FEBRUARY 2011
DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS
DPP’s next phase: return to power,
become largest party in the LY
On March 5th, the DPP gained
victory at the legislative by-
elections of Greater Kaohsiung
and Greater Tainan. DPP candi-
dates Lin Tai-hua and Hsu Tian-
chai won the elections by an
overwhelming majority. Earlier
in the week, the DPP gave all its
efforts in the south campaigning, 2. Before we set out to battle for
holding its Central Standing
Committee in Tainan City to
bring the entire party’s support
behind the candidates.
After the elections results
were announced, DPP Chair Tsai
Ing-wen issued a statement with
three major standpoints:
1. We represent the entire party
to offer our sincere apprecia-
tion to Tainan and Kaohsiung
residents for their support and
affirmation. We would also
like to congratulate Hsu Tian-
chai and Lin Tai-hua. Be-
cause of the party’s united ef-
forts, we achieved this victory.
We would also like to thank
Mayor Chen Chu and Mayor
Lai Ching-teh for their com-
mitment in campaigning for
the candidates.
the legislative and presidential
elections, let us have even
greater confidence to face fu-
ture challenges. Since the loss
of the 2008 presidential elec-
tions, the DPP has reflected
humbly and risen up again.
From 12 legislative by-
elections so far, the DPP has
gained 9 seats, and in the Big-
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
DPP’s next phase: return
to power, become largest
party in the LY
- Pg. 1
DPP Chair Tsai Ing-
wen’s remarks at the
opening of the New
Frontier Foundation
think tank
- Pg. 3
Ma’s Administration fails
to reflect on their China-
inclined policy
- Pg. 6
DPP promotes Taiwan’s
disadvantaged through
Night Market Hero
- Pg. 7
...and more
... continued on the next page
PAGE 1

DPP’s next phase: return to power, become largest
party in the LY ... continued "om the previous page
5 Elections, the DPP’s support rate has in-
creased by more than 1 million votes. We would
like to thank our supporters for standing to-
gether with the DPP. These results represent an
even greater encouragement for the DPP’s next
battle. In the next phase, our objective is to re-
turn to power and become the largest party in
the Legislative Yuan.
3. During these numerous elections, the results
represent a message that the people are trying to
give to the Ma Administration, which is a “de-
sire to change”. The bright future that President
DPP sends its heartfelt support to Japan
After the earthquake and tsunami that produced
major catastrophes to Japan, the DPP immedi-
ately sent messages of support to its fellow par-
ties, the Democratic Party and the Liberal
Democratic Party of Japan.
Taiwan and Japan has a long-standing friend-
In regards to Taiwanese tourists, working
ship, and during this time of crisis, the DPP
stands with the people of Taiwan in offering its
full hearted support to Japan.
The DPP will continue to pay any concerns
to the relief efforts currently being conducted in
The DPP sends its sincere sympathy to our
Japan, and will stand ready to offer any support.
The DPP appeals to the people of Taiwan to
stand with our friends in Japan and offer any
donations that they can provide to the relief ef-
forts.
During the 921 Earthquake that affected
Southern Taiwan in 1999 and during Typhoon
Morakot in 2009, Japan immediately offered
their assistance by sending earthquake and relief
professionals to assist in the rescue. Today, Tai-
FEBRUARY 2011
Ma presented during his campaign, we have not
seen it today. In three years of government, the
people have lost all expectations towards the
future. If young people can’t see the future, this
is the biggest problem for Taiwan’s develop-
ment. We understand the people’s desire to
change. Here, I solemnly announce that the DPP
will carry the responsibility to lead the future
development of Taiwan in 2012. We will be-
come the people’s best option.
4.
wan is also sending our earthquake profession-
als to provide any support to the Japanese peo-
ple. The DPP strongly encourage the Ma Ad-
ministration to provide any offer of support to
the Japanese government.
professionals and exchange students residing in
Japan, the DPP appeals the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs to provide the necessary assistance for
their safe and secure stay in Japan.
fellow parties in Japan, wishing them a speedy
recovery and return to normalcy after this natu-
ral disaster.
... continued on the next page
PAGE 2

FEBRUARY 2011

DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen’s remarks at the opening of the

