Taipei, Aug. 23 (CNA) Several of Taiwan’s presidential aspirants marked the 65th anniversary of the 823 Artillery Bombardment by underscoring the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait.
New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (???), the opposition Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate, attended a public memorial service for the military personnel who died in the battle.
Speaking to reporters, Hou said there are no winners in war, and that it must be avoided at all costs.
Regarding Taiwan, this can be achieved through de-escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, which is key to securing stability and prosperity, Hou said.
Hou pitched the idea of making Kinmen a “cross-strait economy and trade zone” with the goal of “stabilizing the provision of daily necessities and upgrading basic infrastructure,” in order to transform the offshore county into a symbol of peace and prosperity to both sides of the strait.
Meanwhile, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. founder Terry Gou (???) urged Beijing not to underestimate the Taiwanese people’s resolve to defend their country.
“While Taiwanese people would never court war, we do not fear war,” Gou said. “If there must be war, we shall do as the 823 braves did, unite against our foes, and fight until we prevail,” Gou said in a speech at the Kinmen County Council.
Gou also reiterated his stance that Taiwan and China should sign a “peace agreement because peace is what we believe in.”
Gou said he will act quickly to launch a “Kinmen peace promotion foundation,” as he believed the former battlefield could serve as an important hub in the quest for peace across the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je (???), on the other hand, chose to commemorate the historic battle in Taipei at the National Revolutionary Martyr’s Shrine, where he honored the memorial tablets of military personnel who died during war, including those of three Kinmen Defense Command deputy commanders that were killed at the onset of the 823 Artillery Bombardment.
Asked by reporters why he chose not to visit Kinmen as Hou and Gou did, Ko, the TPP’s presidential candidate, said the occasion was for thanking the military personnel who gave their lives to protect the country, not for election campaigns.
Ko called on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to decrease hostility and engage in dialogue, particularly on issues relating to daily life.
While Taiwan should train its armed forces in a practical manner and build up its defense, it should also retain some “flexibility” with China, which is necessary for pursuing peace, Ko said.
Asked whether he thought Hou was copying him when he pitched the idea Tuesday to hold a referendum to gauge public opinion on whether to build a “Kinmen-Xiamen Freeway” — a proposal first put forward by Ko last year — Ko said, “It’s only natural good proposals will inspire people to follow.”
He said the proposed freeway would benefit mail delivery, transportation, commerce, and even waste processing, and that he was confident that if such a referendum were to be held, it would pass.
Aug. 23: Presidential aspirants underscore importance of peace on 823 anniversary
Aug. 23: China announces live-fire drills near Taiwan on Aug. 24-25
Aug. 22: Terry Gou floats cross-strait peace strategy amid rumored presidential run
Aug. 21: Ko Wen-je shares views on special relationship with China
Aug. 19: Taiwan accuses China of trying to influence elections through military drills
Aug. 18: China announces drills near Taiwan following VP Lai’s return from Paraguay
