Taiwan Representative Frederic P. N. Chang hosted a reception together with the chairman of the Taiwan-Denmark Association Hans Thustrup(former Mayor of Culture in Copenhagen) for more than 350 people at Radisson SAS Hotel to celebrate Taiwan’s National Day on Oct. 10, 2006. Members of the Danish Parliament, scholars, journalists, overseas Chinese and the diplomatic Corps were some of the people present.
Representative Chang took this opportunity to also brief the honorable guests on the political, social, cultural and artistic progress of Taiwan. The program included two guest speeches and the showing of a documentary film portraying cultural traits of modern Taiwan, along with a photo exhibition and a large assortment of free brochures and books.
The following are excerpts of the speeches made on that occasion:
The first speaker was Representative Frederic P. N. Chang, who noted, among other things, that:
“This is the fourth time that I stand here at this podium to bid you a warm welcome and thank you for your gracious presence this evening for celebrating the National Day of the Republic of China on Taiwan.
“This reception is always the largest gathering of Taiwan’s friends and expatriates, and I am touched to see so many friends gathered here on this occasion at a time when Taiwan is still struggling for more recognition and more support in the international community. Your presence cannot but impart a sense of comfort and encouragement, and I thank you on behalf of the people of Taiwan from the bottom of my heart.
“Relations and exchanges between Denmark and Taiwan have been on the increase over the years. So far there have been nine cases of Taiwanese investment, mostly in IT products and services. But Denmark has invested much more in Taiwan, mostly in shipping, pharmaceuticals, machinery and marketing, with a total of 26 cases. Last year Taiwan Power Company decided to purchase from Vestas 23 wind turbines and is expected to import more.
“I must avail myself of this opportunity to express deep appreciation and sincere thanks for your warm friendship and staunch support of Taiwan over the years. Taiwan counts on continued and further support from Denmark, a country well-known for its strong advocacy of freedom, democracy and human rights.”
In his speech, the Chairman of the Denmark-Taiwan Friendship Association Hans Thustrup Hansen included a brief sketch of Taiwan’s road to democracy:
“Taiwan’s democracy is only 10-12 years old. It is a multi-party political system, and it is important to note that two major parties exist side by side along with some minor parties.
“However, Taiwan and its democratic culture have one important deficiency: They do not yet fully master the art of compromise. The two major parties both enjoy about 45% support. But neither one can summon an absolute majority, thus they depend on compromises. That makes it difficult to govern. The Taiwanese parties do not represent classes, and they are strictly bound by principles. Therefore it is impossible to establish a one-party majority government.”
Next followed a speech by MP Jens Hald Madsen of the Liberal Party:
“As an old democracy, Denmark ought to support the Taiwanese democracy, which is threatened in the region. This idea led to the establishment of a parliamentary friendship association in 2004, and it is my pleasure to announce that the association now has 84 members which makes it the biggest association of its type.”
The last speaker was MP Pia Kjærsgaard of the Danish People’s Party:
“To us, Taiwan and its hospitable people represent the will to freedom and democracy. They are living evidence that a small, friendly nation for generations has managed to resist enormous pressure and serious threats from a brutal and daunting neighbor – in the face of international cowardice and indifference. Taiwan is a democratic drop in an ocean of suppression and totalitarianism. The people of Taiwan are living and hard-working evidence that there exist two Chinas, and that one should not be allowed to suppress the other.”
