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DPP willing to normalize Taiwan-China relations

ROC Central News Agency

2013/11/09 20:45:29

Manila, Nov. 9 (CNA) Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Su Tseng-chang said Saturday that his party is willing to enter political talks with China.

'The DPP is committed to its responsibilities for the future of Taiwan, is willing to reconcile through dialogue as a means of normalizing cross-strait relations, and desires to be a responsible partner of fellow democracies in the Asia-Pacific,' Su said during a speech at the Council of Asia Liberals and Democrats (CALD) in Manila.

Everyone yearns for democracy, and Taiwan's experience can be a model for China, Su said on the sidelines of the event.

Su also touted the democratic accomplishments his party has made, saying that Taiwan joined the Philippines and South Korea in leading the third wave of democratization in East Asia between 2000 and 2008 when the party was in power.

'We have worked closely with our friends in CALD to promote democracy, human rights and freedom throughout the region. Now I am very pleased to see that CALD has become the most important party alliance in Asia,' he said.

Some Asian democracies are now fighting democratic setbacks, Su said, citing Taiwan as an example. 'We now see some old practices coming back to life,' he added.

Globalization since the late 1990s has brought both opportunities and challenges to all democracies in the world, Su said, adding that many people want to relive the 'good old days' and support past regimes in exchange for a more secure economic environment.

'In some countries, such as my own, the democratic formalities still exist, but the substance is otherwise,' he said.

The chairman also expressed confidence in the DPP's success in mayoral races in Taiwan's five special municipalities as part of the seven-in-one elections to be held in December 2014, saying that his party has more public support than the ruling Kuomintang.

Su arrived in Manila Nov. 8 and is scheduled to return to Taiwan Nov. 10.

(By Emerson Lim and James Lee)
ENDITEM/J