Chen Shui-bian's 'Four Noes' Inauguration Speech Seeks Cross-Strait Balance

In his historic inauguration speech on May 20, 2000, Taiwan’s first opposition president Chen Shui-bian attempted to thread the needle between maintaining democratic sovereignty and avoiding conflict with authoritarian China through his famous “Four Noes and One Without” pledge.

The Four Noes Pledge

Chen promised that as long as China had no intention to use military force:

No Independence Declaration - Would not declare Taiwan independence
No Name Change - Would not change the national title from Republic of China
No Constitutional Changes - Would not push for state-to-state relations in constitution
No Status Quo Referendum - Would not promote referendum on independence
One Without - No abolition of National Unification Council

Democratic Balancing Act

The speech reflected democratic constraints:

Domestic Pressures

DPP base wanted stronger stance
Business community sought stability
Opposition demanded moderation
Public opinion divided

International Concerns

U.S. urged restraint
Regional stability priority
Economic confidence needed
War avoidance paramount

Beijing’s Cold Response

Despite Chen’s conciliatory tone:

Immediate Rejection

“Four Noes” deemed insufficient
“One China” acceptance demanded
“Separatist nature” unchanged
Military threats continued

Preconditions Maintained

Accept Taiwan as part of China
Acknowledge eventual unification
Reject any separate identity
Submit to Beijing’s framework

Speech Highlights

Democratic Values

“The people of Taiwan have chosen democracy. This is not just a political system but a way of life, a core value that defines who we are.”

Cross-Strait Vision

“We believe that the two sides should build upon mutual understanding, seek common ground while respecting differences, and create a win-win situation.”

International Participation

“Taiwan deserves a dignified place in the international community. We will continue to contribute to world peace and prosperity.”

Parsing the Language

Careful Formulations

“As long as” - Conditional on Beijing’s behavior
“No intention” - Preserving options
“Military force” - Defensive positioning
Strategic ambiguity maintained

What Wasn’t Said

No “one China” acceptance
No unification commitment
No sovereignty surrender
Democratic principles upheld

Domestic Political Reactions

DPP Supporters

Disappointed by concessions
Understood political reality
Trusted Chen’s long-term vision
Accepted tactical compromise

Opposition Response

KMT: Too provocative still
PFP: Lacked sincerity
TSU: Too much compromise
Democracy allowed debate

International Assessment

United States

Welcomed moderate tone
Noted flexibility shown
Urged Beijing reciprocation
Stability seemingly assured

Regional Views

Japan appreciated balance
ASEAN saw tensions reduced
Europe confused but relieved
Business confidence improved

Democratic Governance Challenge

Chen faced complex governance:

Minority Government

DPP held only 31% of legislature
Coalition building essential
Compromise necessary
Democracy messier than dictatorship

Policy Implementation

Opposition could block initiatives
Public debate on everything
Media scrutiny intense
Transparency required

Beijing’s Authoritarian Advantage

Unified Command

No domestic constraints
Policy consistency
Long-term planning
Patient pressure

Strategic Patience

Wait for Chen mistakes
Economic integration deepens
International isolation continues
Military buildup proceeds

Early Governance Tests

Economic Management

Stock market stabilization
Investment confidence
Cross-strait trade
Growth maintenance

Cabinet formation
Legislative cooperation
Military relations
Bureaucratic resistance

Media Analysis

Taiwan’s Free Press

Speech dissected thoroughly
Multiple interpretations
Expert commentary diverse
Public opinion surveyed

China’s Propaganda

Uniformly negative
“Separatist” label maintained
No substantive analysis
Threats emphasized

Strategic Implications

Short-term Stability

Immediate crisis avoided
Markets reassured
Dialogue possible
Time gained

Long-term Questions

Sustainability of pledges
Beijing’s patience limits
Democratic pressures
Identity evolution

Historical Assessment

Chen’s inauguration demonstrated:

Democratic Flexibility - Elected leaders must balance interests
Authoritarian Rigidity - Beijing’s framework unchangeable
Systemic Tension - Fundamental incompatibility remains
Tactical Maneuvering - Both sides buying time

The “Four Noes” speech showcased both the constraints and possibilities of democratic governance, with Chen attempting to maintain peace while preserving Taiwan’s democratic sovereignty, facing an authoritarian opponent that would accept nothing less than eventual submission.