New Party sets course after rout in elections

Oct 13, 2026

New Party leadership discusses political direction following an electoral rout, highlighting support for democratic governance and human rights. During Wei Jingsheng’s visit to Taiwan, ROC President Lee Teng-hui praises Wei’s role in promoting democracy, while stressing reforms must proceed lawfully and step by step. Wei urges Taiwanese attention to mainland democracy movements, argues against suppressive nationalist manipulation, and seeks political cooperation rather than fundraising.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

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Pages9

Reading Time23 min

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New Party sets course after rout in elections

Wei Jingsheng’s Taiwan visit and calls for mainland democracy

Meetings with ROC leaders and views on reform and cross-strait issues

6300 Wlshire BIvd.,Sulte 1510A,Los Angeles,CA 90048 First Class Mail ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Jfree(Thimx Tlmnal Vol.XVI No.1 ALEADING INFORMATION S January 1,1999 # New Party sets courseafter rout in elections | Democracy the word during Wei visit
By MyraLu
Siaff Writer
ROC President Lee Teng-hui praised prominent
mainland Chinese dissident Wei Jingsheng for his
sacrifices in promoting democracy and human rights.
Wei,who lives in the United States following
exile from mainland China,arrived in Taipei Dec.21 for
a12-day visit at the invitation of the ROC chapter of the
World League for Freedom and Democracy.
In his Dec.29 meeting with Wei.the president
stressed that democracy and freedom are vital to the
long-term development of any nation.Lee added that
national reforms.while necessary.must be carried out
lawfully and in a step-by-step manner.
Lee told the internationally celebrated dissident
that he does not agree with Peking's promotion of
多
fervent nationalism in recent years.Chinese people
suffering from imperialism is a thing of the past,and
With a warm smile and a firm handshake,President
as such Peking should not act as if the mainland was
Lee Teng-hui welcomes Wei Jingsheng,a prominent
being victimized,he said.
mainland Chinese dissident,to the ROC Presidential
The exiled dissident,who is making his first visit
Office.Wei is making his first visit to Taiwan.
to Taiwan,explained that the Chinese Communist
Wei expressed to the premier his admiration of
regime is trying to control the mainland people by
stirring up nationalist sentiment.
Taiwan's impressive progress in economic and politi-
Wei is considered the mastermind behind the
cal development over the past five decades.The local
Democracy Wallmovement in Peking in the late
society's bloodless political reform is particularly
1970s.He spent a total of 18 years in prison for pub-
admirable.he added.
The mainland dissident said he supports the ROC
licly advocating a “fifth modernization“—namely a
government's "no haste.be paticnt"policy on Taiwan
transition to democracy—on the mainland.
In a press conference after his meeting with Pres-
nvestment in the mainland.He said the government
ident Lee,Wei said he plans to set up a bank account
is correct to protect Taiwan's interests.
in Taiwan to raise local donations for supporting the
As the mainland has yet to become democratized.
caution is needed in the development of relations
democracy movement on the mainland.
between the two sides of the Taiwan StraitWei said.
However,he stressed that the main purpose of
He commented that the ROC's democratic system
his visit was to seek political cooperation and not to
is far more mature than similar systems in other
solicit money from the Taiwan people.
So far during his stay,Wei has met with other
countries.Wei made this observation after attending a
session in the Legislature on the second day of his visit.
political leaders besides President Lee.Among them
During a special gathering of Taiwan residents
are Premier Vincent Siew.Foreign Minister Jason
surnamed Wei,the mainland dissident urged the local
Hu,Kuomintang Secretary-General John Chang,
Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou and former Democratic
citizens to pay more attention to the democratic
movements on the mainland and elsewhere in the
Progressive Party Chairman Hsu Hsin-liang.
Asia-Pacific region.
Hsu and the mainland dissident share the expe-
"Such awareness would benefit Taiwan's future,"
rience of having been imprisoned and exiled for
he said.
expressing their political views.In a breakfast meeting.
Wei told the Taiwan p

FAQs

Who is Wei Jingsheng and why is his Taiwan visit significant?

Wei Jingsheng is a prominent mainland Chinese dissident. His visit is presented as his first to Taiwan after exile and imprisonment, and it serves as a platform for discussing democracy and human rights concerns for the mainland.

What does ROC President Lee Teng-hui emphasize during his meeting with Wei?

Lee Teng-hui emphasizes that democracy and freedom are vital for long-term national development. He also stresses that reforms must be carried out lawfully and in a step-by-step manner.

How does Wei describe the mainland government’s approach and what does he urge Taiwan to do?

Wei argues that the Chinese Communist regime tries to control the mainland population by stirring nationalist sentiment. He urges local citizens to pay more attention to democracy movements in the mainland and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Oct 13, 2026

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