We sincerely ask the Beijing authorities across the Strait to
We sincerely ask the Beijing authorities across the Strait to view the election result from a positive perspective, to accept the democratic decision of the Taiwanese people.
Chen Shui-bian, standing as a voice of his island nation, once declared: “We sincerely ask the Beijing authorities across the Strait to view the election result from a positive perspective, to accept the democratic decision of the Taiwanese people.” In this utterance lies the clash of two worlds: the ancient empire with its traditions of central rule, and the new spirit of democracy, born of the people’s will. His words are at once plea and proclamation—a request for recognition, and a declaration that the choice of a people carries sacred weight.
The heart of this teaching is reverence for the will of the people. For Chen proclaims that legitimacy does not flow from the sword, nor from the claim of ancient dominion, but from the consent of those who are governed. To see from a positive perspective is not only to accept the outcome of a vote, but to honor the dignity of free choice itself. He reminds his audience—and the world—that elections are more than numbers; they are the voice of a nation’s soul.
History bears witness to this truth. Consider the birth of the United States, when thirteen colonies, against the empire of Britain, declared that governments derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Though their plea was first met with cannon and fire, in time their cause became the seed of a democracy that shaped the modern world. So too does Chen Shui-bian’s appeal echo this lineage: that no matter the size of the nation, the people’s voice must be heard and honored.
Yet his words also reveal the tension between power and freedom. For the mighty may see the vote of a smaller neighbor as defiance, as rebellion against authority. But Chen calls instead for wisdom: to see not rebellion, but affirmation; not threat, but positive hope that nations may coexist without coercion. This is a vision not of submission, but of peace built upon respect.
Let this teaching be remembered: when a people speak through democracy, their voice is sacred, no matter how small the land or how great the neighbor. To deny such a voice is to deny the humanity of those who utter it; to accept it is to walk the path of peace. Chen’s words, born of struggle and hope, carry the timeless wisdom of the ancients—that true power is not in conquest, but in harmony, and the greatest empires are those that learn to honor the choices of free men and women.
ATVu Anh Thu
Chen Shui-bian’s request seems to highlight the tension between democratic ideals and the reality of geopolitics. How much influence do you think Taiwan has in shaping its own future when faced with a powerful neighbor like China? This appeal to 'view the election result from a positive perspective' seems optimistic, but does it reflect an idealistic hope or is there genuine room for dialogue?
UCPham tran uyen chi
It’s interesting to think about this quote within the context of international diplomacy. Chen Shui-bian's plea seems to hinge on the idea of mutual respect, but how much can we expect from Beijing when it has long taken a different stance toward Taiwan? How do you think global political pressure could influence Beijing’s response to Taiwan’s elections, if at all?
TPNguyen Thien Phuong
Chen Shui-bian’s call for Beijing to accept Taiwan's democratic decision is significant. However, I wonder if the complexities of cross-Strait relations are being oversimplified here. Can democracy really thrive when such an imbalance of power exists? What kind of changes could foster a more cooperative relationship, one that truly respects the sovereignty of Taiwan while maintaining regional stability?
TTThanh Trung
I find this quote quite thought-provoking because it touches on the delicate relationship between Taiwan and Beijing. How feasible is it to expect Beijing to embrace Taiwan’s democratic choices? There’s a strong push for peace and understanding, but is it fair to say that Beijing, with its centralized control, would be open to the will of the Taiwanese people, or is there always going to be tension?
Ggongsim
This quote seems to call for a level of acceptance and understanding between different political systems. The notion of viewing the election result 'from a positive perspective' suggests a diplomatic tone, but is it realistic to expect an authoritarian government like Beijing to truly accept the democratic decisions of Taiwan? Can there ever be true reconciliation when there are such stark differences in governance?