The Republic of China has officially entered its one-hundredth year, and President Ma Ying-jeou delivered his New Year's Day Address yesterday, in which he encouraged the nation to become a revered and inspiring member of the international community, while emphasizing that the future of Taiwan lies entirely in the hands of the people.

President Ma Ying-jeou and First Lady Christine Chow, Vice President Vincent Siew, and Premier Wu Den-yih were among those in attendance at the centennial flag-raising ceremony on New Year's Day.

During his address, Ma expressed hopes of the Republic of China becoming a respected nation in the next 100 years, and further said that the ROC's future and destiny lie in the hands of Taiwan's 23 million people.

In response to pan-green accusations that cross-strait stability is tantamount to the sacrificing of Taiwan's sovereignty, Ma said that the ROC's sovereignty and dignity will be safeguarded through concrete action.

At the same time, Ma also discussed a "century of peace" concept, and reiterated that cross-strait relations should not be dictated by political or reunification/independence disputes, but rather the core values of freedom and democracy, and human rights and rule of law.

Only through cross-strait peace can cross-strait development and progress be possible.

The president also outlined his administrative blueprint for a "golden decade," which is comprised of four expectations and four aspirations including the promulgation of the 12-year compulsory education policy this year.

Ma's New Year's national address began with how Dr. Sun Yat-sen founded the nation, and concluded with Chiang Wei-shui's famous saying, "Compatriots must unite, for unity is strength."

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