Date: September 23, 2016
MAC Press Release No. 69
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (September 23, 2016) issued the following solemn statement on the lack to date of an invitation to participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly this year:
1. Since May 20, mainland China has continuously declared that Taiwan will be unable to participate in international organizations and meetings without a common political foundation of "one China" between the two sides. Taiwan expresses strong dissatisfaction and regret over the use of such political framework as a pretext to suppress Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
2. Taiwan's inability to attend this year's ICAO Assembly will be a great loss for international aviation safety and protection of the public's well-being, rights, and interests. On August 4 this year, the MAC expressed a willingness to communicate on this matter with a pragmatic and positive attitude. However, this was rebuffed by Beijing. We believe that the actions of the other side hurt the feelings of the people of Taiwan, are entirely unhelpful in improving cross-Strait relations, and run counter to the Mainland's public stance of promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.
3. The ROC is a sovereign state. International participation is our fundamental right and obligation. It also enjoys broad-based support in the international community. Taiwan should not be excluded from the international system. Both sides have the responsibility to resolve the differences between them. We solemnly call on mainland China to open its heart, think seriously and face up to the possible consequences of its unilateral actions, and promptly communicate in goodwill with Taiwan to resolve problems and thereby facilitate the steady and harmonious development of cross-Strait relations.