各位友邦的元首與貴賓、各國駐台使節及代表、現場的好朋友，全體國人同胞，大家好
感謝與承擔
就在剛剛，我和陳建仁已經在總統府裡面，正式宣誓就任中華民國第十四任總統與副總統。我們要感謝這塊土地對我們的栽培，感謝人民對我們的信任，以及，最重要的，感謝這個國家的民主機制，讓我們透過和平的選舉過程，實現第三次政黨輪替，並且克服種種不確定因素，順利渡過長達四個月的交接期，完成政權和平移轉。
台灣，再一次用行動告訴世界，作為一群民主人與自由人，我們有堅定的信念，去捍衛民主自由的生活方式。這段旅程，我們每一個人都參與其中。親愛的台灣人民，我們做到了。
我要告訴大家，對於一月十六日的選舉結果，我從來沒有其他的解讀方式。人民選擇了新總統、新政府，所期待的就是四個字：解決問題。此時此刻，台灣的處境很困難，迫切需要執政者義無反顧的承擔。這一點，我不會忘記。
我也要告訴大家，眼前的種種難關，需要我們誠實面對，需要我們共同承擔。所以，這個演說是一個邀請，我要邀請全體國人同胞一起來，扛起這個國家的未來。
國家不會因為領導人而偉大；全體國民的共同奮鬥，才讓這個國家偉大。總統該團結的不只是支持者，總統該團結的是整個國家。團結是為了改變，這是我對這個國家最深切的期待。在這裡，我要誠懇地呼籲，請給這個國家一個機會，讓我們拋下成見，拋下過去的對立，我們一起來完成新時代交給我們的使命。
在我們共同奮鬥的過程中，身為總統，我要向全國人民宣示，未來我和新政府，將領導這個國家的改革，展現決心，絕不退縮。
為年輕人打造一個更好的國家
未來的路並不好走，台灣需要一個正面迎向一切挑戰的新政府，我的責任就是領導這個新政府。
我們的年金制度，如果不改，就會破產。
我們僵化的教育制度，已經逐漸與社會脈動脫節。
我們的能源與資源十分有限，我們的經濟缺乏動能，舊的代工模式已經面臨瓶頸，整個國家極需要新的經濟發展模式。
我們的人口結構急速老化，長照體系卻尚未健全。
我們的人口出生率持續低落，完善的托育制度卻始終遙遙無期。
我們環境汙染問題仍然嚴重。
我們國家的財政並不樂觀。
我們的司法已經失去人民的信任。
我們的食品安全問題，困擾著所有家庭。
我們的貧富差距越來越嚴重。
我們的社會安全網還是有很多破洞。
最重要的，我要特別強調，我們的年輕人處於低薪的處境，他們的人生，動彈不得，對於未來，充滿無奈與茫然。
年輕人的未來是政府的責任。如果不友善的結構沒有改變，再多個人菁英的出現，都不足以讓整體年輕人的處境變好。我期許自己，在未來的任期之內，要一步一步，從根本的結構來解決這個國家的問題。
這就是我想為台灣的年輕人做的事。雖然我沒有辦法立刻幫所有的年輕人加薪，但是我願意承諾，新政府會立刻展開行動。請給我們一點時間，也請跟我們一起走上改革的這一條路。
改變年輕人的處境，就是改變國家的處境。一個國家的年輕人沒有未來，這個國家必定沒有未來。幫助年輕人突破困境，實現世代正義，把一個更好的國家交到下一代手上，就是新政府重大的責任。
第一、 經濟結構的轉型
要打造一個更好的國家，未來，新政府要做到以下幾件事情。
首先，就是讓台灣的經濟結構轉型。這是新政府所必須承擔的最艱鉅使命。我們不要妄自菲薄，更不要失去信心。台灣有很多別的國家沒有的優勢，我們有海洋經濟的活力和靭性，高素質的人力資源、務實可靠的工程師文化、完整的產業鏈、敏捷靈活的中小企業，以及，永不屈服的創業精神。
我們要讓台灣經濟脫胎換骨，就必須從現在起就下定決心，勇敢地走出另外一條路。這一條路，就是打造台灣經濟發展的新模式。
新政府將打造一個以創新、就業、分配為核心價值，追求永續發展的新經濟模式。改革的第一步，就是強化經濟的活力與自主性，加強和全球及區域的連結，積極參與多邊及雙邊經濟合作及自由貿易談判，包括TPP、RCEP等，並且，推動新南向政策，提升對外經濟的格局及多元性，告別以往過於依賴單一市場的現象。
除此之外，新政府相信，唯有激發新的成長動能，我們才能突破當前經濟的停滯不前。我們會以出口和內需作為雙引擎，讓企業生產和人民生活互為表裡，讓對外貿易和在地經濟緊密連結。
我們會優先推動五大創新研發計畫，藉著這些產業來重新塑造台灣的全球競爭力。我們也要積極提升勞動生產力，保障勞工權益，讓薪資和經濟成長能同步提升。
