Political Quotes

“today I wish to recognize Inauguration Day in Taiwan on May 20, 2012. On January 14, Mr. Ma Ying-jeou was elected to his second term as President of the Republic of China. I offer congratulations to Mr. Ma not only for winning the election but for what his election symbolizes: the continued growth and maturation of democracy in the Republic of China. Taiwan is the first place in the ethnic Chinese world where democracy has taken root, and its democratic transformation has laid the foundation for reduced tensions across the Taiwan Strait and strengthened its ties with the United States as well. Taiwan's democracy brightens the future of East Asia. Taipei poses no threat to Beijing, and its democratic government has fostered the development of strong cross-strait economic and cultural ties. I hope that, instead of building up its military forces in fear of a democratic Taiwan, Beijing will learn from Taiwan's example and reform its own political system. Democratization on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will lead to further expansion of the economic and cultural ties that have begun to flourish in recent years as well as improve security for the entire region. The United States understands that our interests are well served by a free and democratic Taiwan. We want to see Taiwan grow and thrive as an important economic and trade partner, and we recognize that the safety and security of Taiwan is very important to the security of the entire Asia-Pacific region.…”