“民之所欲、长在我心”（中英全文）--- 中华民国前总统李登辉1995年在康乃尔大学演讲

【美博翻墙2020.7.31】中华民国前总统李登辉昨晚辞世，享耆寿98岁。中国人民大学所属“中国宪政网”微信公众号今天早上转发李登辉先生1995年在美国康乃尔大学发表的“民之所欲、长在我心”演说全文，在一面倒批李的中国大陆网络，引发侧目。这迅速引发了中共“五毛”网军强烈攻击，上午10时，“中国宪政网”微信公众号不敌压力，该文已被发布者删除。

为缅怀前总统李登辉的卓越贡献，真相网转载当年有历史意义的精彩演讲的中英文全文，以飨读者。

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中华民国84年06月10日（1995年6月10日）

李总统登辉先生今天在母校康乃尔大学欧林讲座，以“民之所欲，长在我心”为题，发表演说。

总统演说全文为：

“民之所欲，长在我心”

罗兹校长、各位老师、各位学长、各位校友、各位女士、各位先生：

谢谢罗兹校长的介绍，溢美之辞，愧不敢当。

今天登辉能在母校的欧林讲座上发表演说，深感荣幸。这一趟返校之行，可以说是一段漫长而艰难的旅程。不过，内子与本人得以重回康大美丽校园，心中确是颇为愉快。

回到母校，使我们有重温旧日时光的机会。犹忆当年图书馆中熬夜苦读，教堂内清心自省，课室间匆忙往返，黄昏时携手漫步。往事如昨，历历在目，让我们深觉喜悦与感激。

首先登辉要衷心感谢罗兹校长对本人返校的坚定立场及盛情接待。其次，要谢谢各位康大校友对登辉此次意义重大且富有怀旧情意的返校之行，所给予了解与支持。

同时要感谢美国许多友人的鼎力协助，使登辉得以重访贵国。此外，更要谢谢诸位师长和同学，为我的人生，带来深远的影响。

各位对本人之情谊与支持，登辉将永铭心中。

此次来美参加康乃尔大学校友返校盛会，不仅是登辉个人的殊荣，更重要的，这也是中华民国在台湾二千一百万同胞共同的荣幸。事实上，此次康大邀请本人来访，就是对我国人民过去数十年来，致力国家建设所获成就的一项肯定。本人今日所要谈到的主体，也就是我国的人民。

＊倾听人民的心声

一九六五年至一九六八年在康大的求学生涯，是我一生中甚为难忘的时光。那段时期正是美国社会经历民权运动与反越战风潮的不安年代。虽然历经动荡，但美国的民主制度仍然屹立不摇。

也就是在那几年间，登辉深刻体认到，充分的民主是促进社会和平转变的动力，只有以更民主的方式去推动民主，只有以更自由的理念去推动自由，才能促成民主自由的早日到来。这也是登辉回国之后，决心为加速台湾社会全面民主化，贡献心力的信念泉源。

自从本人在一九八八年就任中华民国总统以来，本人最重要的目标，就是要了解民众的意愿，以期由民意主导政府施政。早在两千多年以前，中国的古书“尚书”，就有“民之所欲，天必从之”的说法，我本人服务公职的准则，也就是：“民之所欲，长在我心！”

事实上，大家都可以明显地看出，我国民众最关切的，就是民主与发展。民主必须包含对个人自由及社会公义的尊重，以及个人能够直接影响国事的参与感。经济发展则不仅是为了追求财富与繁荣，还必须包括均富理念的实践。

后冷战时代已然来临，世局却仍充满了许多难测的情势。面对共产主义的衰败，不同国家的民众也亟于尝试追求新的制度，来满足人类的基本需求。在各种尝试之中，人类更必须用最高的智慧与勤奋，来作出正确的选择，以免堕入陷阱。

捷克总统哈维尔先生曾言：“解救人类世界的唯一之途，就在人类的心中”。确实如此，至少在本人心中，我一直相信“台湾经验”有其独到之处，可以帮助吾人在这个世界之中，寻找一个新方向。这当然并不表示台湾经验可以一成不变地移植至其它国家应用。但是本人确信，台湾经验中的若干部分，对我们所面临的新时代，必能带来新希望。

＊台湾经验

本人所说的“台湾经验”，就是台湾地区的人民，近年来经由政治改革与经济发展所累积而成的智慧结晶。此一经验已经得到国际社会充分的肯定，也是许多发展中国家可以借镜的典范。基本上，“台湾经验”代表了中华民国近数十年间经济、政治与社会的转型过程──此一转型过程所带来的意义，将会对亚太地区的未来发展与世界和平，均具有深远的影响。