這是台灣經濟發展的關鍵時刻。我們有決心，也有溝通能力。我們已經有系統性的規劃，未來，會以跨部會聯手的模式，把整個國家的力量集結起來，一起來催生這個新模式。
在經濟發展的同時，我們不要忘記對環境的責任。經濟發展的新模式會和國土規劃、區域發展及環境永續，相互結合。產業的佈局和國土的利用，應該拋棄零碎的規畫，和短視近利的眼光。我們必須追求區域的均衡發展，這需要中央來規畫、整合，也需要地方政府充分發揮區域聯合治理的精神。
我們也不能再像過去，無止盡地揮霍自然資源及國民健康。所以，對各種汙染的控制，我們會嚴格把關，更要讓台灣走向循環經濟的時代，把廢棄物轉換為再生資源。對於能源的選擇，我們會以永續的觀念去逐步調整。新政府會嚴肅看待氣候變遷、國土保育、災害防治的相關議題，因為，我們只有一個地球，我們也只有一個台灣。
第二、 強化社會安全網
新政府必須要承擔的第二件事情，就是強化台灣的社會安全網。這些年，幾件關於兒少安全及隨機殺人的事件，都讓整個社會震驚。不過，一個政府不能永遠在震驚，它必須要有同理心。沒有人可以替受害者家屬承受傷痛，但是，一個政府，尤其是第一線處理問題的人，必須要讓受害者以及家屬覺得，不幸事件發生的時候，政府是站在他們這一邊。
除了同理心之外，政府更應該要提出解決的方法。全力防止悲劇一再發生，從治安、教育、心理健康、社會工作等各個面向，積極把破洞補起來。尤其是治安與反毒的工作，這些事情，新政府會用最嚴肅的態度和行動來面對。
在年金的改革方面，這是攸關台灣生存發展的關鍵改革，我們不應該遲疑，也不可以躁進。由陳建仁副總統擔任召集人的年金改革委員會，已經緊鑼密鼓在籌備之中。過去的政府在這個議題上，曾經有過一些努力。但是，缺乏社會的參與。新政府的做法，是發動一個集體協商，因為年金改革必須是一個透過協商來團結所有人的過程。
這就是為什麼，我們要召開年金改革國是會議，由不同階層、不同職業代表，在社會團結的基礎上，共同協商。一年之內，我們會提出可行的改革方案。無論是勞工還是公務員，每一個國民的退休生活都應該得到公平的保障。
另外，在長期照顧的議題上，我們將會把優質、平價、普及的長期照顧系統建立起來。和年金改革一樣，長照體系也是一個社會總動員的過程。新政府的做法是由政府主導和規劃，鼓勵民間發揮社區主義的精神，透過社會集體互助的力量，來建立一套妥善而完整的體系。每一個老年人都可以在自己熟悉的社區，安心享受老年生活，每一個家庭的照顧壓力將會減輕。照顧老人的工作不能完全讓它變成自由市場。我們會把責任扛起來，按部就班來規劃與執行，為超高齡社會的來臨，做好準備。
第三、 社會的公平與正義
新政府要承擔的第三件事情，就是社會的公平與正義。在這個議題上，新政府會持續和公民社會一起合作，讓台灣的政策更符合多元、平等、開放、透明、人權的價值，讓台灣的民主機制更加深化與進化。
新的民主制度要能夠上路，我們必須先找出面對過去的共同方法。未來，我會在總統府成立真相與和解委員會，用最誠懇與謹慎的態度，來處理過去的歷史。追求轉型正義的目標是在追求社會的真正和解，讓所有台灣人都記取那個時代的錯誤。
我們將從真相的調查與整理出發，預計在三年之內，完成台灣自己的轉型正義調查報告書。我們將會依據調查報告所揭示的真相，來進行後續的轉型正義工作。挖掘真相、彌平傷痕、釐清責任。從此以後，過去的歷史不再是台灣分裂的原因，而是台灣一起往前走的動力。
同樣在公平正義的議題上，我會秉持相同的原則，來面對原住民族的議題。今天的就職典禮，原住民族的小朋友在唱國歌之前，先唱了他們部落傳統的古調。這象徵了，我們不敢忘記，這個島上先來後到的順序。
新政府會用道歉的態度，來面對原住民族相關議題，重建原民史觀，逐步推動自治，復育語言文化，提升生活照顧，這就是我要領導新政府推動的改變。
接下來，新政府也會積極推動司法改革。這是現階段台灣人民最關心的議題。司法無法親近人民、不被人民信任、司法無法有效打擊犯罪，以及，司法失去作為正義最後一道防線的功能，是人民普遍的感受。
為了展現新政府的決心，我們會在今年十月召開司法國是會議，透過人民實際的參與，讓社會力進來，一起推動司法改革。司法必須回應人民的需求，不再只是法律人的司法，而是全民的司法。司法改革也不只是司法人的家務事，而是全民參與的改革。這就是我對司法改革的期待。
第四、區域的和平穩定發展及兩岸關係
