Defend Taiwan, Protect Democracy, Fight for the Future, Return to Power
October 26, 2021
- Preface
With the 21st century entering the third decade, the world we live in is facing drastic changes, and the Republic of China (ROC) is facing increasing pressure from both internal and external sources. Recently, we have seen a staggering decline in the domestic economy due to the raging COVID-19 pandemic in different parts of the world, as well as the continuous increase in the number of people living with unemployment, unpaid leaves, and atypical jobs. In the long term, the world is also expecting the reshuffling of the global liberal international order, an increasingly convoluted competition between the United States and Mainland China, as well as the cold peace deadlock across the Taiwan Strait. The pandemic has caused unprecedented changes in the model of operation in the human society, which has not only widened the economic inequality but also led to contradictions in the society. At the same time, the ROC has to face important challenges such as climate change, energy transition, population aging, sub-replacement fertility, industrial upgrading, regional economic integration, competition for talent, M-form education, in-work poverty, housing justice, etc. All these issues have brought us into an era of high risks.
However, time is not on our side. ROC had a negative population growth for the first time in 2020, and is expected to become a “super-aged society” in 2025. This will not only impact the economy, consumption, and future labor supply, but also affect the number of school students and talent cultivation. Long-term care and economic security for the elderly are also at stake. In addition, the goal of “net zero emissions by 2050” is also imminent. However, the energy transition programs to reduce carbon emissions have encountered technological obstacles and seriously lagged behind. All of this will affect power security and industrial competitiveness in the future.
However, judging from the countermeasures and policies proposed by the current administration, we can see its primary goal is still to pursue economic growth. In addition to the lack of proactive, long-term preventive policies, the current administration is also exacerbating “social exclusion” and the ecological catastrophes in the natural environment. In the name of development, problems such as low wages for the youth, excessively high housing expense ratios, and elderly poverty have worsened, and environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are often reduced to formalities to endorse development projects. In particular, the government’s rigid energy transition policies not only failed to end the issue of carbon emissions from power generation, but also caused disputes such as the damaging of algae reefs by the proposed LNG terminal, turning fertile land into solar farms, coastal ecology and offshore fishery affected by wind turbines, etc. These measures are unable to solve the existing risks. What is worse, these wrong policies are creating more problems.
In terms of geopolitics, with the lack of dialogue channels across the Taiwan Strait, non-governmental trade and exchanges are hindered, and people on both sides of the Strait are also caught in a dilemma caused by a spiral of increasing hostility. The current ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is clearly unable to handle cross-Strait relations. Instead, the DPP only resorts to provocative language and a set of US-centered diplomacy policies, which may deepen the tension and lead to potential conflicts. All this not only undermines ROC’s opportunities in seeking international visibility and development, but also arouses concerns from neighboring countries and the world.
As a century-old party which founded the nation, the KMT is committed to the development of Taiwan, and seeks to facilitate a friendly atmosphere for the people in Mainland China. We also aim to work with the international community and promote world peace. All these ideals serve as the foundation of the KMT’s policies, showcasing our unwavering determination passed down by our ancestors. The freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity today in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu did not come without a price. Hence, the KMT calls on all members to cherish the contributions and sacrifices of our predecessors, and to stand up in times of crisis to protect the free, democratic homeland for a total of 23 million compatriots.
With the development of globalization reorganized during the epidemic, various challenges are imminent, including the rapid changes in the international political landscape and economic interaction, and our due responsibilities to reduce carbon emissions and combat global climate change. In times like this, people all look to a powerful opposition party for innovative and practical policy solutions to the plight of Taiwan. In the process, this party can regain public trust and will become eligible as the prospective ruling party in the next presidential election. For the KMT, it is our responsibility to respond to such calls.
To this end, we must reconnect with contemporary trends and the younger generations, as we share the same destiny with the people in Taiwan. Thus, the KMT has identified principle strategies including “flexible security”, “inclusive growth”, “social cohesion”, etc. to create a future with flexibility, to avoid social exclusion, to strengthen the partnership between the state and the civil society, to pursue both economic development and environmental sustainability, to actively improve the working conditions of the youth, and to implement the concept of a just society. In this way, we can concertedly “defend Taiwan, protect democracy, and fight for the future”.