我们也许应该看看中华民国究竟是在何种条件下，缔造了今日的成就：台湾的土地面积只有三万六千一百二十九平方公里（比纽约州的三分之一还稍小），人口二千一百万，自然资源贫乏，而人口密度极高。但是去年贸易总额高达一千八百亿美元；国民平均所得为一万二千美元，外汇存底达九百七十亿美元，仅次于日本，高居全球第二位。

台湾之所以能够在和平中完成政治改革，主要是以稳定的经济发展为基础。首先，在先总统蒋公及蒋故总统经国先生领导之下，台湾经历了经济起飞，成就非凡。目前，除了经济发展之外，台湾更已经由宁静、不流血与非暴力的过程，大步迈向政治民主化。

在其他开发中国家，走向民主体制的政治改革过程中，常出现军事政变或杭廷顿（Samuel P. Huntington）教授所称的“政治倒退”。简单的说，在一般政治转变的过程中，暴力和动乱是很普遍的现象。然而，在台湾的中华民国，可说是一个明显的例外。因为我们并未出现开发中国家经历的恶性循环──自政治参与扩张至阶级对立、军事政变和政治压迫。台湾改革过程的和平，展现了卓著的独特性，可以说是在“经济奇蹟”之外，塑造了成功的“政治奇蹟”。其次，我要谈一下“台湾经验”的地区性和国际性涵意。一九九四年，台湾和中国大陆的转口贸易额高达九十八亿美元。据估计，台湾通过香港对中国大陆南部沿海地区之投资接近四十亿美元，此类经济活动也扩及东盟国家、越南、俄罗斯、中美洲及非洲国家。虽然在台湾的中华民国并非联合国的会员国，但却已经迅速建构起一个以经济关系为中心的国际网络。最近我们更推动建立亚太营运中心的计划，以促使我们的经济更进一步的自由化及国际化。

本人所一刻不能忘怀的是，台湾的成就绝对是经过其人民艰苦的耕耘和无比的智慧，所凝聚而成的傲人成果。然而，正因为其过程备极艰辛，成功来之不易，更使今日“台湾经验”的果实，甜美无比。

＊主权在民

生存在今天的中华民国，我们深知和平的变革必须要采取渐进的方式，以及审慎的规划。记得五年以前，登辉在就职演说中，曾矢志在最短同时内展开宪政改革，俾为中华民族建立合乎时代潮流的法律架构，为民主政治奠定不朽之宏规。值得欣慰的是，这项目标，在全民支持下，已经实现。

我们的宪政改革分两阶段进行。首先，解决资深民意代表退职问题。接着，分别在一九九一及一九九二年全面改选国民大会代表及立法委员，使我们的中央民意代表机构，更能充分反映民意。

去年，我们完成了台湾省省长和台北、高雄两院辖市市长的直接选举。而明年春天，中华民国的选民更将首次直接选举总统、副总统。

由于现阶段宪政改革的完成，我们已确立了政党政治的制度，落实了主权在民的理想，使个人的自由意志获得充分尊重，开创中国历史上最自由开放的时代。本人必须再度强调，此一非凡的成就，乃是台湾二千一百万同胞共同努力的成果。

今天，中华民国的民主制度已具宏规，人权受到高度的保障与尊重，民主政治蓬勃发展。在合法的范围之内，任何言论和行为，都不受限制或干预。我们每天都可在新闻媒体上看到或听到各种不同意见和不同的声音，包括对总统的激烈批评。我国人民享有的言论自由已与美国人民毫无二致。

我认为，世界各国应有一致的民主与人权标准，不因种族或宗教而有不同。事实上，儒家的民本精神与现代民主理念毫不冲突。这也是我一再强调，尊重个人自由意志及主权在民的基本精神。

也正因为如此，本人从政以来，始终以民众的需要及意愿，作为施政的明灯。本人也很诚意地希望，大陆的领导人士，未来也会接受如此的指引，因为我们在台湾的成就很显然的能够帮助中国大陆经济自由化和政治民主化。我曾一再呼吁北平领导当局放弃意识形态的对立，为两岸中国人开启和平竞争与统一的新时代。只有“双赢”的策略，才能维护中华民族的最佳利益，也只有互相尊重，才能逐渐达成中国统一在民主、自由和均富制度下的目标。为了具体表示我们的诚意与善意，本人愿意重申本人乐于见到两岸领导人在国际场合中自然会面，甚至本人自己与江泽民先生在此类场合见面之可能性，亦不排除。