新政府要承擔的第四件事情，是區域的和平穩定與發展，以及妥善處理兩岸關係。過去三十年，無論是對亞洲或是全球，都是變動最劇烈的時期；而全球及區域的經濟穩定和集體安全，也是各國政府越來越關切的課題。
台灣在區域發展當中，一直是不可或缺的關鍵角色。但是近年來，區域的情勢快速變動，如果台灣不善用自己的實力和籌碼，積極參與區域事務，不但將會變得無足輕重，甚至可能被邊緣化，喪失對於未來的自主權。
我們有危機，但也有轉機。台灣現階段的經濟發展，和區域中許多國家高度關聯和互補。如果將打造經濟發展新模式的努力，透過和亞洲、乃至亞太區域的國家合作，共同形塑未來的發展策略，不但可以為區域的經濟創新、結構調整和永續發展，做出積極的貢獻，更可以和區域內的成員，建立緊密的「經濟共同體」意識。
我們要和其他國家共享資源、人才與市場，擴大經濟規模，讓資源有效利用。「新南向政策」就是基於這樣的精神。我們會在科技、文化與經貿等各層面，和區域成員廣泛交流合作，尤其是增進與東協、印度的多元關係。為此，我們也願意和對岸，就共同參與區域發展的相關議題，坦誠交換意見，尋求各種合作與協力的可能性。
在積極發展經濟的同時，亞太地區的安全情勢也變得越來越複雜，而兩岸關係，也成為建構區域和平與集體安全的重要一環。這個建構的進程，台灣會做一個「和平的堅定維護者」，積極參與，絕不缺席；我們也將致力維持兩岸關係的和平穩定；我們更會努力促成內部和解，強化民主機制，凝聚共識，形成一致對外的立場。
對話和溝通，是我們達成目標最重要的關鍵。台灣也要成為一個「和平的積極溝通者」，我們將和相關的各方，建立常態、緊密的溝通機制，隨時交換意見，防止誤判，建立互信，有效解決爭議。我們將謹守和平原則、利益共享原則，來處理相關的爭議。
我依照中華民國憲法當選總統，我有責任捍衛中華民國的主權和領土；對於東海及南海問題，我們主張應擱置爭議，共同開發。
兩岸之間的對話與溝通，我們也將努力維持現有的機制。1992年兩岸兩會秉持相互諒解、求同存異的政治思維，進行溝通協商，達成若干的共同認知與諒解，我尊重這個歷史事實。92年之後，20多年來雙方交流、協商所累積形成的現狀與成果，兩岸都應該共同珍惜與維護，並在這個既有的事實與政治基礎上，持續推動兩岸關係和平穩定發展；新政府會依據中華民國憲法、兩岸人民關係條例及其他相關法律，處理兩岸事務。兩岸的兩個執政黨應該要放下歷史包袱，展開良性對話，造福兩岸人民。
我所講的既有政治基礎，包含幾個關鍵元素，第一，1992年兩岸兩會會談的歷史事實與求同存異的共同認知，這是歷史事實；第二，中華民國現行憲政體制；第三，兩岸過去20多年來協商和交流互動的成果；第四，台灣民主原則及普遍民意。
第五、 外交與全球性議題
新政府要承擔的第五件事情，是善盡地球公民的責任，在外交與全球性的議題上做出貢獻。讓台灣走向世界，也要讓世界走進台灣。
現場有許多來自各國的元首與使節團，我要特別謝謝他們，長久以來一直幫助台灣，讓我們有機會參與國際社會。未來，我們會持續透過官方互動、企業投資與民間合作各種方式，分享台灣發展的經驗，與友邦建立永續的夥伴關係。
台灣是全球公民社會的模範生，民主化以來，我們始終堅持和平、自由、民主及人權的普世價值。我們會秉持這個精神，加入全球議題的價值同盟。我們會繼續深化與包括美國、日本、歐洲在內的友好民主國家的關係，在共同的價值基礎上，推動全方位的合作。
我們會積極參與國際經貿合作及規則制定，堅定維護全球的經濟秩序，並且融入重要的區域經貿體系。我們也不會在防制全球暖化、氣候變遷的議題上缺席。我們將會在行政院設立專責的能源和減碳辦公室，並且根據COP21巴黎協議的規定，定期檢討溫室氣體的減量目標，與友好國家攜手，共同維護永續的地球。
同時，新政府會支持並參與，全球性新興議題的國際合作，包括人道救援、醫療援助、疾病的防治與研究、反恐合作，以及共同打擊跨國犯罪，讓台灣成為國際社會不可或缺的夥伴。
結語
1996年台灣第一次總統直選，到今天剛好20年。過去20年，在幾任政府以及公民社會的努力之下，我們成功渡過了許多新興民主國家必須面對的難關。在這個過程中，我們曾經有過許多感動人心的時刻和故事，不過，正如同世界上其他國家一樣，我們也曾經有過焦慮、不安、矛盾、與對立。