Based on the aforementioned principles, we further propose the following goals:
1. Defend democratic values, consolidate republic constitutionalism, and rebuild the rule of law;
2. Facilitate international participation, deepen cross-Strait stability, and ensure national security;
3. Revitalize Chinese culture, emphasize the charm of Taiwan, and enrich education and recreation facilities;
4. Optimize business structures, follow global trends, and join in regional integration;
5. Pursue equal prosperity of the people, realize fairness and justice, and guarantee societal harmony;
6. Ensure stable power supply, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen land conservation.
These six goals, along with the ten major policies, will help rebuild a united country which can tolerate differences and cherish our inheritance, so as to make ROC great again.
1. Defend democratic values, consolidate republic constitutionalism, and rebuild the rule of law
We now face a current upsurge of populism, the failing separation of powers in the constitutional system, and social chaos of instigation by the “cyber warriors” manipulated by the ruling party. These trends of “anti-democracy” has eroded the foundation of the rule of law in our country, and democracy is now facing an unprecedented crisis. The ruling party in power abuses government power to launch political campaigns in the name of national security and pandemic prevention, in an attempt to eliminate opponents rather than compete with them in a democratic way. What is worse, the ruling party is using every way to seize the property of private organizations, and turn a blind eye to interest exchanges and political appointments. It also shut down a news channel under the guise of license check and censorship, while trying to suppress people’s freedom of speech by abusing the “Social Order Maintenance Act” and to deprive the people of their entitled referendum rights. All these deeds are the proof that echoes with the saying “power tends to corrupt”. In addition to the administrative abuse of power, the legislative and judicial systems are also controlled by those in power. Hence, the separation of powers, the rule of law, and justice in democracy are all disintegrating. Safeguarding democracy depends on another force for effective checks and balances. Party politics must return to the norm of fair competition, or else the status quo of “one-party dominance” will certainly turn into “one-party dictatorship”. In this sense, the responsibility of the KMT is not only to defend the sovereignty of the ROC, but also to deepen important democratic values. As a democratic party, we will not forget our determination to return to power, nor will we avoid the heavy responsibility of supervising those in power. We are committed to promoting constitutional amendments to rebuild a constitutional system in which power is proportionate to responsibility. Also, we will repair the democratic mechanisms, and fight against corruption to establish an effective and open government and to protect the democracy and rule of law in Taiwan.
2. Facilitate international participation, deepen cross-Strait stability, and ensure national security
The “coopetition” of the two major powers, the US and Mainland China, and the COVID-19 pandemic are two key factors that may influence current trends of international politics. The ROC needs to cautiously respond to these current issues. Not only must we reaffirm existing diplomatic ties, but we must also strengthen interaction via non-diplomatic relations. What is more, we should tap into civil power and digital technology to keep up with international trends in the post-pandemic era and promote “civic diplomacy.”
In terms of diplomacy policies, the sovereignty of the ROC should be stressed, and to “maintain national dignity and promote international participation” has always been the KMT’s unchanged guiding principle. In addition, we will strengthen the ROC’s substantial relationship with the US and actively build channels of communication with democratic countries.
The KMT holds dear the ROC founded by the party, a country which pursues the ideals of democracy, freedom, fairness, and justice. Hence, the KMT will not forget our calling to build a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. In particular, Taiwan now faces increasingly profound impacts and challenges caused by the rise of Mainland China, internal socio-economic issues, and problematic attitudes towards foreign relations. To solve these problems, the KMT will abide by the Constitution of the Republic of China, follow the party’s charters and guidelines, and answer the expectations of the people. The KMT will persist in opposing “Taiwan independence” and “one country, two systems” to defend the sovereignty of the ROC and the democratic systems, safeguarding the security of the people of Taiwan and the peace and prosperity of the region. Under such premises, we will seek to actively improve cross-Strait relations, restore official channels of communication, and minimize the possibility of military conflicts. Taiwan and Mainland China should put aside disputes, promote cross-Strait economic liberalization and civil interactions, and establish an equal and mutually-beneficial trading mechanism as well as a resilient, non-hostile social atmosphere to “seek common grounds and respect differences”. In this way, we may initiate dialogues once again, restore peace, and build a world “equally shared by all”, an ideal proposed by the first leader of the KMT, Mr. Sun Yat-sen. In addition to improving cross-Strait relations, in order to safeguard national sovereignty and people’s security, the party also firmly supports the development of the national defense industry and the national military strength. ROC should build a professional military force which is “elite, flexible, and competent at combats”. National defense education and reserved armed forces should be integrated to defend the country and uphold the ideals to “stop wars without fear of wars, prepare for wars without seeking wars”. In this way, we can achieve the goal of “professionalism, versatility, ceasing wars, and effective defense against the enemy” with diligent and efficient training. We do not have to engage in an arms race with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), but we must never allow it to be overconfident and make misjudgments. In conclusion, we will make efforts to bring “proactive diplomacy, resilient economy, peaceful cross-Strait relations, and strong national defense” to establish a country with long-term stability.
