Taiwan is an independent, sovereign country. Chen Shui-bian More Quotes by Chen Shui-bian More Quotes From Chen Shui-bian The road to democracy may be winding and is like a river taking many curves, but eventually the river will reach the ocean. Chen Shui-bian curves ocean rivers Also in the new constitution, we want to lower the voting age from 20 years to 18 years and also gradually implement a voluntary military service in replacement of the current compulsory military service. Chen Shui-bian voting-age military years I believe in the greatness of our democracy. Chen Shui-bian greatness democracy believe We will strive to make Taiwan a better place and enable our people to live better lives. Chen Shui-bian taiwan prejudice people Through mutual understanding, sincerity and goodwill, and with great wisdom and broad views, the leaders on both sides should jointly initiate new opportunities for peace, stability, cooperation and mutual benefit. Chen Shui-bian wisdom opportunity peace Even if one tree falls down it wouldn't affect the entire forest. Chen Shui-bian prejudice tree fall A defensive referendum is for avoiding war and to help keep the Taiwanese people free of fear. Chen Shui-bian helping war people Secondly I would like to make continuous efforts of stabilising cross Strait relations, eventually reaching peace across the Taiwan strait and stability and security in the Asia Pacific region. Chen Shui-bian taiwan effort peace I expect the ruling and opposition parties to work together for the future of Taiwan. Chen Shui-bian taiwan party working-together We have had a long wait for democracy. Chen Shui-bian democracy waiting long If we really love and cherish Taiwan, we should hold our hands in unity to protect our country and our democratic values with the most humble and tolerant hearts. Chen Shui-bian humble heart country The election is over, and even though there are people who have different ideologies and beliefs, from now on we must all embrace each other, creating a harmonious and unified new Taiwan through our love and tolerance. Chen Shui-bian tolerance creating people It has been well over half a century and I'm glad to say we have taken the right path from authoritarianism to democracy and this is a road of no return. Chen Shui-bian prejudice democracy taken The election result is not a victory that belongs to me or my party. Chen Shui-bian victory prejudice party I have great confidence in Taiwan's democracy. Chen Shui-bian confidence prejudice democracy Even if I were knocked down by one gunshot it wouldn't affect our democracy and I wasn't knocked down and I have great confidence in our democracy and in Taiwan and in the people of Taiwan. Chen Shui-bian confidence democracy people I have great confidence in the universal value and in basic human rights and I have great confidence that referenda will eventually take root and become part of our daily lives in Taiwan. Chen Shui-bian confidence rights roots We will make every effort to unify all ethnic groups, to strengthen belief in Taiwan and to persist in reform. Chen Shui-bian reform groups effort I believe that this is not only the view of the people on both sides of the Strait. It is also the common expectation of the US, Japan and the international community. Chen Shui-bian japan views believe We must not demonstrate any arrogance, and we must refrain from any irrational or undemocratic behavior. Chen Shui-bian prejudice arrogance behavior