我們看到了社會的對立，進步與保守的對立，環境與開發的對立，以及，政治意識之間的對立。這些對立，曾經激發出選舉時的動員能量，不過也因為這些對立，我們的民主逐漸失去了解決問題的能力。
民主是一個進程，每一個時代的政治工作者，都要清楚認識他身上所肩負的責任。民主會前進，民主也有可能倒退。今天，我站在這裡，就是要告訴大家，倒退不會是我們的選項。新政府的責任就是把台灣的民主推向下一個階段：以前的民主是選舉的輸贏，現在的民主則是關於人民的幸福；以前的民主是兩個價值觀的對決，現在的民主則是不同價值觀的對話。
打造一個沒有被意識形態綁架的「團結的民主」，打造一個可以回應社會與經濟問題的「有效率的民主」，打造一個能夠實質照料人民的「務實的民主」，這就是新時代的意義。
只要我們相信，新時代就會來臨。只要這個國家的主人，有堅定的信念，新時代一定會在我們這一代人的手上誕生。
各位親愛的台灣人民，演講要結束了，改革要開始了。從這一刻起，這個國家的擔子交在新政府身上。我會讓大家看見這個國家的改變。
歷史會記得我們這個勇敢的世代，這個國家的繁榮、尊嚴、團結、自信和公義，都有我們努力的痕跡。歷史會記得我們的勇敢，我們在2016年一起把國家帶向新的方向。這塊土地上的每一個人，都因為參與台灣的改變，而感到驕傲。
剛才表演節目中的一首歌曲當中，有一句讓我很感動的歌詞：
(台語)現在是彼一天，勇敢ㄟ台灣人。
各位國人同胞，兩千三百萬的台灣人民，等待已經結束，現在就是那一天。今天，明天，未來的每一天，我們都要做一個守護民主、守護自由、守護這個國家的台灣人。
謝謝大家。
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Esteemed heads of state and guests from our diplomatic allies, distinguished ambassadors and representatives, dear friends, our fellow citizens across the country:
Our Gratitude and Responsibilities
Just moments ago, in the Presidential Office building, Dr. Chen Chien-jen and I were officially sworn in as the 14th President and Vice President of the Republic of China. We must express our gratitude to this land for nurturing us and to the people for placing their trust in us. Most importantly, we deeply appreciate the democratic institutions of this country, which have allowed us to accomplish Taiwan’s third transition of political power through a peaceful electoral process. We also overcame many uncertainties throughout a four months-long transition period that concluded peacefully today. Once again, the people of Taiwan have shown the world through our actions that we, as a free and democratic people, are committed to the defense of our freedom and democracy as a way of life. Each and every one of us participated in this journey. My dear fellow Taiwanese, we did it.
