呂秀蓮的部落格

Referendum:

Do You Agree That Taiwan Shall Declare Peace and Neutrality to the World?

Statement of Reasoning:

1. The meaning of being a neutral state

A neutral state remains neutral toward belligerents in international conflicts and wars, and engage with all states impartially. However, it does need military strength for self-defense itself. Being neutral does not mean isolation, but creates opportunities for peace in conflicts, and becomes an intermediary force to safeguard peace.

2. Main rights and responsibilities of a neutral state

1. A neutral state shall not get involved in wars, and shall not provide weapons or strategic materials to belligerents.
2. Belligerents shall respect the sovereignty of neutral states and never invade them.
3. Belligerents are not allowed to use the airports or sea ports of a neutral state for military purposes.
4. A neutral state can provide humanitarian aid, assist mediation and peaceful settlement.

3. A peaceful and neutral Taiwan: Why?

1. Historically, the residents of Taiwan never had opportunities to determine their own destiny. The outcomes of the Sino-Japanese War in 1894, World War II, and the Korean War show that Taiwan’s destiny was deeply influenced by these wars. Only by becoming a neutral state can Taiwanese people become the masters of their own.
2. Taiwan is bordered between the largest ocean and continent, and links East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea. It is the pivot of the first island chain, and is irreplaceable strategically. It is the leverage in the race for hegemony between China and the U.S.
3. The confrontation between Taiwan and China was resulted from the rivalry of Mao Tse-tung and Chiang Kai-shek. Most Taiwanese wish to coexist with China peacefully while keep Taiwan’s sovereignty, dignity, and values at the same time.

4. The strategic interests of Taiwan’s peace and neutrality

1. For Taiwan

1. Engage reciprocally with other states who treat Taiwan friendly and fairly.
2. Strengthen Taiwan’s defense independence, democratic and constitutional governance, and economic development.
3. Participate actively in international affairs, and advocate green civilization.

2. For China

Co-exist peacefully and build a “distant relatives and close neighbors” relationship with China, and ease China’s worries of Taiwan’s cooperation with other states against it.

3. For U.S. and Japan

Foster and strengthen a Value Alliance with democratic and peace-loving states, and dedicate to the sustainable development of the world together. A neutral Taiwan can also ease U.S. and Japan’s worries over security in the Taiwan Strait.

4. For the Asia Pacific

1. Play a mediatory role in regional conflicts as a buffer zone and help arrange peace settlements.
2. Share soft powers such as democracy, human rights, culture, and high technology with the rest of the world.

5. The UN supports peace and neutrality

Turkmenistan was recognized as a complete neutral state by the UN Generally Assembly in 1995. 22 years later it proposed to the UN to declare December 12 as the UN International Day of Neutrality.

In September 2015, Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj attended the 70^th UN General Assembly and announced that Mongolia will implement the “policy of permanent neutrality,” and called on the international community to recognize its neutrality.

In the UN71/275 resolution dated February 2, 2017, it reaffirms that the national policies of neutrality of some states can contribute to the strengthening of international peace and security in relevant regions and at the global level and can play an important role in developing peaceful, friendly and mutually beneficial relations between the countries of the world,