New Frontier Foundation think tank

On February 23, DPP Chair and New Frontier enhancing the capacity to cope with all sorts of
Foundation Board Chair, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, offi- risks. At the same time, the government must
cially inaugurated the New Frontier Foundation establish a fair and just society.  It must create a
think tank. The think tank has a Security and Strat- fair and reasonable tax system that can support the
egy Research Center and an Economic and Social government’s function in providing the necessary
Affairs Research Center. social services which satisfy the basic needs of the
public, ensuring that the people can share the
Dr. Tsai’s statement:  benefits of economic growth while consolidating
their national identity. During the process, because
I would like to each policy has its own
thank everyone for complexities, it is nec-
coming today to essary to obtain a bal-
witness the launch ance among diverse
of the DPP’s think opinions and goals in
tank. When I be- order to achieve the
gan to conceptual- best interests of the
ize this endeavor, people.
many people were Today, the DPP
curious as to why must move to a more
I would be en- mature stage of de-
gaged in such a velopment.  Not only
task. My thinking must the party concen-
was: the DPP can- trate on elections, poll-
not function with- ing and news events, it
out a think tank, must also focus on
and also this coun- thinking about and de-
try requires the veloping policy. Policy
stronger presence is not simply black or
of think tanks. white, or left and right.
I understand that As we face a society
many people be- today that is more di-
lieve that a politi- verse and complex, the
cal party’s main main objective of this
task involves elec- think tank is to create
tion campaigning.  policy blueprints that
However, having visited many countries, I have are even more sophisticated and comprehensive,
seen that every modern political party either has its with foresight and vision. 
own think tank or has a close relationship with The responsibility of the DPP at the moment
think tanks. This is because in a modern country, is to shoulder the responsibility of governance
the government is responsible for pursuing con- and to promote Taiwan’s progress. Only when
tinuing economic development, sustaining the ac- we grow into a modern political party can we pro-
cumulation and operational efficiency of commer- vide the country’s needs for modern governance.
cial capital, fostering conditions for prosperity, and This think tank is to prepare ourselves for this goal.

PAGE 3

The think tank has two re-
In our earlier phase of dis-
search centers. The first, the
Economic and Social Affairs
Research Center, focuses on
economic growth and distribu-
tion, industry and innovation,
fiscal policy, regional devel-
opment and national land plan-
ning, and social security,
among other topics.   tions, having our economic
At the core of these topics
are issues of development and
distribution, and the challenge
Furthermore, the DPP as a
we face is the crisis of the
growing wealth gap.  The in-
creasingly apparent trend in
Taiwan is that people putting
in the same amount of work
produce strikingly different
However, these are not
rewards.  In particular, young
people under the age of 40
missed the previous phase of
growth, yet in the future they
face fewer job opportunities
with lower salaries and higher
When facing this issue, we
living costs, plus they must
shoulder the nation’s debt from
the previous generation.
cial classes.  To change the
cussions on our 10-Year Policy
Manifesto, we already noted
this trend, and we presented
new thinking for the era of
globalization, including the ne-
cessity of industries to focus on
improving knowledge and in-
novation rather than cost reduc-
emphasis  on employment and
income rather than growth
numbers, the parallel need for
both export and domestic de-
mand industries,  and a sustain-
able environment and social
security as important corner-
stones for growth.
  In particular, we have a re-
enough. Taiwan’s current so-
cial and economic challenges
hold at least two difficulties
that we must overcome. First,
the momentum of economic
growth is insufficient to create
new jobs. Second, the unfair
distribution of wealth has wid-
ened the disparity between so-
FEBRUARY 2011
... continued "om the previous page
situation, we must not only in-
troduce new thinking, but we
also need to thoroughly review
and restructure the “infrastruc-
ture” needed for implementing
our thinking.  We must develop
a comprehensive reform project
that would involve capital mar-
kets, the tax system, social se-
curity, government function,
and fiscal efficiency. 
major political party in Tai-
wan must outline our strat-
egy for interacting with
Europe, the US, Japan, China
and other Asian countries.
sponsibility to handle well the
issue of China.  Therefore we
have also established the “Se-
curity and Strategy Research
Center.”
 
cannot act as the KMT or the
CCP, limiting ourselves to
... continued on the next page
PAGE 4