＊期待扮演积极的角色

当一位总统仔细倾听民众心声之时，最令他耿耿于怀的，莫过于民众对尚未达成的心愿，期待殷切。

台湾已在和平的过程中，转化为民主政治，同时也积极参与国际经济活动，并在亚太地区的国际社会中，形成一股不容忽视的影响力。但是，由于中华民国未能获得国际社会应有的外交承认，台湾经验在国际上的重大意义，也因此而被低估。

坦白而言，我们的民众，并不满意我们今天所处的国际地位。我们认为，现今的国际关系不能只限于传统国际法和国际组织的正式运作。因为事实上，国家之间也有许多活动，仍然受到“半官方”与“非官方”规范的制约。所以，一个国家对国际社会的实质贡献，即使是在非官方活动范畴中的表现，也应受到重视。

罗兹校长在去年的毕业典礼中提到，一个人应该要“力求务实，向不可能的事物挑战！”过去四十多年来，我们一直极端务实，盱衡未来而不眷恋过去，辛勤工作而不怨天尤人，因此也创造了我们生存与发展的现实。我们很诚恳地希望世界各国以公平合理的态度对我，不要忽视我们所代表的意义、价值与功能。有人说我们不可能打破外交上的孤立，但是我们会尽全力向“不可能的事物挑战”！本人确信，这个世界终将了解，在台湾的中华民国是一个友善且具实力的发展伙伴。

只有从上述角度观察中华民国在台湾近年来经济、政治与社会之发展，才能在后冷战和后共产主义的世界潮流中给予我国定位，也才能为迈向廿一世纪的亚太及世局发展，提出新的方向。

＊紧密的传统情谊

我要再次对返回母校之行表达感谢之意。我不但感激母校的培育，也要感谢美国。回顾历史，我们不难体会中美两国关系的紧密相连。而对人类尊严与正义和平的共同信念，更使双方人民紧密结合在一起。

中华民国政府迁台初期，美国对我们的经济发展多方援助，极具贡献。我们不会忘记这一份“雪中送炭”的温暖，也因此对美国有一分特别的感情。

今天，我们是美国第六大贸易伙伴，与美国的双边贸易达四百二十四亿美元，同时也是美国政府公债的第二购买国。目前大约有三万八千名来自台湾的留学生在美深造，而留美回国的学生对我们的国家建设，确有重大的贡献。

中华民国的发展，也多少受惠于其社会人才的国外留学经验。我在留美的研习过程中，学得促进国家成长与发展的知识，也观察到美国民主政治的优点与缺点。在台湾的我们认为，美国的民主制度有许多值得学习之处，不过，我们也认为应当发展自己的模式。

我们民主发展的成功历程，带给开发中国家无限的希望，未来更期盼与他们共享经验。而我们对其他国家进行的农业援助，广受欢迎，将来也愿尽力扩大技术合作计划，对更多开发中地区的友好国家，一尽棉薄。

台湾现在已从农业出口的经济型态，成长为制造电子产品、电脑及其他工业产品的经济型态。我们出口的各种产品及零件已为“信息高速公路”铺上了磁盘机、电脑银幕、调制解调器及手提型电脑。此外，我们刻正规划台湾成为亚太区域营运中心，准备购买更多的美国产品，并引进各项美国的服务业，以改善基础建设。

我们已为强化两国关系作好准备，因此殷切期盼此次访问再为两国的合作，开创新机。

基于此一理由，我特别要对克林顿总统睿智的决定表示感佩。同时，我们也要对美国全体人民、国会的两党领袖与议员和美国政府的其他官员申致同样的谢意。

＊长在我心

民之所欲，长在我心。因此本人经常深思，民众真正希望从政府得到什么？我现在相信，其实全世界的人们最基本的要求，应该都是一样的，那就是民主与发展，这也一定会继续成为世界潮流今后的主要取向。

民之所欲，长在我心。因此本人也相信中华民国的民众此刻会愿意用这几句话，来表达他们的心声：

中华民国人民决心在国际社会中，扮演和平且具建设性的角色。

因此，我们也要让美国及全世界的友人知道：

中华民国屹立不摇。

我们随时准备伸出援手。

我们亟盼与各国共享民主的胜利果实。

民之所欲，长在我心。因此本人谨代表台湾地区的二千一百万中国人，诚挚的感谢诸位在精神、知识和物质等各方面，所给予我们的援助，使我们能为自己的国家及我们共同的世界，创造更美好的明天。