3. Revitalize Chinese culture, emphasize the charm of Taiwan, and enrich education and recreation facilities
Culture can revitalize the power of a country, and in a free and democratic environment, the creativity and imagination of culture is close to infinity. The ROC is the true inheritor and navigator of Chinese culture. It has preserved the tangible national treasures of the Forbidden City, traditional Chinese characters, and the intangible cultural values of Confucianism as well as other historical heritages. Thus, we should continue to preserve, inherit, and promote the essence and history of our heritage, so that we keep up with the current trends and thoughts in Taiwan and help local cultural vitality to flourish so that the Chinese culture passed down from more than a thousand years ago may take on a new charm. Children are the future of a country. Under the trend of globalization, competition for talents from all countries is becoming increasingly fierce. With the widening gap between the rich and the poor in the country, disadvantaged children are facing an even more difficult situation. The government should thus strengthen investment in education, provide children with an “equal and empowering” education system to realize educational justice. Facing the rapid changes and challenges from the domestic and international spheres, we will aim to revitalize development of the local youth and strengthen their competitiveness. In addition, we will ensure that all citizens have access to quality sports. By promoting sport and building a friendly environment of sports for all age groups, we pledge to bring a better future for children characterized by hope, health, and adaptive education.
4. Pursue equal prosperity of the people, realize fairness and justice, and guarantee societal harmony
Under the global pandemic, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen. In the future, Taiwan’s industries should keep up with industrial trends and tap into cutting-edge technology to ensure social/economic development and momentum for growth, explore new industrial ecology, create employment opportunities, and promote fair economic distribution and growth. At the same time, in order to cope with the challenges of population aging, sub-replacement fertility, and a “risk society”, what Taiwan needs in the future is a comprehensive social security system that takes care of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women and children, low-income households, and the physically/mentally disabled. The government should uphold the principles of diversity, justice, and sustainability, so as to understand the needs of disadvantaged groups and make the most effective allocation of limited resources. All this will help build a long-standing social security system. First of all, while acknowledging diversity and different values, we should voice the demands and rights of disadvantaged groups, including women, children, indigenous people, economically disadvantaged families, etc. to pursue equal rights and eliminate discrimination and implement the redistribution of wealth through the principle of justice, thereby creating more opportunities and better living conditions for the disadvantaged. Finally, a new system should be established in accordance with the principle of sustainability. The system should incorporate resources from private and non-governmental organizations to avoid abuse of resources and debt retention and to eliminate poverty and all forms of inequality.
5. Optimize business structures, follow global trends, and join in regional integration
Economic development is one of the most important survival factors for any country. The ROC should accelerate its integration into regional trade agreements by actively striving to participate in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). In addition, the ROC should negotiate and sign free trade agreements (FTAs) with important trade partners, especially the US, to avoid being marginalized by the increasingly integrated trade system.
To this end, the KMT advocates optimizing investment environment, bolstering infrastructure, stabilizing water/electricity supply, revitalizing industrial land, simplifying administrative procedures, ensuring ample resources, revising regulations, providing tax incentives, removing investment barriers, etc. to attract capital investment from home and abroad. Thus, Taiwan should actively tap into the IT talents and develop emerging industries in the fields of AI, 5G, and financial technology. At the same time, the country should facilitate transformation and upgrade in traditional manufacturing businesses, SMEs, and the service industry to ensure that industrial development is resilient to international competition.
6. Ensure stable power supply, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen land conservation
In the face of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. carbon dioxide), we are now frequently challenged by extreme climates, changes in precipitation patterns, as well as ocean pollution and food crises. In this scenario, we are held responsible, if not obligated, to tackle global climate change with forward-looking perspectives. By strengthening the resilience to climate disasters, the KMT pledges to consolidate disaster prevention and rescue preparations, and incorporate climate change countermeasures into national policies to protect the environmental sustainability of Taiwan.
To fulfill our responsibilities as a global citizen, we need to enhance our knowledge and skills to mitigate climate change, so that we may achieve the goal of “net zero emissions by 2050” and work together with other countries to contain the global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius. In this way, we can help alleviate water shortage crises, avoid climate-induced poverty, reduce crop loss, prevent permafrost from melting, and save endangered species from extinction.
