Date: May 18, 2017
MAC Press Release No. 35
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (May 18, 2017) announced the results of a public opinion survey. The survey results showed that more than 80% of the public agree that maintaining benign cross-Strait interaction is a mutual responsibility of the two sides and that neither side should resort to non-peaceful or intimidating remarks or actions (83.9%); and think that, facing the new cross-Strait situation, mainland China should adopt new thinking, show goodwill and flexibility, and cooperate with Taiwan to jointly safeguard peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations (83%). Over 70% of the public feel that mainland China should break away from its current mindset so the two sides can explore possible approaches for future cooperation (71.8%), as well as approve President Tsai Ing-wen's assertion that the cross-Strait relationship cannot be unilaterally dominated by any one side, and that the two sides should mutually build goodwill to advance cross-Strait relations (77.9%).
Regarding the fact that Taiwan has not been invited to attend the World Health Assembly (WHA), more than 70% of the public support the government's approach of expressing deep dissatisfaction and protesting mainland China's politically-based obstruction of Taiwan's participation. More than 80% of the public think that such actions by mainland China are unhelpful to cross-Strait relations (81.7%), as well as approve the government's ongoing efforts, amidst pressure from mainland China, to win support from the international community for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and activities (82.2%).
The MAC further pointed out that peaceful and mutually beneficial cross-Strait relations form an important part of cross-Strait and regional peace and stability and are consistent with the expectations of the people on both sides and in the international community. The survey found that over 70% (75.5%) of the public support the government's handling of the future development of cross-Strait relations according to democratic institutions and public opinion, as well as the approach of actively maintaining existing cross-Strait communication and liaison mechanisms and calling on the other side to start interaction and dialogue as soon as possible to resolve differences between the two sides (75.5%). More than 80% (83.8%) of the public think that officials on the two sides should negotiate and implement agreements to safeguard the rights and interests of the public.
The MAC stressed that, over the past year, the government has been clear and consistent on its policy direction of maintaining cross-Strait peace and stability, national dignity, and the welfare of the people. The government has always been non-provocative and non-confrontational in its handling of cross-Strait relations and has showed the fullest goodwill and flexibility. The other side should seriously appreciate this, respond with goodwill, stop taking negative actions, and seriously face up to opinion in the international community and Taiwan on the development of cross-Strait relations. Taiwan believes that the two sides should face the changing situation with wisdom and innovative ideas. With the people's well-being as a new starting point, the two sides should mutually show goodwill and jointly consider ways to create cooperative relations favorable to cross-Strait and regional stability and prosperity.
The MAC commissioned the Taiwan Real Survey Co., Ltd. to conduct a telephone survey of adults aged 20 and over in Taiwan from May 15 to 17, 2017. A total of 1,071 valid samples were collected, with a sampling error of plus or minus 2.99% at a 95% level of confidence.