President Ma Ying-jeou says that cross-strait peace is the key to protecting Taiwan’s democracy and prosperity.
Ma was speaking Wednesday at a ceremony where veterans of battles on the island of Kinmen received medals for their service. Despite several attacks from Mainland China during the Cold War, anti-communist forces managed to hold the island.
Ma said the cross-strait peace both sides enjoy today required effort and sacrifice to achieve. He said he has a duty to let the younger generation know the price past generations have paid for peace.
"As President of the Republic of China, I have a duty to pass on this history to the next generation. Let us remember forever the lessons of war and the precious value of peace. The peace and prosperity Taiwan enjoys today did not just fall from the sky. We cannot take them for granted. It was bought at the price of so much blood and so many lives," said Ma.
Ma said Taiwan must strengthen its defense capabilities while rejecting the use of force to maintain long-term stability.