| 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:
- Taiwan is a sovereign country. Taiwan's sovereignty and
land belong to the people of Taiwan.
- Taiwan and China are two different sovereign countries."
We are pleased to see that President
Lee Teng-hui has publicly declared recently that:
- Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation.
- The two sides of the Taiwan Strait have special "state-to-state
(kok tui kok) relations.
- "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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
|
