President Ma set to usher in new era[附节选翻译]

Ma Ying-jeou became the 12th-term president of the Republic of China May 20, pledging to further develop Taiwan's democracy while seeking peaceful relations with China.

"I sincerely hope that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can seize this historic opportunity to achieve peace and co-prosperity," Ma said in a 20-minute inauguration speech broadcast live nationwide and delivered before an audience of 15,000 at Taipei Arena in downtown Taipei.

"Under the principle of 'no unification, no independence and no use of force,' as Taiwan's mainstream public opinion holds it, and under the framework of the ROC Constitution, we will maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait."

The new president's day began at 9 a.m. when he and Vice President Vincent Siew were sworn in at the Office of the President in a ceremony presided over by Lai In-jaw, president of the Judicial Yuan. After both men read the oaths of office, Wang Jin-pyng, president of the Legislative Yuan, presented Ma and Siew with the seals of State.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the president, vice president and their wives set off in a motorcade for Taipei Arena and attended the celebration marking the smooth transfer of power from the former Democratic Progressive Party administration.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 530 foreign dignitaries and guests attended the celebration, with 22 of Taiwan's 23 diplomatic allies sending special envoys. The U.S. delegation had the largest foreign representation at the event, with 120 dignitaries, including congressmen, scholars and former government officials. In addition, local political leaders, government representatives, captains of industry and delegates from trade organizations were present.

Performances at the event showcased Taiwan's multiculturalism and included those from the country's top opera troupe, aboriginal dancers and Hakka singers. Stars from different generations such as 1970s songbird, TV actress and variety show host Feng Fei-fei and Wang Leehom--a four-time Golden Melody Award winning singer-songwriter actor who appeared in Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution"--were also on stage.

But the highlight of the event was 57-year-old Ma's inaugural speech. The Harvard-educated former Taipei mayor touched on many issues, including the spirit of Taiwan, his determination to invigorate the economy in an era of globalization and a desire to strengthen the nation's relations with "like-minded" countries around the world.

"Taiwan has to be a respectable member of the global village," Ma said. "Dignity, autonomy, pragmatism and flexibility should be the nation's guiding principles when developing foreign relations." He added that Taiwan would strengthen bilateral relations with the United States and continue to cherish its diplomatic allies and honor its commitments to them.

Ma also vowed to lead Taiwan through the daunting challenges of globalization. "The world economy is changing profoundly, and newly emerging countries are arising rapidly," he said. "The uncertainty of the current global economy poses the main challenge to the revitalization of Taiwan's economy. Yet, we firmly believe that, with the right policies and steadfast determination, our goals are within our grasp."

Later in the day, Ma and Siew accompanied a group of foreign heads of state and government officials on the Taiwan High Speed Rail to Kaohsiung City. At a state banquet attended by 900 guests that evening in the Grand Hi-Lai Hotel, Ma said that he chose the southern port city to host the inauguration event simply because he had performed his compulsory military service there. "I have a special affinity to southern Taiwan," Ma said. "Kaohsiung was my home for close to two years and it's the city I have lived in the longest next to Taipei."

After the function, the guests moved to Kaohsiung Wharf to watch a 30-minute fireworks show accompanied by the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra.

Commenting on Ma's address, former DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh said it contained "no surprises" and that the new president was "imagining" Taiwan could enjoy improved cross-strait relations without sacrificing its sovereignty. "Ma is engaging in wishful thinking concerning cross-strait relations and the hope of negotiating with China on an equal footing," Hsieh said.

In a media conference May 21 at the Presidential Office, Ma reiterated that his government's priorities are to revitalize the economy, usher in an era of clean government, achieve social harmony, strengthen bilateral relations with the United States and resume interrupted negotiations with China.

To this end, the president welcomed the forthcoming visit between KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung and the Chinese Communist Party General-Secretary Hu Jintao. "This party-to-party platform will help promote friendlier relations between Taiwan and China," Ma said.

The platform was established in April 2005 when then KMT Chairman Lien Chan met Hu in Beijing, establishing first contact between leaders of the parties on both sides of the strait in more than half a century.

OurHome China英文翻译组：sleepywillow翻译

source:【2008-05-23/Taiwan Journal】