Han unveils 'Three Absolutes,' proposals to spur globalization

Taipei, Nov. 29 (CNA) Kuomintang (KMT) presidential nominee Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) and his advisors on Friday unveiled policies in 26 key areas under a framework called the "Three Absolutes" aimed at preserving peace in the region and helping Taiwan prosper.

Speaking at an event at the KMT-associated National Policy Foundation, Han said the "Three Absolutes" are focused on "strengthening the Republic of China and safeguarding peace in the Taiwan Strait," "opposing both Taiwan independence and 'one country, two systems,'" and "making Taiwan safe and its people prosperous."

The policies, Han said, were needed to combat a political environment in which people felt "anxious, and worried that Taiwan has been forgotten by the world."

On defense policy, advisor Alexander Huang (黃介正) said a Han administration would integrate diplomacy and defense planning to build a more comprehensive national security policy.

In the interest of continuity, Han would leave in place all previously approved arms deals with the United States, as well as all completed domestic military investments, Huang said.

Education policy convener Wu Ching-ji (吳清基), meanwhile, proposed expanding the government's role in early childhood by providing free pre-school for children aged 3 and 4.

He also recommended establishing an education research center to provide assistance to children aged 0-3 who require early intervention.

Separately on Friday, while campaigning for KMT legislative candidates on the Taipei leg of his national "listening tour," Han announced a three-point plan to rapidly globalize Taiwanese society.

According to Han, the government should implement a national policy of bilingual education from the first year of elementary school.

Secondly, Han proposed encouraging university students to study abroad for one year, and offering public funding to those who could not afford to do so.

The final proposal would offer NT$600,000 (US$19,705) stipends to government employees -- military and law enforcement personnel, civil servants, and teachers -- aged 45 and under who pursue one-year study or professional training opportunities abroad.

The stipends would allow recipients to take paid leave, and would be open to 3,500 applicants in the first year, and 7,000 in the second year, Han said.

Responding to skepticism over the practical value of study abroad programs, Han said participants would improve their foreign language skills, expand their worldview, make international contacts, and build character traits such as fortitude and courage.

Despite their potentially heavy price tag, Han insisted that his administration would find a way to fund the proposals, arguing that "Taiwan needs to globalize rapidly."