cross-strait structures or trap-
ping ourselves in historical
frameworks. Even more, we
Lastly, Taiwan must not
Taiwan and China are dif-
cannot allow “political precon-
ditions” to narrow our space for
handling cross-strait matters.
 Cross-strait issues must in-
volve international strategic
thinking, yet it is also an exten-
sion of domestic policy issues.  tion with China.  This is to
If we continue to revolve
around the cross-strait dimen-
sion only, it would not be pos-
sible to fundamentally resolve
matters with China.
The present situation in the
Taiwan Strait is the outcome of
Political concessions will
Therefore I appeal to
an international power structure
and the evolution of modern
history in East Asia. Therefore,
we must place Taiwan within
this international structure and
focus on the construction of
future relations, in order to ex-
pand the strategic space that is
needed. 
Regarding developments
Firstly, from the standpoint
of stabilizing Asian regional
security, the DPP fully under-
stands and identifies with the
importance of preserving sta-
bility and peace between Tai-
wan and China. This is Tai-
The DPP today is striving
wan’s international responsibil-
ity.
Secondly, the cross-strait
issue is not just a bilateral
Firstly, policy must be
matter between Taiwan and
China, but an issue requiring
consideration of the global
and regional strategic
balance.  Therefore, we must
engage with all countries, espe-
cially our Asian neighbors, to
collectively deal with the rise
of China.  commonality.”
only develop cross-strait inter-
actions on a bilateral basis.  In
economic and trade engage-
ments, Taiwan must utilize the
international multilateral sys-
tem as a framework for interac-
avoid the current situation of
the Ma government that is
boxed in a frame set by China,
even going as far as making
political concessions in ex-
change for economic benefits.
obscure Taiwan’s sovereign
status. The recent friction with
the Philippines is evidence of
such. When we are unable to
clearly identify ourselves, how
is it possible to demand that
others recognize and support
us?
a foundation for dialogue that
between Taiwan and China, the
KMT’s approaches are “peace
toward unification” and “peace
with inevitable unification.”
  Over the past three years, in
economic, political and diplo-
matic policy, the Ma admini-
stration has made Chinese
identity and Chinese values its
core.  In contrast, the DPP’s
position is that in developing
relations with China, we must
start with Taiwanese identity
and Taiwanese values as core;
the two sides across the Strait
must maintain a relationship
that is “peaceful but recogniz-
ing differences” and “peace-
FEBRUARY 2011
... continued "om the previous page
ful and seeking
  
ferent in our histories, beliefs
and values, political systems,
and social identities.  Yet Tai-
wan and China share common
responsibilities and interests,
which are to pursue a peaceful
and stable relationship and to
grasp the opportunity for pros-
perity and development.   This
is what we mean by “peaceful
but recognizing differences”
and “peaceful and seeking
commonality.” 
China, as a large and power-
ful country, to re-examine the
way for long-term develop-
ment of cross-strait relations
upon this understanding.  If
this could become the basis for
building consensus between
Taiwan and China, it would be
best meets parity and
expectations.    We hope that
our Security and Strategy Re-
search Center will successfully
facilitate research, interaction
and dialogue. 
toward the goal of governing
again, so I have many expecta-
tions of this think tank.   
practical and operational. We
are not an academic institution
and all our members have ex-
tensive practical governing ex-
perience. The forward-looking
blueprint for the country must
be concrete and feasible. Sec-
ondly, the think tank must be
... continued on the next page
PAGE 5

capable of “dialogue” and not simply conceptu-
I would like to express my deepest gratitude
alize ideas behind closed doors. We must con-
stantly challenge ourselves to examine the global
environment and the latest trends, conducting
international exchanges while at the same time
listening to grassroots voices.   Thirdly, our vi-
sion must be forward-looking as opposed to be-
ing short-sighted. What we must face are the
challenges of not only the next, but future, gen-
erations to come. 
The think tank and the party will complement
each other.  Taiwan today is situated in difficulty,
as if being in a tiger’s den.  We must think and
reflect, but we must also act. This think tank will
take on the role of a “thinker that takes action,”
and it will support the DPP in being a true
“action-oriented party that thinks!”  
Ma’s Administration fails to reflect on their China-
inclined policy
On February 23rd, the Office of the President
issued a news release criticizing DPP Chair Tsai
Ing-wen’s remarks on cross strait policy. DPP
Spokesperson Cheng Wen-tsang made a re-
sponse to the media afterward, defending the
DPP’s standpoints and condemning the Ma
Administration’s China-inclined policy.
Spokesperson Cheng said that in the past
three years of President Ma’s administration,
the KMT has shown a China-inclined policy,
limited to the One China Framework set by
Beijing. From the recent incident in the Philip-
pines, the China-inclined policy of President
Ma shows the misunderstanding and confusion
in the international community, he said.
“The Ma Administration has failed to persist
for Taiwan’s national interests and the values of
freedom and democracy,” Spokesperson Cheng
said. “To the outside world, he has given an im-
age of ‘peace through inevitable unification’,
FEBRUARY 2011
... continued "om the previous page
once again for everyone’s participation. I also
hope that this think tank will be able to collect
everyone’s wisdom and become a force for pro-
gress for Taiwan.
and from their recent press statement, we see no
reflection over their China-inclined policy”.
Spokesperson Cheng also commented on the
recent statement by the Taiwan Affairs Office
of the State Council concerning the 92 Consen-
sus. He said that the DPP continues to support
its standpoint that cross strait dialogue should
not involve any preconditions.
“Because both sides of the strait have differ-
ent and similar points of view, both sides share
common interests and responsibilities, and
these are to pursue a peaceful and stable rela-
tionship as well as grasp opportunities for de-
velopment.”
Spokesperson Cheng said that by only un-
derstanding the similarities and differences be-
tween both sides, Taiwan and China will be
able to achieve good and positive develop-
ments.
PAGE 6