最后，愿主保佑各位，保佑康乃尔大学、保佑美国、保佑中华民国。

谢谢各位。

https://www.president.gov.tw/NEWS/22622
Always in My Heart 
It is a great honor for me to be invited to deliver the Olin Lecture at my alma mater, Cornell University. It has been a long and challenging journey, with many bumps in the road, yet my wife and I are indeed very happy to return to this beloved campus. 

This trip has allowed both of us to relive our dearest Cornell experiences. The long, exhausting evenings in the libraries, the soothing and reflective hours at church, the hurried shuttling between classrooms, the evening strolls, hand in hand─so many memories of the past have come to mind, filling my heart with joy and gratitude. 

I want to thank you, President Rhodes, for your hospitality and for your unflagging support of my visit here to my alma mater. 

I thank you, my fellow alumni, for your understanding and support as I undertake this important sentimental journey. 

I thank the many, many friends in the United States who have been so supportive of my visit to your great country again. 

And I also want to thank the people of this academic community, my professors and classmates, for the deep and lasting influence that Cornell University has had on my life. The support each of you has given means a great deal to me. 

I deem this invitation to attend the reunion at Cornell not only a personal honor, but, more significantly, an honor for the 21 million people in the Republic of China on Taiwan. In fact, this invitation constitutes recognition of their remarkable achievements in developing their nation over the past several decades. And it is the people of my nation that I most want to talk about on this occasion. 

Listening to the People 

My years at Cornell from 1965 to 1968 made an indelible impression on me. This was a time of social turbulence in the United States, with the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War protest. Yet, despite that turbulence, the American democratic system prevailed. It was also the time I first recognized that full democracy could engender ultimately peaceful change, and that lack of democracy must be confronted with democratic methods, and lack of freedom must be confronted by the idea of freedom before it would be possible to hasten the day of genuine democracy and freedom. I returned to my homeland determined to make my contribution toward achieving full democracy for our society. 

Ever since I became president of the Republic of China in 1988, I have sought to ascertain just what the people of my country want and to be always guided by their wishes. Ancient China's Book of History from over 2000 years ago, contains the phrase, "Whatever the People desire, the realm must follow." My criterion for serving as president is that I do it with the people in my heart. And it is obvious to me that most of all they want democracy and development. Democracy entails respect for individual freedom, social justice, and a sense of directly participating in the destiny of their nation. Economic development goes beyond attaining prosperity, it also involves equitable distribution of wealth. 

Today we are entering a new post-Cold War era, where the world is full of many uncertainties. Communism is dead or dying, and the peoples of many nations are anxious to try new methods of governing their societies that will better meet the basic needs that every human has. There are many pitfalls in this search for a new rationale, and Man must strive to make the right choices with all the wisdom and diligence he can command. 

Czech President Vaclav Havel said, "The salvation of this human world lies nowhere else but in the human heart." In my heart, I believe that the Taiwan Experience has something unique to offer the world in this search for a new direction. This is not to say that our experience can be transplanted entirely to fit the situation faced by other nations, but I believe that, without a doubt, there are certain aspects of this experience that offer new hope for the new age. 

The Taiwan Experience 

By the term Taiwan Experience I mean what the people of Taiwan have accumulated in recent years through successful political reform and economic development. This experience has already gained widespread recognition by international society and is being taken by many developing nations as a model to emulate. Essentially, the Taiwan Experience constitutes the economic, political and social transformation of my nation over the years, a transformation which I believe has profound implications for the future development of the Asia-Pacific region and world peace. 

It is worth remembering what we in the Republic of China on Taiwan have had to work with in achieving all that we now have: a land area of only 14,000 square miles (slightly less than 1/3 the area of New York State) and a population of 21 million. My country's natural resources are meager and its population density is high. However, its international trade totaled US$180 billion in 1994 and its per capita income stands at US$12,000. Its foreign exchange reserves now exceed US$99 billion, more than those of any other nation in the world except Japan. 

The Taiwan Experience bases peaceful political change on a foundation of stable and continuous economic development. Taiwan, under Presidents Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-kuo, experienced phenomenal economic growth. Currently, aside from economic development, Taiwan has been undergoing a peaceful political transformation to full democracy. 