In the past, when humans were pursuing economic growth, they often aimed for the maximization of profits, while neglecting the justice of distribution and the importance of environmental sustainability. Therefore, the KMT advocates that policies related to “inclusive growth” be promoted. In addition to economic development, more attention should be allocated to the notions of fair distribution and equal opportunities, as well as a sustainable environment for all beings. As we move towards the era of knowledge economy, we should be more practical in facing the issues regarding the environment, attach importance to the stable supply of energy, implement control over land planning and environmental pollution, maintain bio-diversity, and give priority to building a livable environment of ecological balance, fair distribution, and harmonious co-existence.
- Policy Guidelines in Respective Fields
To bring about actual changes in accordance with the six aforementioned goals, the KMT has outlined specific policies in ten major areas, which will be actively advocated in the future.
1. Defending democratic constitutionalism and constructing an equal society
(1) Defending democracy, effectively checking powers, extending eligibility for participation, and fighting for return to power
Currently, most legislators have become a rubber stamp that gives the ruling party automatic approval. Some Justices who are supposed to uphold the Constitution have become a tool to consolidate the will of those in power. Under this situation, we must establish a “shadow cabinet” mechanism to supervise and balance the abusive government, and restore government investiture in the Legislative Yuan, so that we can correct the unjust laws (which the ruling party uses as a means of power struggle) and defend the democratic constitutionalism. The age of participation in politics should be lowered to 18, and absentee voting should be promoted to end the “iron cage” Referendum Act and extend eligibility for participation in politics. We will strive for the people’s recognition and aim to govern in the central and local governments, so that we can cultivate local talents, create a model of local governance, and build a solid foundation for our return to power.
(2) Implementing indigenous autonomy and transitional justice, protecting the rights of new immigrants and disadvantaged groups, and ensuring diversified social development
We advocate the implementation of indigenous autonomy as soon as possible, in order to restore indigenous people’s rights to their entitled land and implement transitional justice for the indigenous people. It is also essential to care for new immigrants and disadvantaged groups by protecting their rights to survival, equality, work, and education. The government shall review and revise anything in the legal system that discriminates against the minorities, so as to ensure the diverse development of society and promote equality and harmony among different ethnic groups.
(3) Implementing human rights protection and respect for diversified values
We pledge to supervise the government’s implementation of basic human rights protection, correct the government’s violations of human rights, review existing laws which discriminate or violate principles of human rights, legalize international human rights conventions, respect diversified values, deepen human rights education, and integrate resources of civil organizations and NGOs to improve the protection of human rights.
(4) Ending retrogression of democracy and restoring peace in society
We strongly oppose the government’s abuse of power to manipulate the media and the cyber warriors’ inciting of populism and bullying. We also oppose the so-called “transitional justice” which is illegal and unconstitutional, only reduced to a means of political struggle. We pledge to hold accountable officials who violated the law or abused their power, and will defend people’s freedom of speech and infringed rights to eliminate confrontations in the society and build consensus.
2. Building an open government and restoring people’s confidence in rule of law
(1) Maintaining stable operation of the civil service system and supervising government efficiency and transparency
We aim to put an end to the abuse of power by government agencies and implement administrative neutrality. We firmly oppose the current “pork barrel” politics which benefits politicians in return for their support, as the ruling party has set up numerous unnecessary agencies and has used political appointments to reinforce control. We will also endeavor to simplify administrative procedures, improve government efficiency, and promote open data. Also, by implementing the hearing system, we seek to ensure the extension of citizen participation, bring about a transparent legal system, and encourage honest participation in politics.
(2) Defending the rights and dignity of military personnel, government employees, and teachers
Taiwan should improve benefits for government personnel in dangerous positions such as the police, firefighters, and marine patrols. The government should also increase the investment income of annuity funds, and adjust pension payments in accordance with the price index, so as to ensure quality living for retired military personnel, government employees, and teachers.
(3) Strengthening local governance and ceasing centralization of money and power
We aim to cease the centralization of money and power by the ruling party. Certain responsibilities of the central government should be delegated to local governments, and the financial autonomy of local governments should be improved. In addition, the KMT will be committed to improving regulations on cross-border governance to promote horizontal cooperation among local governments, accelerating the formation of regional living spheres while introducing private resources to complement the government’s administration.
(4) Enhancing public participation in judicial system to regain trust
We urge to establish a mechanism for the general public to help evaluate and supervise decisions such as parole, compassionate release, or the elimination of incompetent judicial personnel. Also, legal assistance should be offered to whoever in need, and the rights of criminal victims and their families to participate in the proceedings should be strengthened. Also, incidents of pre-trial information compromise and media bullying must be severely punished, so as to promote the democratization of justice and regain public trust.
