Date: October 28, 2016
MAC Press Release No. 78
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (October 28, 2016) announced the results of a survey of the public's views on cross-Strait relations. Nearly 70% of the public believe that political preconditions should not be set for cross-Strait exchanges (67%); over 70% of the public think that cross-Strait interactions involving political issues and government authority should be handled by the government to maintain the overall interests of Taiwan (72.9%); and 80% of the public support the position that officials on the two sides should negotiate and implement agreements to safeguard the rights and interests of the people (80.7%).
The MAC stressed that both sides have a responsibility to deal pragmatically on the peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait relations. Cross-Strait exchanges require equal, dignified, healthy and normal contact and should prioritize the interests and well-being of the people to truly promote mutual awareness and understanding between the two sides. The MAC also called the other side not to preset any framework. The two sides should return to the existing normal interaction and consultation track. Any political issues and cross-Strait affairs involving public authority must be resolved pragmatically through official communication. The two sides should also continue to implement agreements to safeguard the well-being of the people on both sides.
The MAC further stated that the survey also showed that more than 80% of the public support the government's approach of developing benign interaction with mainland China based on respecting historical facts and the existing political foundation (81.2%); agree that "maintaining the status quo" means promoting constructive cross-Strait exchanges and dialogue and building peaceful and stable relations across the Taiwan Strait on the basis of deepening democratic mechanisms (78.4%); and believe that the two sides can talk about any issues conducive to the development of cross-Strait peace and the welfare of people on both sides (82.6%). Additionally, more than 80% of the public agree with the view that "Taiwan's international participation should not be subject to political interference and Taiwan should be allowed to participate in a dignified and meaningful way" (86.3%).
The MAC stated that the majority of the public think that mainland Chinese authorities should face up to the reality that the Republic of China (R.O.C.) exists (85.2%). The MAC believes that the mainland Chinese authorities should face up to this reality and respect public opinion in Taiwan on the development of cross-Strait relations. It stressed that the president's National Day address reiterated the government's consistent view and position on promoting the peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait relations and showed that Taiwan is acting with the utmost flexibility, goodwill, and pragmatism. It is hoped that mainland China can earnestly appreciate and respond to this. The two sides should cherish the outcomes of past exchanges and consultations. The Mainland should promptly restore communication and dialogue with the R.O.C. government to pragmatically resolve differences and develop constructive cross-Strait relations.
The MAC commissioned Taiwan Real Survey Co., Ltd. to conduct a telephone survey of adults aged 20 and over in Taiwan on October 21 to 23, 2016. A total of 1,069 valid samples were collected, with a sampling error of plus or minus 3% at a 95% level of confidence.