I would like to tell you that, regarding the results of the January 16th elections, I have always had one interpretation only. The people elected a new president and new government with one single expectation: solving problems. At this very moment, Taiwan faces a difficult situation that requires its leaders to shoulder the burdens without hesitation. This is something I will not forget.
I would also like to tell you that, the multitude of challenges before us require that we face them honestly and shoulder the responsibilities together.
Therefore, this speech is an invitation. I invite every fellow citizen to carry the future of this country.
It is not the leader who makes a country great; it is the collective striving of the people that makes this country great. A president should not only unite her own supporters; she should unite the entire country. To stand united for change – that is my earnest hope for this country. Here, I sincerely call on everyone to give this country a chance. Let us leave behind the prejudices and conflicts of the past, and together fulfill the mission that the new era has entrusted to us.
At this moment and as President, I declare to the citizens of this country that my administration will demonstrate resolve in spearheading this country’s reform, and will never back down.
Building a Better Country for the Younger Generation
The path forward is not a smooth one. Taiwan needs a new government that readily takes on each and every challenge. And it is my job to lead such a government.
Our pension system will go bankrupt without reform.
Our rigid educational system is increasingly out of touch with society.
Our energy and resources are limited, and our economy lacks momentum, with the old model of OEM manufacturing facing a bottleneck. This country urgently needs a new model for economic development.
Our population is rapidly aging, while the long-term care system remains inadequate.
Our birthrate remains low, while a sound childcare system seems a distant prospect.
Our environment still suffers from severe pollution.
Our country’s financial situation is far from optimistic.
Our judicial system has lost the trust of the people.
Our families are deeply disturbed by food safety scandals.
Our wealth disparities are still widening.
Our social safety net is full of holes.
Most importantly, and I must stress: our young people still suffer from low wages. Their lives are stuck, and they feel helpless and confused about the future.
Young people’s future is the government’s responsibility. If unfriendly structures persist, the situation for young people will never improve, no matter how many elite talents we have. My self-expectation is that, within my term as President, I will tackle this country’s problems step by step, starting with the basic structure.
This is what I want to do for the young people of Taiwan. Although I cannot give every young person a raise instantly, I can promise that the new administration will initiate actions immediately. Please give us some time, and please join us on this journey of reform.
To change young people’s predicament is to change a country’s predicament. When its young people have no future, a country is certain to have no future. It is the solemn duty of the new administration to help young people overcome difficulties, achieve generational justice, and deliver to the next generation a better country.
1. Transforming Economic Structures
To build a better country, going forward, the new administration must accomplish the following tasks.
The first is to transform Taiwan’s economic structure. This is the most formidable task that the new administration must take on. We must not think lightly of ourselves, and we must not lose confidence. Taiwan enjoys many advantages that other countries lack. We have the vibrancy and resilience of a maritime economy, high quality human resources, the pragmatic and reliable culture of engineers, a well-developed industrial chain, nimble and agile small and medium enterprises, and of course, our relentless entrepreneurial spirit.
In order to completely transform Taiwan’s economy, from this moment on, we must bravely chart a different course – and that is to build a “New Model for Economic Development” for Taiwan.
The new administration will pursue a new economic model for sustainable development based on the core values of innovation, employment and equitable distribution. The first step of reform is to strengthen the vitality and autonomy of our economy, reinforce Taiwan’s global and regional connections, and actively participate in multilateral and bilateral economic cooperation as well as free trade negotiations including the TPP and RCEP. We will also promote a “New Southbound Policy” in order to elevate the scope and diversity of our external economy, and to bid farewell to our past overreliance on a single market.