For many developing nations, the process of moving to a democratic system has been marked by a coup d'etat, or by the kind of "political decay" suggested by Professor Samuel P. Huntington. In short, it is not unusual for such a process of transformation to be accompanied by violence and chaos. However, the case of Republic of China on Taiwan is a notable exception. Non-existent is the vicious cycle of expansive political participation, class confrontation, military coup and political suppression, which have occurred in many developing countries. The process of reform in Taiwan is remarkably peaceful indeed, and as such is virtually unique. In addition to the "economic miracle," we have wrought a "political miracle," so to speak. 

The Taiwan Experience has regional and international dimensions as well. In 1994, the indirect trade between Taiwan and mainland China reached US$9.8 billion. Taiwan's indirect investment in southern mainland China, made through Hong Kong, amounted to nearly US$4 billion, according to estimates from various quarters. Taiwan's trade and investment have also been extended to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Vietnam, Russia, and countries in Central America and Africa. 

Although the Republic of China on Taiwan has been excluded from the United Nations, it has accelerated the formation of an international network with economic ties as the key link. Recently, it has even begun to launch a project to build Taiwan into an Asian-Pacific Regional Operations Center, aiming at further liberalization and globalization of our economy. 

I never allow myself to ever forget for a moment that Taiwan's achievements have been realized only through the painstaking effort and immense political wisdom of the people. However, success comes from difficulty, and the fruits of the Taiwan Experience are all the sweeter today from a recognition of the arduousness of the process. 

Popular Sovereignty 

We in the Republic of China on Taiwan have found that peaceful transformation must take place gradually, and with careful planning. Five years ago, on my inauguration day, I pledged to initiate constitutional reform in the shortest possible period of time. My goal was to provide the Chinese nation with a legal framework that is in accord with the times, and to establish a comprehensive model for democracy. These goals have since been realized with the support of the people. 

Our constitutional reform was conducted in two stages. First, all the senior parliamentarians last elected in 1948 were retired. Then, in the second stage, comprehensive elections for the National Assembly and the Legislature were held in 1991 and 1992 respectively. This enabled our representative organs at the central government level to better represent the people. 

Last year, the governor of Taiwan province, and the mayors of Taipei and Kaohsiung, the two largest cities in Taiwan which used to be directly administered by the central government as special municipalities, were directly elected by the people for the first time. Next spring, the president and vice president of the Republic will also be directly elected by the people for the first time. 

With the completion of constitutional reform, we have established a multiparty system and have realized the ideal of popular sovereignty. This has led to full respect for individual freedom, ushering in the most free and liberal era in Chinese history. I must reiterate that this remarkable achievement is the result of the concerted efforts of the 21 million people in the Taiwan area. 

Today, the institutions of democracy are in place in the Republic of China; human rights are respected and protected to a very high degree. Democracy is thriving in my country. No speech or act allowed by law will be subject to any restriction or interference. Different and opposing views are heard every day in the news media, including harsh criticism of the President. The freedom of speech enjoyed by our people is in no way different from that enjoyed by people in the United States. 

I believe that the precept of democracy and the benchmark of human rights should never vary anywhere in the world, regardless of race or region. In fact, the Confucian belief that only the ruler who provides for the needs of his people is given the mandate to rule is consistent with the modern concept of democracy. This is also the basis for my philosophy of respect for individual free will and popular sovereignty. 

Thus, the needs and wishes of my people have been my guiding light every step of the way. I only hope that the leaders in the mainland are able one day to be similarly guided, since then our achievements in Taiwan can most certainly help the process of economic liberalization and the cause of democracy in mainland China. 

I have repeatedly called on the mainland authorities to end ideological confrontation and to open up a new era of peaceful competition across the Taiwan Straits and reunification. Only by following a "win-win" strategy will the best interests of all the Chinese people be served. We believe that mutual respect will gradually lead to the peaceful reunification of China under a system of democracy, freedom and equitable distribution of wealth. 

To demonstrate our sincerity and goodwill, I have already indicated on other occasions that I would welcome an opportunity for leaders from the mainland to meet their counterparts from Taiwan during the occasion of some international event, and I would not even rule out the possibility of a meeting between Mr. Jiang Zemin and myself. 

