Meaning: This quote by Chen Shui-bian, a prominent Taiwanese politician and statesman, addresses the issue of Taiwan's future and the stance of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on the matter. The quote highlights the DPP's commitment to allowing the people of Taiwan to determine any changes to the status quo through referenda. This reflects the party's emphasis on democratic processes and the principle of self-determination for the people of Taiwan.

The resolution mentioned in the quote refers to a significant political development in Taiwan's history. In 1999, the DPP, which advocates for Taiwanese independence and is considered a pro-independence political party, passed a resolution outlining its position on Taiwan's future. This resolution was a response to the complex and often contentious relationship between Taiwan and China, as well as the ongoing debate over Taiwan's political status.

The issue of Taiwan's status is a deeply sensitive and complex one, shaped by historical, geopolitical, and ideological factors. Since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, Taiwan has been governed separately from mainland China, initially as the seat of the defeated Nationalist government. Over the decades, Taiwan has developed its own political and social identity, and its people have increasingly expressed a desire for self-determination and autonomy.

However, the People's Republic of China (PRC) regards Taiwan as a part of its territory and has not renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. The "One China" policy, which asserts that there is only one sovereign state under the name China and that Taiwan is part of China, has been a key principle in China's foreign policy. This has led to ongoing tensions and a delicate diplomatic balance in the region, with various countries and international organizations navigating their relationships with both Taiwan and China.

Against this backdrop, the DPP's resolution from 1999, as referenced in the quote, represents a significant assertion of Taiwan's right to determine its own future. By emphasizing the use of referenda to decide on any changes to the status quo, the DPP sought to underscore the importance of popular participation and democratic decision-making in addressing Taiwan's political status and relationship with China.

The emphasis on referenda as a mechanism for decision-making reflects a commitment to democratic principles and the recognition of the Taiwanese people's agency in shaping their own future. By advocating for the people of Taiwan to have a direct say in any potential changes to the status quo, the DPP's position aligns with the broader global trend toward participatory democracy and the empowerment of citizens in matters of national significance.

Chen Shui-bian, as the individual quoted, played a key role in shaping Taiwan's political landscape and advocating for the island's interests on the international stage. As a former president of Taiwan and a prominent figure in the DPP, his words carry weight and reflect the party's official stance on the issue of Taiwan's future.

In summary, the quote by Chen Shui-bian encapsulates the DPP's position on Taiwan's future and its commitment to democratic decision-making through referenda. It underscores the party's emphasis on the right of the Taiwanese people to determine any changes to the status quo, particularly in the context of Taiwan's complex relationship with China and the ongoing debate over its political status. This quote serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of democratic values and popular participation in shaping the future of Taiwan.