Furthermore, the new administration believes that the only way for Taiwan to overcome the current economic stagnation is to stimulate new momentum for growth. Our export and domestic demand will serve as twin engines for growth, allowing business production to become closely integrated with the livelihoods of the people, while building close ties between foreign trade and the local economy.
We will prioritize our plans to promote five major innovative industries, with the goal of reshaping Taiwan’s global competitiveness. By protecting labor rights, we will also actively raise productivity and allow wages to grow in lockstep with the economy. This is a crucial moment for Taiwan’s economic development. We have the resolve and the ability to communicate. Going forward, we have systematic plans to engage in interagency cooperation, in order to consolidate the strength of the entire country and bring forth this new model.
As we pursue economic development, we must not forget our responsibility to the environment. Our New Model for Economic Development will be fully integrated with national land-use planning, regional development and environmental sustainability. Industrial planning strategy and national land-use should not be fragmented or shortsighted. We must also pursue balanced regional development, which requires planning and coordination by the central administration. And it requires our local governments to uphold the spirit of regional joint governance.
We must not endlessly expend natural resources and the health of our citizens as we have done in the past. Therefore, we will strictly monitor and control all sources of pollution. We will also bring Taiwan into an age of circular economy, turning waste into renewable resources. We will gradually adjust our energy options based on the concepts of sustainability. The new administration will seriously address issues related to climate change, land conservation and disaster prevention. After all, we only have one earth, and we only have one Taiwan.
2. Strengthening the Social Safety Net
The second area that the new government must address is to strengthen Taiwan’s social safety net. Over the past few years, several incidents of violent crime affecting the safety of children and youth have shaken our entire society. However, a government cannot remain in a state of shock. It must demonstrate empathy. No one can endure the pain and suffering on behalf of the victims’ families. However, the government, and especially the first responders, must let the victims and their family members feel that, when unfortunate incidents occur, the government is on their side.
Beyond offering empathy, the government should propose solutions. We must do everything we can to prevent the repeated occurrences of tragedy, by swiftly mending holes in areas such as public safety, education, mental health and social work. The new administration will address these issues with the utmost seriousness and readiness to act, particularly on public safety and anti-drug efforts.
The issue of pension reform is crucial for the survival and development of Taiwan. We should not hesitate, nor should we act in haste. Vice President Chen Chien-jen is spearheading the establishment of a Pension Reform Committee. Previous administrations have devoted some effort to this issue, but public participation was inadequate. The new government will launch a collective negotiation process, because pension reform must unite everyone involved.
For this reason, we will convene a national congress on pension reform that brings together representatives from different social classes and occupations to engage in negotiations on the basis of societal unity. Within a year, we will offer a workable proposal for reform. Whether you are employed in the private or the public sector, life after retirement for every citizen should receive fair protection.
Furthermore, on the issue of long-term care, we will establish a high-quality, affordable and extensive long-term care system. Like pension reform, longterm care is a process of social mobilization. The new administration’s approach is for the government to lead and plan, while encouraging citizens to organize in communities; through the efforts of collective social assistance, our goal is to build an adequate and comprehensive system. Every senior citizen can comfortably enjoy life after retirement in a community they are familiar with. Every family will see their burden of care lightened. We cannot leave senior care entirely to the free market. We will take up our responsibilities, plan and implement step by step, and get adequately prepared for the arrival of a hyper-aging society.
3. Social Fairness and Justice
The third area the new government must address is social fairness and justice. On this issue, the new government will continue to work with civil society to align its policies with the values of diversity, equality, openness, transparency, and human rights, so as to deepen and evolve Taiwan’s democratic institutions. For the new democratic system to move forward, we must first find a way to face the past together. I will establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission inside the Presidential Office, to address the historical past in the most sincere and cautious manner. The goal of transitional justice is to pursue true social reconciliation, so that all Taiwanese can take to heart the mistakes of that era. We will begin by investigating and sorting through the facts. Within the next three years, we plan to complete Taiwan’s own investigative report on
transitional justice. Follow-up work on transitional justice will then be carried out in accordance with the truth unveiled by the report. We will discover the truth, heal wounds, and clarify responsibilities. From here on out, history will no longer divide Taiwan. Instead, it will propel Taiwan forward.