3. Enhancing cross-Strait mutual trust and pursuing stability
(1) Handling cross-Strait relations based on compliance with the Constitution
The KMT firmly abides by the Constitution of the Republic of China, Additional Articles of the Constitution of the Republic of China, the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and other relevant regulations for the handling of cross-Strait relations. We have always resolutely opposed “Taiwan independence” and the notion of “one country, two systems”. Our determination to defend the sovereignty of the ROC and its democratic constitutional system stays unchanged. The KMT will follow the party’s established charters and guidelines, including the five visions proposed in the “2005 Lien-Hu Joint Announcement” and the basic policy guidelines of President Ma Ying-jeou during his eight-year rule. Based on these guidelines, the KMT will carry out tasks that are conducive to the peaceful and stable cross-Strait development based on the basis of the “1992 Consensus and different interpretations of one China”, transitioning form “seeking common ground while reserving differences” to “seeking common ground while respecting differences”. In this way, we can restore cross-Strait peace and prosperity, and jointly “revitalize the Chinese nation” and build a world “equally shared by all” as proposed by the first leader of the KMT, Mr. Sun Yat-sen.
(2) Creating a win-win situation for cross-Strait trade and economic activities
The KMT will spare no effort to stabilize cross-Strait relations to vitalize Taiwan’s economy, restore channels of cross-Strait negotiation, boost cross-Strait economic exchanges, rebuild dispute settlement mechanisms, safeguard the rights of Taiwanese farmers and fishermen, and promote cross-Strait cooperation so that we can utilize the complementary advantages to gain mutual benefits in a win-win situation. In this way, we can then jointly thrive in the wave of regional economic integration around the globe.
(3) Promoting deepened cross-Strait exchanges
Through cross-Strait forums and other exchange platforms, multiple dialogue channels should be in place, and both sides of the Strait should protect and promote civil society exchanges based on the principles of reciprocity and dignity, and actively participate in academic, religious, sports, cultural, city, and economic exchanges. Through interaction, both sides can enhance mutual understanding, accumulate good faith, and work together for cross-Strait peace and prosperity.
(4) Uninterrupted service for Taiwanese businesses and students
The KMT should and will play a responsible role in taking care of the overseas compatriots in Mainland China. At the same time, we will reinforce the functions of the Taiwanese business service center and do our utmost to assist Taiwanese people working, studying, or living in Mainland China. Our efforts will not be interrupted due to the lack of official cross-Strait communication channels.
(5) Maintaining peace across the Strait is the shared responsibility of both sides
With the DPP in power, provocation such as the promotion of “Taiwan independence” and “de-Sinicization” resulted in worsened cross-Strait relations. In response, Mainland China took counter-measures by sending military aircraft and warships near Taiwan. All these are destabilizing factors affecting peace in the Taiwan Strait, and go against the appeal for peace from the people on both sides of the Strait. Thus, the KMT is obligated to stand up for the security of Taiwan and the peace and prosperity of the region. Once again, we will act as a stabilizing force in the region. Governments in power on both sides of the Strait must cherish the hard-won peace and work with all political parties and organizations to maintain cross-Strait stability. In this regard, the KMT firmly opposes the use of force or any other means which may unilaterally change the status quo of peace across the Strait.
4. Defending national sovereignty and strengthening combat power of armed forces
(1) Elevating international status of the ROC
Based on the principles of reciprocity and dignity, we should actively work with all friendly countries which treat us as equals, and fight for international visibility as the ROC. We should expand participation in international activities and face international realities in a practical manner, so as to strive for the best rights and interests of the ROC and its people.
(2) Reinforcing interaction of and service for overseas Chinese
The KMT will help strengthen the interaction of overseas Chinese and support relevant associations, so as to unite all overseas Chinese people in support of the ROC.
(3) Defending the dignity of national armed forces and enhancing welfare for military personnel and their families
The KMT solemnly pledges to defend the dignity of national armed forces, and oppose political power and populism to intervene in military operations. The KMT will proactively strive to improve the welfare of in-active-service soldiers and retirement benefits, ensuring the entitled rights and interests of soldiers and their families.
(4) Strengthening networked combat capabilities of armed forces
The KMT will require the Ministry of National Defense to “enhance networked combat capabilities” as the core pillar of military building. Also, the government should enhance “battle-space awareness” of the circumstances around Taiwan and strengthen the combat effectiveness of the ROC armed forces.
(5) Deepening all-out defense and enhancing reserved armed forces
The KMT pledges to continue to deepen national defense education and review/reorganize reserved armed forces in a practical manner, in order to stop the reserved forces from hollowing out.
(6) Implementing arms procurement supervision
The ROC is about to enter the peak period of arms procurement payments. Hence, the Legislative Yuan should enhance the supervision of the budgeting and implementation of arms procurement, so as to effectively allocate and use national defense funding. Also, the government should promote the independence and industrial integration of national defense and participate in relevant international conferences and exhibitions. The KMT will take strict precautions against the ruling party’s adoption of “pork barrel” politics and attacks on dissidents in the name of supporting the national defense industry.
5. Strengthening investment in education, culture, and sports to pursue a “livable society”
Offering equal and empowering education system and cultivating high-quality talents
The government should improve the early intervention and potential development systems for infants and young children. At the same time, it is essential to develop an equal, accessible, convenient, diversified, and affordable preschool education system, to promote compulsory education starting at five years old, and to ensure parents’ right to education choice. The government should also form a talent development center of higher and vocational education, with the help of the public and the private sectors as well as the academia and research institutes. What is more, by strengthening international and regional integration of resources, we can identify the specific needs of industrial talents, cultivate high-quality professional to build up the sustainable momentum for Taiwan’s future developments.
(2) Guaranteeing right to education and ensuring inclusion for disadvantaged children to achieve fair opportunities
The government should bridge the gap of educational resources in urban and rural areas, ensure stable manpower of faculty members in rural areas, and improve supportive measures for disadvantaged students, so that disadvantaged children can enjoy fair opportunities without being left behind.
(3) Strengthening diversified competitiveness in youth and facilitating employment right after graduation
We will seek to provide ample resources for the youth and schools at all levels, build diversified learning channels for the youth, and bring about a creative, innovative, and vigorous economy in Taiwan. In this way, we can incentivize more young people to develop locally, strengthen their professional competitiveness, and solve the issues of low wages and unemployment after graduation.
(4) Upgrading the central competent authority for sports, investing in sports industry, increasing funds for sports development, and improving sports-related regulations
The KMT aims to promote the upgrading of the Sports Administration to the “Ministry of Sports Development” and introduce social and corporate resources with the concept of marketization, which can open up funding channels for the development of the sports industry and create a sports economy. By emphasizing competitive sports and sports for all, the government should improve the quality and performance of competitive sports and promote the development of professional sports in order to enter the international sports arena and make sports accessible to all. In addition, the government should increase the proportion of sports funding in the national budget, integrate sports-related resources, improve regulations regarding sports development, allocate national sports funds more accurately, and improve the management of school sports, national sports, competitive sports, and sports associations. In this way, we can facilitate both the sports education/culture and the sports industry/economy in Taiwan.
(5) Ensuring access to quality sports for all citizens and attaching importance to the rights and interests of sports practitioners
We will ensure that all citizens have access to quality sports and build a friendly environment of sports for all age groups. We will also encourage all citizens to exercise for the sake of health, promote the development of the sports medicine industry, and introduce sports into the long-term care system to reduce medical expenditures on a national level. Of course, it is also essential to protect the rights and interests of national athletes, coaches, and training personnel, and to devise a solid career guidance mechanism for retired athletes.
6. Cultivating local culture, bridging Chinese culture, and establishing Greater Taiwan culture to enter international market
(1) Inclusive development of the Greater Taiwan culture (local culture along with Chinese culture)
The KMT pledges to strengthen cross-Strait and international cultural exchanges. We oppose the idea of Taiwan independence in culture, and seek to rebuild a correct, inclusive, and objective historical view of Taiwan, in order to properly preserve, promote, and innovate Chinese culture. We will also endeavor to fight against the de-Sinicization and anti-China campaigns, so as to realize an inclusive culture with brand-new charm which encompasses both Chinese culture and local culture. We will also protect the rights of artists and art professionals by implementing a license system and promoting flagship projects, in order to discover/incentivize outstanding and budding artists. We will also reinvigorate the National Culture and Arts Foundation and implement a fair, just, and open subsidy mechanism.
(2) Creating an aesthetic environment
The KMT will promote aesthetic and art education for all people. We propose to make art/cultural expenses tax-deductible to encourage the participation in art/cultural activities. We will also see to the upgrade of all museums to build channels that celebrate and promote the Greater Taiwan culture.
(3) Strengthening production capacity and promoting cross-border/cross-domain cooperation of film or TV works
The KMT will seek to enrich resources for Taiwan’s film and TV industries and support cross-border and cross-domain cooperation. By encouraging the development of Taiwan’s new media and technology platforms, we will help create a friendly legal system and environment for economic activities.
(4) Forging a new era of digital art
The KMT will promote the digital artwork information platform, develop the CryptoArt market, establish an artwork ID system for digital art using the blockchain technology, and make digital art a new type of digital assets
via the medium of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
7. Optimizing business environment and pursue economic prosperity
(1) Participation in regional economic integration
The KMT will endeavor to improve cross-Strait relations, and resume follow-up negotiations for the cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). In the meantime, Taiwan should strive to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), and sign free trade agreements (FTAs) with the US, Japan, and other important trade partners.
(2) Normalization of cross-Strait trade and economic activities
On the premise of ensuring competitive advantages for Taiwanese industries, Taiwan should continue cross-Strait industrial cooperation, and establish a cooperation platform for private industries to help resolve trade disputes and safeguard the rights and interests of Taiwanese enterprises, farmers, and fishermen. We should also promote cross-Strait enterprise cooperation so as to enter the emerging markets around the globe.
(3) Optimizing investment environment
The KMT seeks to promote market opening, improve administrative efficiency, and effectively attract foreign investment. Taiwan should spare no effort to expand the scale of industries, accelerate the renewal and revitalization of industrial land, simplify administrative procedures, ensure ample resources (e.g. manpower, water, electricity, etc.), strengthen infrastructure, offer tax benefits to remove investment barriers, and actively attract Taiwanese businesses to return to Taiwan and invest.
(4) Creating competitive advantage for industries
The KMT seeks to help develop emerging industries (e.g. AI, 5G, and big data) and assist in the transformation/upgrading of traditional manufacturers, SMEs, and the service industry, so as to help companies establish their unique brands and go international. Also, by establishing a multi-level capital market, the KMT will help develop new fundraising channels in response to the needs of startups. Resources will also be allocated to develop agricultural and fishery biotechnologies to reinforce the certification mechanism for products and accelerate international cooperation. Local tourism will also need to undergo a series of refinement measures to better demonstrate Taiwan culture’s soft power.
(5) Developing financial technology
The government should review domestic and international trends, actively adjust regulations, and promote practical applications of innovative technologies. The government should also facilitate de-identified data exchanges, strengthen industrial-governmental-academic cooperation, and comprehensively improve the supervision of financial innovation, financial information security, and financial technology.
(6) Promoting energy transition
We urge the government to increase the ratio of power supply from green and renewable sources, assist industries to consume less energy with lower carbon emissions, and develop green, energy-saving, and low-carbon industries.
8. Sharing growth and promoting equal wealth
(1) Improving real estate tax system
The KMT endeavors to improve the real estate market and tax system and provide citizens with diverse and affordable housing options, so as to improve the skyrocketing housing prices and implement housing justice.
(2) Encouraging youth entrepreneurship
The KMT will help solve obstacles caused by the regulations regarding innovation and entrepreneurship, establish a youth entrepreneurship credit insurance system, and guide youth entrepreneurship in solving financing, technology, and management issues.
(3) Public-private partnership and regional revitalization
Taiwan should carry out infrastructure projects with the re-planning of land use, bridge the digital gap between urban and rural areas, refer to the regional revitalization experience of other countries, explore local characteristics, encourage state-run or private enterprises to travel domestically or subsidize rural areas, and stimulate the youth to discuss local issues and get employed locally.
(4) Enhancing rights and interests of the youth and atypical workers
The KMT pledges to assist slashies, delivery couriers, cultural workers, performing artists and other atypical workers to organize labor unions. Employers or outsourcing companies should be required to go through negotiation if necessary so that workers can receive their entitled wages and benefits.
(5) Enhancing rights and interests of new immigrants
The KMT will continue to promote the New Immigrant Fundamental Act to make sure all new immigrants will obtain identity cards after the period of four years. The KMT will also cooperate with NGOs to establish a think tank specializing in new immigrant issues, linking NGO and overseas resources, in order to lay a solid foundation for new immigrants to live and work in Taiwan.
9. Rebuilding a harmonious and just society
(1) Promoting diversified long-term care system
In response to changes in the demographic structure, Taiwan needs to build a diversified long-term care system. It should be home-based and assisted by community resources with well-established and multi-functional facilities. The government needs to continue the promotion of long-term care insurance and implement the Long-Term Care Services Act to ensure sufficient financial/human resources and to accelerate the establishment of long-term care resources in remote areas.
