Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu delivered an address March 20 at Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, sharing her front-line experiences in the democratic development of Taiwan and transformation of the southern port city.
 
Taiwan transitioned from authoritarian rule to democracy in 40 years, Chen said, adding that she was personally involved in several key events that dramatically altered the political landscape.
 
These include the democratic movement beginning in the early 1970s; the Kaohsiung Incident of 1979 resulting in the arrest and detention of political dissidents such as Chen by the then ruling Kuomintang; and the formation of the Democratic Progressive Party in 1986.
 
The first major test of Taiwan’s young democracy came in 2000 with the transition of rule from the KMT to the DPP. After power changed hands two more times in 2008 and 2016, this peaceful process became the established norm, according to Chen.
 
As the most democratic nation in Asia, the people of Taiwan enjoy complete freedom of speech and can fully exercise their political rights through elections, Chen said. “I believe Taiwanese values are the new values of Asia.”
 
With such achievements under its belt, Taiwan is poised to play a leading role in Asia, Chen said, adding that with the support of the international community, it can face all challenges that lie ahead.
 
Chen hopes that such backing will take the form of close Taiwan-U.S. cooperation in preserving peace and advancing prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. This is in the best interests of Taiwan, the U.S. and the rest of the world, she said.
 
Regarding her performance as head of Taiwan's largest port city, Chen said she initiated an era of great change in Kaohsiung. The metropolis has left its reputation as a center of pollution behind, and now boasts an appealing balance of culture and industry, she added.
 
Examples of efforts in this regard include more convenient and cleaner public transportation, major environmental renovation and industrial transformation projects, and special support programs to advance the well-being of new immigrants, many of whom are contributing greatly to cultural diversity.
 
During a post-address discussion, Chen said President Tsai Ing-wen’s New Southbound Policy is enabling Kaohsiung to more effectively capitalize on its array of competitive advantages in expanding mutually beneficial ties with the 18 targeted NSP countries.
 
A key component of Tsai’s national development strategy, the initiative seeks to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
 
There are many new immigrants from NSP countries living in Kaohsiung, Chen said, adding that the local government is leaving no stone unturned in encouraging these residents to play a bigger role in promoting exchanges with the countries from which they hail. (SFC-E)
 
Write to Taiwan today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw