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Presbyterian Church in Taiwan: An Affirmation and Appeal regarding President Lee Teng-hui's Statement on the "Two-Nation" Policy

July 1999

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An Affirmation and Appeal regarding President Lee Teng-hui's Statement on the "Two-Nation" Policy

    The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, based on her understanding and viewpoint of the Christian faith, is deeply concerned about the future of Taiwan. In a public statement on "The Sovereignty of Taiwan" on 20 August 1991 we stated that "we firmly proclaim that:

  1. Taiwan is a sovereign country. Taiwan's sovereignty and land belong to the people of Taiwan.
  2. Taiwan and China are two different sovereign countries."

    We are pleased to see that President Lee Teng-hui has publicly declared recently that:

  1. Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation.
  2. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait have special "state-to-state (kok tui kok) relations.
  3. "One China" does not include Taiwan.

    Our church appreciates the emphasis of President Lee Teng-hui that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, and we strongly affirm and support this stance. We expect all the people in Taiwan will recognise, accept, and experience this fact. We expect and hope that the government and people can cooperate hand-in-hand to confirm this status as a nation, including:  

  1. Forming a new constitution, which clearly defines and affirms that our land includes Taiwan, the Pescadores, Kinmen, Matsu, and other related islands, and framing new laws as necessary to reflect this reality.
  2. Quickly passing a law or amending the Constitution so that in case of any threat to, or deprivation of, the sovereignty of Taiwan, the people may express their determination to maintain their dignity and the sovereignty of Taiwan through a plebiscite.
  3. Our government should use "Taiwan" as the name of our nation and should positively apply for membership in the United Nations and other international organizations so that we can vigorously pursue diplomatic relations with other nations and improve our international status. Then we can have a new and good relationship with China as well as other countries in the Asia-Pacific region — based on justice and peace — respecting and helping each other.

    Our Church appeals to the people of Taiwan, if  faced with threat or conflict from without or within, to confirm our confidence and our will to the end that we might bravely create a bright future for Taiwan — protecting the lives, safety, and freedom of the people of Taiwan. At the same time, we sincerely appeal to the ecumenical church and to international societies to accept and respect our struggle and effort for self-determination as a human right.

    Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice; love and faithfulness are shown in all you do. (Psalms 89:14)

T.H. Hsu
Moderator of the 46th General Assembly

William J.K. Lo
Secretary-General

 

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Source: Presbyterian Church in Taiwan