DPP promotes Taiwan’s disadvantaged through
Night Market Hero
On February
15, DPP
Chair Tsai
Ing-wen
along with
Secretary-
General Su
Chia-chuan
and Deputy
Secretary-
General Kao
Chieng-chih
held a private
screening of
the newly
released
Taiwanese
film, Night Market Hero. The DPP organized the
screening for the more than one hundred party
staff from the DPP headquarters. Also present
were the film’s director Yeh Tian-lun, screen-
writers Yeh Tan-ching and actor Yan Yi-wen.
Night Market Hero tells the story of a group
of night market vendors whose livelihoods are
threatened by big corporate interests and corrupt
politicians. The film also portrays their life sto-
ries through funny and sentimental stories of
each character. It has grossed more than NT$90
million since the opening.
Chair Tsai spoke after the film was shown,
saying that market vendors represent a good and
honest group of Taiwanese society who live be-
hind the possibility that they are also the most
vulnerable group. She said that therefore, even
though the film portrayed them as living in joy
and bustling with excitement, the real meaning
of the film was that “behind the joy, in reality is
a life without choice”. She also reminded the
party staff that the DPP in opposition must think
and speak for the disadvantaged groups.
FEBRUARY 2011
Chair Tsai also said that the film scenario
held a special meaning for the DPP as a political
party familiar to holding banners and mobilizing
people on the streets. She said that after the tran-
sition of power, the DPP has faced an unfavor-
able political environment, therefore, it identi-
fied with the night market vendors presented in
the film. However, she emphasized that even at
a disadvantage, the DPP as a political party had
the social responsibility to achieve society’s
goals.
“The film has many good and funny mo-
ments, making us identify with the plot, but
there are also many moments when one feels
deeply emotional,” Chair Tsai said. “This movie
increased the DPP’s sense of responsibility for
the future. We want to thank Director Yeh and
his entire team for giving inspiration to the
DPP.”
Director Yeh Tian-lun also spoke party staff
after the screening, saying that he was portray-
ing the public’s sentiments from his own obser-
vations.
“I don’t dare to say that I am representing the
public’s voice,” he said. “In reality, I deeply and
sincerely hope that in our livelihoods, we can
see more win-win situations such as those por-
trayed in the film.”
DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen and ‘Night Market
Hero’ Director Yeh Tian-lun
PAGE 7

FEBRUARY 2011

DPP Statement on China’s crack-

down of Jasmine Revolution ac-
tivities
Regarding the Chinese government’s recent violation of human DEMOCRACY &
rights and press freedom by cracking down Jasmine Revolution
activities and arresting foreign journalists, the DPP issues the PROGRESS
following statement on March 9, 2011:
First, in regards to the Chinese government’s recent suppres- PUBLISHED BY:
sion and use of strong measures to crack down the Jasmine
Revolution activities and beating and arresting foreign journal- Department of International
ists, including those from Taiwan, the DPP strongly condemns Affairs Democratic
China’s democracy suppression, press freedom limitation and Progressive Party
use of brutal force.
Second, democracy, freedom and human rights are universal 9F, No. 30, Pei-Ping East
values that cannot be violated. In particular, China has signed Road, Taipei, Taiwan
two international covenants on human rights, but continues to
conduct violation on human rights, limiting freedom of speech Tel: 886-2-2392-9989 ext. 306
and portraying undemocratic behavior, showing just the oppo-
site from the Chinese government’s announcement last year of
Fax: 886-2-2393-0342
“political reform”.
Third, countries around the world such as the U.S. and
Europe has continued to support China’s democracy, urging Email: foreign@dpp.org.tw
China to improve their human rights situation, with the excep-
tion of the Ma Administration, who has continuously remained Website:
silent for the sake of promoting cross strait dialogue and turning http://www.dpp.org.tw
a blind eye towards China’s democracy suppression and press
freedom limitation. This sends a wrong message to the interna-
tional community that Taiwan supports China’s actions and it
DIRECTOR:
causes a serious damage to Taiwan’s image around the world,
even leading the Taiwanese people to worry about the risks of Bikhim Hsiao
democracy and human rights regression in Taiwan.
Fourth, the DPP strongly believes that democracy, freedom DEPUTY DIRECTOR:
and human rights are Taiwan’s most important assets. The Ma Hsieh Huai-hui
Administration, in promoting cross strait dialogue, must simul-
taneously include the topics of democracy and human rights, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
supporting China’s democratization process.
Michael J. Fonte
Fifth, the DPP appeals to the Ma Administration to take con-
crete actions in showing support to Chinese democracy activists
and to show the world that Taiwan continuously values democ- EDITOR:
racy, freedom and human rights. The DPP will continue to pay Ping-Ya Hsu
concern to China’s democratization and will take an active role
in engaging dialogue with China’s democracy activists, at the
same time supporting the deepening of Taiwan’s democracy
and promoting China to a more democratic and free road ahead.

PAGE 8