With Inaugural Address, Tsai Proposes Constitutional Amendment, Legislative Yuan Establishes Committee
United Daily News, May 20, 2020
Today, Tsai Ing-wen and William Lai were sworn in and inaugurated as the 15th-term president and vice president of the Republic of China. The day marks the beginning of President Tsai’s second term in office.
President Tsai delivered her inaugural address in which she reaffirmed that Taiwan would handle cross-strait relations according to the Constitution and Act Governing Cross-Strait Relations, in order to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. In the inaugural address, President Tsai also mentioned that the Constitutional Amendment Committee would be established in the Legislative Yuan, indicating her intention to initiate constitutional amendment within the new term.
Cross-Strait Policy Reaffirmed
President Tsai’s inaugural address stated how Taiwan, as a member of the international community, is facing rapidly changing global and political conditions and her administration’s preparation to meet these challenges in the next four years. President Tsai vowed to overcome these challenges and build a better country.
With regard to cross-strait relations, President Tsai reaffirmed her basic position of “peace, reciprocity, democracy, and dialogue,” which she touted in her re-election victory speech in January. President Tsai stated that Taiwan will not accept the formula of “One Country, Two System” proposed by mainland China, which threatens to degrade Taiwan’s sovereignty and destroy the status quo.
First Instance of Congratulatory Message from U.S. Secretary of State
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of the United States sent a message congratulating President Tsai’s inauguration on May 19. In his statement, Pompeo said that looking ahead, he is confident that under the leadership of Tsai, the U.S.-Taiwan partnership will continue to flourish, and he wishes President Tsai's second term a complete success. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this is the first time the U.S. secretary of state has issued a statement congratulating Taiwan’s presidential inauguration, which is significant. In response to Pompeo ’s congratulatory message, the Office of the President expressed sincere gratitude.
Four Development Strategies
Office of the President Spokesman Alex Huang summarized to the media key components of President Tsai’s inaugural address. The speech is divided into four sections. The first section describes the concept of Taiwan as a community, which has endeavored through the pandemic. Because all the people are united, Taiwan has been able to overcome the challenges and stand proudly.
The second section discussed the impact from the U.S.-China trade war to the current pandemic on the world. President Tsai proposed four development strategies in the areas of industrial development, social stability, national security, and furtherance of democracy.
The third section elaborated on the four major aspects of national development. President Tsai hopes to build upon the foundation of the 5+2 Industrial Innovation Plan and build six core strategic industries, so as to make Taiwan a key force in the future global economy. The fourth section concluded the speech.
Human Rights Commission to be Established in August
In the section highlighting national security, President Tsai explained her plans to reform the military, participate in the international community, and ensure cross-strait peace. Tsai promised to accelerate development of Taiwan’s asymmetric combat capacity, reform the system of reserved forces, upgrade reserve equipment and institutions, coordinate between executive departments, and integrate the transition between peace and war times.
In the section on deepening democracy, President Tsai indicated that the Legislative Yuan will set up a "Constitutional Amendment Committee" to provide a platform for comprehensive dialogue to modernize the Constitution, keep pace with the times, and make it closer to Taiwan’s social values. Another initiative aimed at reorganizing the Executive Yuan will also be reviewed. The National Human Rights Commission will be established in August, which will serve as a starting point for the reorganization of the Control Yuan. Finally, the Examination Yuan will also be reformed, so as to cultivate the necessary talent needed by a modern government.
President Tsai reiterated the significance of the 23 million people as a community in her conclusion and once again thanked the administration, the epidemic prevention team, and all citizens who participated in the pandemic response. After the experience of successfully responding to the pandemic, Taiwan is able to unite and garner international praise. The people should feel proud and continue to forge ahead.