Yearning to Play a Positive Role 

When a president carefully listens to his people, the hardest things to bear are the unfulfilled yearnings he hears. Taiwan has peacefully transformed itself into a democracy. At the same time, its international economic activities have exerted a significant influence on its relations with nations with which it has no diplomatic ties. These are no minor accomplishments for any nation, yet, the Republic of China on Taiwan does not enjoy the diplomatic recognition that is due from the international community. This has caused many to underestimate the international dimension of the Taiwan Experience. 

Frankly, our people are not happy with the status accorded our nation by the international community. We believe that international relations should not be solely seen in terms of formal operations regulated by international law and international organizations. We say so because there also are semi-official and unofficial rules that bind the international activities of nations. This being so, we submit that a nation's substantive contribution to the international community has to be appreciated in light of such non-official activities as well. 

During last year's commencement, President Rhodes brought up the old saying, "Be realistic. Demand the Impossible!" Well, over the last four decades, we have been extremely realistic while always trying to look forward, not backward, and to work, not complain. Accordingly, we have created the very fact of our existence and economic prosperity. We sincerely hope that all nations can treat us fairly and reasonably, and not overlook the significance, value and functions we represent. 

Some say that it is impossible for us to break out of the diplomatic isolation we face, but we will do our utmost to "demand the impossible." Ultimately, I know that the world will come to realize that the Republic of China on Taiwan is a friendly and capable partner for progress! 

If we view the recent economic, political and social developments in the ROC in this light, we have a basis for defining the status of my country in the post-Cold War and post Communist era. Only in this way can we propose a new direction for the new world order as we enter the 21st century. 

Close Traditional Ties 

I want to once again express how grateful I am to be with you. My gratitude extends not only to Cornell but also to the United States as a whole. When we look back in history, we can immediately realize how close the traditional ties between our two countries are. Indeed, our shared ideals for human dignity, and peace with justice have united our two peoples in the closest of bonds. 

The United States was extremely helpful in the early stages of Taiwan's economic development. We have never forgotten America's helping hand in our hour of adversity, so your nation occupies a special place in our hearts.

Today, as the 6th largest trading partner of the United States, the Republic of China imports and exports US$42.4 billion worth of goods through our bilateral trade. We also are the number two buyer of US treasury notes. About thirty-eight thousand students from Taiwan are studying in the United States. Students who have returned have made important contributions to our society. 

The Republic of China's development has been partly influenced by the experiences of its people while studying abroad. I gained substantial know-how in the mechanics of national growth and development from the faculty and students I worked with here in America at both schools where I studied. I had the chance to see democracy at its best in the United States, and to observe its shortcomings as well. We in Taiwan believe that we have much to learn from an advanced democracy such as the United States; however, we also believe we should develop our own model. The success of our democratic evolution has provided tremendous hope for other developing nations, and we wish to share our experience with them. Our efforts to help others through agricultural development have been well received, and we are eager to expand our technical assistance programs to friendly nations in the developing world. 

Taiwan has grown from an agricultural exporting economy to a leading producer of electronics, computers and other industrial goods. We are "paving the information highway" with disk drives, computer screens, laptop computers and modems. We are poised to become a major regional operations center as well as to buy more American products and services to develop our infrastructure. 

We stand ready to enhance the mutually beneficial relations between our two nations. It is my sincere hope that this visit will open up new opportunities for cooperation between our two countries. 

It is for this reason that I want to publicly express my appreciation and admiration to President Clinton for his statesman-like decision. We are equally grateful to others in the administration, to the bipartisan leadership in Congress, and to the American people. 

Always in My Heart 

Whatever I have done as president of my nation, I have done with the people in my heart. I have thought long and hard about what my people want, and it is clear that most of all, they desire democracy and development. These wishes are no different than those of any other people on this planet, and represent the direction in which world trends will certainly continue. 

As I have spoken to you today, I have done so with the people in my heart. I know that what my people would like to say to you now can be expressed by this simple message: 

The people of the Republic of China on Taiwan are determined to play a peaceful and constructive role among the family of nations. 

We say to friends in this country and around the world: 

We are here to stay; 

We stand ready to help; 

And we look forward to sharing the fruits of our democratic triumph. 

The people are in my heart every moment of the day. I know that they would like me to say to you, that on behalf of the 21 million people of the Republic of China on Taiwan, we are eternally grateful for the support─spiritual, intellectual and material─that each of you has given to sustain our efforts to build a better tomorrow for our nation and the world. In closing, I say God bless you, God bless Cornell University, God bless the United States of America, and God bless the Republic of China. 

Thank you very much.