(2) Improving financial security of the elderly
The KMT will help establish a “basic pension” scheme to meet the elderly’s minimum living needs. We will also continue to promote the portable occupational pension system, reduce the financial gap among occupations, reduce the burden of the younger generations, and implement an automatic balance mechanism for calculating different pension schemes.
(3) Implementing assistance for the disadvantaged and establishing social protection system
The KMT seeks to reinforce “social investment” welfare policies, reduce welfare dependence, achieve poverty alleviation and self-reliance of the disadvantaged, care for the physically/mentally disabled and the disadvantaged, establish “high-risk family” protection system, implement assistance for families under extreme circumstances, and enhance family care functions.
(4) Facilitating care from family members across generations
In response to the trends of aging population and sub-replacement fertility, the KMT aims to amend regulations to offer seven days of paid family care leave, implement pregnancy tax deductions, increase childcare tax credits, and improve community childcare and elderly care functions to build a safety net for all generations.
(5) Building atypical employment safety net
The KMT will amend the Employment Insurance Act to include self-employed workers and make unemployment insurance and labor pension to more accessible to more people so as to create the atypical employment safety net.
(6) Improving finance of labor insurance
The KMT advocates the introduction of financial technology to make the investment of labor insurance funds transparent. Also, a financial balance mechanism should be activated to make labor insurance a sustainable model, so that all generations can enjoy financial security after retirement.
(7) Sustainable operation of national health insurance
Taiwan should review the finances of national health insurance so that it can be sustainable. Also, more medical resources should be provided in remote areas to safeguard the medical rights of the disadvantaged. The government should also be committed to the prevention and treatment of communicable diseases.
(8) Supervising food and vaccine safety
In terms of food safety, the KMT will continue to strengthen its five major priorities of “joint inspection, risk control and early warning, improved management, implementation of three-level quality management, and promotion of food cloud”. These measures can rebuild people’s trust in food safety and ensure a healthy diet for all citizens. In addition, the procurement of vaccine and the immunization schedule should both be transparent and fair to protect all citizens’ safety.
(9) Implementing housing justice and building a livable environment
The KMT will continue to promote social housing to provide people with diverse and affordable housing options and implement housing justice. In addition, due to the frequent occurrence of earthquakes in Taiwan, the potential issues of old urban housing and public security are bound to emerge and become increasingly serious. To protect people’s life and property and to improve community functions, more diversified methods should be adopted to promote urban renewal. On the premise of public welfare, bulk reward for urban renewal should be granted more flexibly according to local conditions.
(10) Safeguarding animal rights and reinforcing smuggling investigations
We should respect animal life and stress education on animal protection. Thus, we should reinforce investigations of animal smuggling, increase penalties for smuggling, and encourage animal-friendly rearing as well as adopting instead of buying.
10. Stable power supply at a reasonable price and a green, sustainable life
(1) Active energy management to ensure stable and safe power supply
Taiwan’s energy policies should be robust, diversified, clean, and affordable to ensure safe, low-carbon energy supply with high efficiency.
(2) Setting reasonable paths to reduce carbon emissions and improving air pollution
Taiwan should increase base-load power supply and the percentage of low-carbon clean energy. The KMT urges that the government take the initiative to improve air quality and put forward specific targets and policies to reduce carbon emissions and protect the health of all citizens.
(3) Including climate change into the Constitution and reaching net zero emissions in stages
In response to climate change, Taiwan is obligated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, we should promote adjustment measures, oppose the substantial increase in the proportion of thermal power generation, and gradually implement the “nationally determined contribution (NDC)” and the goal of “net zero emissions by 2050” in a phase-by-phase manner.
(4) Energy policies should comply with environmental conservation and land planning
The KMT aims to highlight the planning of regional land use and development and emphasize land security and reforestation in response to global climate change, so as to ensure people’s livelihood and work security. We also pledge to defend environmental sustainability and oppose the construction of many energy facilities on farmland, woodland, and coasts, so as to protect the environment and the survival rights of farmers and fishermen.
(5) Accelerating industrial transformation, promoting waste prevention, and improving energy efficiency
Taiwan should promote the recycling and reuse of resources with measures such as green consumption and waste prevention, comprehensively review waste treatment policies, and advocate the concepts of recycling and zero waste. By formulating relevant industrial policies, the KMT will endeavor to accelerate Taiwan’s industrial transformation and upgrade, improve energy efficiency, and reduce power consumption.
(6) Reducing carbon emissions through tax collection system
Facing new trends such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the KMT will actively review relevant regulations, establish a reasonable carbon tax system, and assist domestic companies to achieve carbon reduction and transformation.