Also related to fairness and justice, I will uphold the same principles when addressing issues concerning Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. At today’s Inauguration Ceremony, before they sang the national anthem, the indigenous children first sang the traditional melodies of their tribes. This means that we dare not forget who arrived first on this island.
The new government will address issues concerning indigenous peoples with an apologetic attitude. My administration will work to rebuild an indigenous historical perspective, progressively promote indigenous autonomous governance, restore indigenous languages and cultures, and improve the livelihood of indigenous communities.
Next, the new government will actively promote judicial reform. At this juncture, this is the issue the people of Taiwan care the most about. The general sentiment is that the judicial system is not close to the people, and is not trusted by them. It is unable to fight crime effectively, and has lost its function as the last line of defense for justice.
To demonstrate the new government’s resolve, we will hold a national congress on judicial issues this coming October. By allowing public participation and letting in social forces, we will advance judicial reform together. The judicial system must respond to the needs of the people. It will no longer be a judicial system for legal professionals only, but for everyone. Judicial reform is not only the business of legal professionals; it must be inclusive. These are my expectations for judicial reform.
4. Regional Peace and Stability and Cross-Strait Relations
The fourth area for the new government to address is regional peace, stability and development, as well as the proper management of cross-Strait relations. Over the past 30 years, Asia and the world have undergone dramatic changes. And governments have become increasingly concerned over global and regional economic stability and collective security.
Taiwan has always played an indispensable role in the region’s development. But in recent years, regional dynamics have been changing rapidly. If Taiwan does not effectively use its strengths and leverage to proactively participate in regional affairs, it will not only become insignificant, it may even become marginalized and lose the ability to determine its own future.
But where there is crisis, there is opportunity. The present stage of Taiwan’s economic development is highly connected and complementary with many countries in the region. If our efforts to build a New Model for Economic Development can be linked to other Asian and Asia-Pacific countries through cooperation, to jointly shape future development strategies, we will not just contribute to the region’s innovation. We will also contribute greatly to the region’s structural adjustment and sustainable development. Together with other members of this region, we will forge an intimate sense of “economic community.”
We will share resources, talents and markets with other countries to achieve economies of scale and to allow the efficient use of resources. This is the spirit on which our “New Southbound Policy” is based. We will broaden exchanges and cooperation with regional neighbors in areas such as technology, culture and commerce, and expand in particular our dynamic relationships with ASEAN and India. We are also willing to engage in candid exchanges and pursue possibilities for cooperation and collaboration with the other side of the Strait on our common participation in regional development.
As we actively develop our economy, the security situation in the Asia-Pacific region is becoming increasingly complex. Cross-Strait relations have become an integral part of building regional peace and collective security. In this process, Taiwan will be a “staunch guardian of peace” that actively participates and is never absent. We will work to maintain peace and stability in cross-Strait relations. We will make efforts to facilitate domestic reconciliation, strengthen our democratic institutions, consolidate consensus, and present a united position to the outside world.
For us to accomplish our goals, dialogue and communication are absolutely crucial. Taiwan will also become a “proactive communicator for peace.” We will establish mechanisms for intensive and routine communications with all parties involved, and exchange views at all times to prevent misjudgment, establish mutual trust, and effectively resolve disputes. We will handle related disputes in adherence to the principles of maintaining peace and sharing interests.
I was elected President in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of China, thus it is my responsibility to safeguard the sovereignty and territory of the Republic of China; regarding problems arising in the East China Sea and South China Sea, we propose setting aside disputes so as to enable joint development.
We will also work to maintain the existing mechanisms for dialogue and communication across the Taiwan Strait. In 1992, the two institutions representing each side across the Strait (SEF & ARATS), through communication and negotiations, arrived at various joint acknowledgements and understandings. It was done in a spirit of mutual understanding and a political attitude of seeking common ground while setting aside differences. I respect this historical fact. Since 1992, over twenty years of interactions and
negotiations across the Strait have enabled and accumulated outcomes which both sides must collectively cherish and sustain; and it is based on such existing realities and political foundations that the stable and peaceful development of the cross-Strait relationship must be continuously promoted.
