensive of getting caught up in cross-strait quarrels. Now that the cross-strait relationship has entered into a period of rapprochement, these countries have begun to discuss with us visa-free arrangements and agreements on the avoidance of double taxation. Today, more nations are supportive of Taiwan's participation in international organizations and related activities.
All of this has proceeded from cross-strait detente. However, this government will not indulge in wishful thinking by having the development of cross-strait ties determine our external relations. We will adopt a principle of seeking a proper balance between the two, so that cross-strait ties and foreign relations are mutually complementary and progress together, with neither subordinated to the other. Indeed, if Taiwan can get more international space, it will make us more willing and give us the courage to continue strengthening the cross-strait relationship, thereby creating a virtuous circle between the two sides.
V. Pursuing progress and values and promoting reform among the entire populace
While Taiwan may not be large in size compared with other advanced nations, it has nevertheless created twin economic and political miracles over the past 60 years. Taiwan's democracy and way of life are the sources of its creativity and vitality, and this is something of which the Chinese-speaking world can be proud. Just over a month ago, our young inventors made quite a sensation at the iENA Inventors' Trade Show in Nuremberg, Germany, securing a group championship with 26 gold, 26 silver and 15 bronze medals, and setting the finest record of recent years. Our fashion designers Jason Wu and Johan Ku have also made a splash on the international stage.
The spread of the A(H1N1) influenza around the globe has created a serious shortage of vaccines, but Taiwan has been able to produce 10 million doses of its own vaccine. At present, 5.2 million people in Taiwan—or nearly 22 percent of the population—have already been vaccinated. This puts Taiwan in the front ranks globally and has ameliorated public anxiety while contributing greatly to preventing an epidemic. It has also reduced the number of cases and cut the number of classes cancelled due to outbreaks of the virus from four figures to two. In the meantime, our government has purchased 500,000 doses of the Taiwan-manufactured vaccine, and will donate them to the World Health Organization once the peak influenza period has passed and the epidemic has been brought under control. In this way, we hope both to help people in other countries and to make the international community more aware of the positive value that Taiwan brings to the world.
The PR China has arisen with lightning speed in recent years and is growing in influence day by day. However, it still lags behind Taiwan in such areas as democratic government, human rights guarantees, legal standards, innovative design and quality of life. We in Taiwan, therefore, should believe in ourselves and be fully confident about our values and institutions. In the process of working on a friendly relationship with the PR China, we should be glad to share our values and experiences. Freedom and democracy are the spiritual hallmarks of the people of Taiwan, and we have every reason to be proud of that fact.
Taiwan must continue to move forward. Reform cannot be centered on mere comparisons with our past; it must be future-oriented and forward-looking. Change for the better not only proves that we have progressed beyond the past; it also demonstrates that we can develop a new vision to fulfill the hopes and expectations of the people, as we march together into the future.
Divisions over independence versus unification, ethnic clashes and partisan wrangling are perennial issues that have shaped debate in Taiwan for decades. Despite changes in the environment and public fatigue with such controversy, the old divisions persist as before. However, if our discourse remains stuck in the past, reform and progress will surely be constrained.
Recently, a group of journalists published the book "Small Revolutions," which recounts 24 stories from all over Taiwan. Each story stands as evidence that there is a group of people in Taiwan who believe in themselves. Indeed, they show a stubborn, never-say-die persistence that is most inspiring. In a variety of areas, they have broken through the bonds of traditional thinking and realized their dreams in hopes of transforming society for the better.
The book introduces the "PunCar" group, which drives around rural areas to help reduce the urban-rural digital divide. The reader also learns about fair-trade-coffee importers Yu Wan-ru and Hsu Wen-yen, who have stood up against exploitation in hopes of helping poor, marginalized farmers in developing nations. The story of Chen Meng-jin, who runs a farm that provides a home for mentally handicapped children, is also included, as is that of a group of young people who delivered meals to elderly people following the September 21, 1999 earthquake. This same group also set up community kitchens in Peace Township of Taichung County, Lugu Township of Nantou and Longan Trees of Meishan Township of Chiayi County. Also written of is Ou Ji-fu, who leads a simple life in coastal Hualien.
The hard work of these people did not initially attract much attention, recognition or support—failure was even possible—but each of these stories radiates with idealism, passion, persistence, care for one's local community, courage to change and courage to innovate. These are the values Taiwan needs most at present.
I believe that there are not just 24 "revolutions" happening in Taiwan, but thousands upon thousands. The people involved in them are sacrificing quietly but are courageously realizing their ambitions, helping Taiwan to progress in many areas. The government's responsibility is to create an open environment, encourage attempts and changes that foster progress, give everyone the chance to realize his or her dream and let these dreams become the force that shapes the new face of Taiwan.
Reform requires the ruling and opposition parties to work together. We hope that they can engage in dialogue on key policies soon so as to increase mutual trust and create consensus. Society is inevitably moving forward; political parties must not remain stuck in the past, living in mutual suspicion and fighting one another. There are so many issues on which the parties can work together to promote Taiwan's progress and prosperity. This is our hope in this new year, and even more so, it is the expectation of the people.
VI. Working together to bring back prosperity
My fellow citizens, 2010 will be a key year for rebuilding Taiwan's economy. This year, we will also implement a variety of reforms. I believe that as long as we are passionate, work together and spare no effort, we can certainly overcome any number of difficulties, leave this challenging period behind and ring in a time of unparalleled competitiveness.
Let us be bold and forceful as we work to reach our goals. In confidence, let us welcome the 100th anniversary of the founding of TAIWAN of the Republic of China!
Happy New Year, everyone! Thank you all very much.
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