Officials broke ground yesterday on a new cultural park to commemorate former president Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國), who is credited with the nation’s modernization and its push to transition into a democracy.
The park is to include Chiang’s former home — known as the Seven Seas Residence (七海寓所) — within the grounds of the Republic of China (ROC) Navy headquarters in Taipei, a library and a center for international exchanges.
The residence carries significance in modern history, as Chiang lived there while serving as premier when the nation faced several major challenges, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bing (郝龍斌) said.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
Hau referred to the ROC’s loss of its UN seat in 1971, the 1973 oil crisis and the ROC’s severing of ties with the US in 1978 as major crises during Chiang’s time as premier.
Hau made the remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony, which was also attended by President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), Vice President Wu Den-yih (吳敦義) and members of Chiang’s family.
At the ceremony, Ma recalled the time he spent as the former president’s secretary at the residence.
Ma mentioned a memorable visit in November 1987 — two months before Chiang’s death — when the ailing former president talked of his views on legislative reform.
Chiang is considered to have been an outstanding leader who laid the foundation for the nation’s modernization, with 10 major infrastructure projects attributed to him, including highways, seaports and the nation’s main international gateway, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Ma said.
Chiang also pushed for political reforms that facilitated the nation’s transition into a democracy, Ma said.
His efforts also sowed the seeds for the nation’s reconciliation with China, including his move to allow Taiwanese to visit their relatives in China beginning in 1987, Ma said.
Ma expressed hope that the cultural park would help people know about Chiang and his legacy, and allow the former president’s vision to remain for posterity.
Chiang continued to live at the house after he became president in 1978 and remained there until his death in 1988.
The house, designated as a municipal historical site in 2006, also offers a glimpse into the daily life of Chiang and his family.
Work on the 3.98-hectare park is set to be completed in 2019.
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