The new government will conduct cross-Strait affairs in accordance with the Republic of China Constitution, the Act Governing Relations Between the People of Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and other relevant legislation. The two governing parties across the Strait must set aside the baggage of history, and engage in positive dialogue, for the benefit of the people on both sides.
By existing political foundations, I refer to a number of key elements. The first element is the fact of the 1992 talks between the two institutions representing each side across the Strait (SEF & ARATS), when there was joint acknowledgement of setting aside differences to seek common ground. This is a historical fact. The second element is the existing Republic of China constitutional order. The third element pertains to the outcomes of over twenty years of negotiations and interactions across the Strait. And the fourth relates to the democratic principle and prevalent will of the people of Taiwan.
5. Diplomatic and Global Issues
The fifth area for the new government to take up is to fulfill our duty as a citizen of the world and contribute towards diplomatic and global issues. We will bring Taiwan closer to the world, and the world closer to Taiwan. With us here today are many heads of state and delegations. I would like to thank them for their longstanding assistance to Taiwan and for giving us the opportunity to participate in the international community. Going forward, through governmental interactions, business investment and people-to-people collaborations, we will continue to share Taiwan’s experience in economic development and build lasting partnerships with our allies.
Taiwan has been a model citizen in global civil society. Since our democratization, we have persisted in upholding the universal values of peace, freedom, democracy and human rights. It is with this spirit that we join the alliance of shared values and concerns for global issues. We will continue to deepen our relationships with friendly democracies including the United States, Japan and Europe to advance multifaceted cooperation on the basis of shared values.
We will proactively participate in international economic and trade cooperation and rule-making, steadfastly defend the global economic order, and integrate into important regional trade and commercial architecture. We will also not be absent on the prevention of global warming and climate change. We will create within the Executive Yuan an office for energy and carbon-reduction. We will regularly review goals for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the agreement negotiated at the COP21 meeting in Paris. Together with friendly nations we will safeguard a sustainable earth.
At the same time, the new government will support and participate in international cooperation on emerging global issues including humanitarian aid, medical assistance, disease prevention and research, anti-terrorism cooperation and jointly tackling transnational crime. Taiwan will be an indispensable partner for the international community.
Conclusion
From the first direct Presidential Election in 1996 to today, exactly 20 years have gone by. Thanks to two decades of hard work by successive governments and civil society, we have overcome many obstacles that emerging democracies must confront. Throughout this process, we have had many touching moments and stories. But like other countries, we have also experienced anxiety, unease, contradictions and conflict.
We have witnessed confrontation within society; confrontation between progressive and conservative forces, between pro-environment and prodevelopment views, and between political ideologies. These confrontations have sparked the energy for mobilization during election seasons. But also because of these dichotomies, our democracy gradually lost its ability to solve problems.
Democracy is a process. In every era, those who work in politics must recognize clearly the responsibilities they shoulder. Democracy can move forward, but it can also fall backwards. Standing here today, I want to say to everyone: for us, falling backwards is not an option. The new government’s duty is to move Taiwan’s democracy forward to the next stage: before, democracy was about winning or losing the election. Now, democracy is about the welfare of the people. Before, democracy was a showdown between two opposing values. Now, democracy is a conversation between many diverse values.
To build a “united democracy” that is not hijacked by ideology; to build an “efficient democracy” that responds to the problems of society and economy; to build a “pragmatic democracy” that takes care of the people – this is the significance of the new era.
As long as we believe, the new era will arrive. As long as our leaders have unwavering faith, the new era will be born in the hands of our generation. Dear fellow Taiwanese, this speech is coming to a close, but reforms are just about to start. From this moment on, the weight of the country rests upon the new government. It is my duty for you all to see this country change.
History will remember this courageous generation. This country’s prosperity, dignity, unity, confidence and justice all bear the marks of our struggle. History will remember our courage. It will remember that in the year 2016, we took this country in a new direction. Everyone on this land can be proud of having participated in changing Taiwan.
In the earlier performance, I was really touched by a verse in the lyrics of a song:
“Today is the day, my brave fellow Taiwanese.”
Dear fellow citizens, dear 23 million people of Taiwan: the wait is over. Today is the day. Today, tomorrow, and on every day to come, we shall all vow to be a Taiwanese who safeguards democracy, freedom, and this country.
Thank you.
