Taipei, Jan. 16 (CNA) Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou said Wednesday that he will bring 100 years of peace and stability for the people of Taiwan if given eight years of the presidency.
In a keynote speech at an international conference on confidence-building measures, Ma reiterated his "three noes" policy on Taiwan's foreign diplomacy -- "no unification, no independence and no use of force."
He said he believes these policies will be welcomed by the people of Taiwan, the Beijing leadership and the international community.
Ma pledged that if given eight years of the presidency, he will lay down the foundations for peace and prosperity for the next 100 years.
Eight years would mean two presidential terms from 2008 to 2016.
If elected in the March 22 presidential election, Ma said, he will uplift and upgrade Taiwan's democracy for the benefit of the people and anchor Taiwan's policy on his "three noes" pledge to foster a peaceful environment.
He set forth a vision of leading Taiwan back to the pre-1995 period, when the country enjoyed high economic growth, political stability, moderate cross-Taiwan Strait relations, strong national defense and better international status than at present.
In general, his goal will be "maintaining and consolidating the status quo of the Republic of China," he said.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) , he said, has antagonized the Taiwanese people and the United States, at too high a price.
However, Ma also hinted at reconciliation with the DPP, saying that his goal for the nation "can be achieved without frustrating each other."
"Democracy is not about abusing one's power, but also about respecting those not in power, " he said, adding that he will start a process of healing and sharing because the differences between the opposition "pan-blue alliance" and the "pan-green camp" led by the DPP cannot possibly outnumber the common bonds between them.