Representative Liang Ying-Ping of Taipei Mission in Korea observed the 101st National Day of the Republic of China on Oct. 9, 2012 one day ahead Taiwan’s double tenth day at the downtown Lotte Hotel in Seoul.
Distinguished guests included Amb. Michel Idiaquez Baradat of Honduras, Mrs. Ana Maria de Gonzalez (spouse of El Salvador Amb.), former speaker Lee Man-sub of the National Assembly, and vice chairman Kim Young-joo of Daesung Group, to name just a few. Taiwan compatriots as well as Korean guests over 500 peoples gathered at the Crystall Ballroom, Lotte Hotel to celebrate Taiwan’s National Day together.

▲ Amb. Liang of Taipei Mission in Korea (second from right) & Mrs. Liang (second from left) greeting guests at the reception line, Crystall Ballroom, Lotte Hotel.

The following is Representative Liang Ying-Ping’s message on the reception of the 101st National Day of the Republic of China. -Ed.

Today we celebrate this auspicious occasion of the 101st National Day of the Republic of China. All of our compatriots in Taiwan and abroad are also observing this extraordinary day with joyful hearts. I have the honor and privilege to witness this historical moment here together with all of our distinguished guests present.

On January 14 this year, we smoothly completed our country’s fifth direct presidential election. H.E. Ma Ying-jeou was elected as the 13th president of the ROC. This was an important milestone as Taiwan’s democracy heads toward maturity. In a free and fair election, the entire electorate of Taiwan demonstrated a highly developed democratic mindset that won praise from the international community. Besides, we have also created the most peaceful state of cross-strait relations more than 60 years, thus winning the trust of our long-time diplomatic partners and the affirmation of the international community.

Over the past four years, we do actively facilitate reconciliation between Taiwan and mainland China, as a result, we could enjoy the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. As of today, two sides have signed 18 agreements, including two new agreements recently signed cover investment protection and customs cooperation. The said agreements not only enhance and safeguard the rights and interests of people on Taiwan without jeopardizing Taiwan’s sovereignty; they also increase mutual exchanges and strengthen understanding and trust across the Taiwan Strait.

On August 5th, our government proposed “the East China Sea Peace Initiative” in order to lower down the controversies among all parties concerned to resolve disputes peacefully based on the UN Charter and relevant provisions in international law. We look forward to all parties concerned working together on achieving the aims of the East Sea Peace Initiative as soon as possible, so that the East China Sea can become a sea of “peace and cooperation.” I hope that my friends in Korea would fully understand this initiative and stand for this initiative, making the East China Sea in peace and enjoying what it brings in terms of reciprocity.

Two-way trade volume between Taiwan and Korea reached USD30.25 billion, with surplus in Korea’s favor worth US$5.5 billion. Korea is the 5th largest trading partner for Taiwan, while Taiwan is the 6th biggest market for Korean goods. We are inseparable trading partners. There were about six hundred and twenty-three thousand (623,000) Koreans and Taiwanese visiting each other’s country in 2011. Taiwan ranks Korea’s 4th largest source of tourists. There are 98 universities in Taiwan which established sisterhood with Korea’s 185 universities. This substantial relation is supported by strong transportation network. Direct commercial flights now link Taipei’s Songshan airport with Gimpo airport in Seoul, and travelers from the two countries can stay up to 90 days visa-free. And that’s not the whole story: in view of continually enlarging economic ties, a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) is under discussion between two sides. As areas of economic interchange broaden, Taiwan and Korea are urged to begin a feasibility study for conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA).

▲ Congratulatory performance to celebrate Taiwan Double Tenth Day (National Day).

Lately, we saw the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement come into effect in March 2012, and Korea is about to begin negotiating a similar agreement with mainland China later this year. We expect to step up the pace of liberalization and there can be no further delay. Therefore, we need to speedily complete follow-up talks under the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) and expedite negotiations on economic cooperation agreements with important trading partners like Singapore, New Zealand. Over the next eight years, our nation will need to fully prepare to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in order to seize the historic opportunity to become further integrated into the global trading system.

Korea and Taiwan are located in East Asia and share common security concerns. Regarding the stability on the Korean peninsula, Taiwan has supported South Korea’s security against the nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. Taiwan shares the firm belief that the peace and security of the Korea Peninsula is essential for the peace and stability of the entire East Asia.

In closing, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of you to join tonight’s 101st National Day of the Republic of China reception and I hope the friendship between Taiwan and Korea would grow from strength to strength. Moreover, please accept my warmest wishes to your personal wellbeing and continuing success.