January 1, 2000
President Lee Teng-hui emphasizes in his New Year's Day Message that a "special state-to-state" relation would be a more realistic positioning of the present cross-Strait relations. Both sides should negotiate as equals, enhance exchanges, seek for common grounds and resolve differences, and strive for a win-win situation.
February 25, 2000
The MAC issues a statement in response to the white paper of the Mainland's State Council on the "Principle of One China and the Taiwan Issue," pointing out that "positioning" is the key issue to cross-Strait relations, and reiterating that in the present division of China, the Mainland's repeated denial of the objective reality that the Republic of China exists only brings more trouble for cross-Strait relations and worsens the tension. It is entirely useless solving the real problem.
March 21, 2000
The Legislative Yuan passes the "Statute of the Offshore Islands Development" after three readings, for a trial implementation of the "Mini-Three-Links"-direct postal, transportation, and commercial links with the Mainland-at the offshore islands of Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu.
April 30, 2000
SEF Chairman Dr. Koo Chen-fu points out at a press conference on the 7th anniversary of the Koo-Wang talks that the key point in Taiwan's understanding of the concept of "one China with respective interpretations" is that both sides of the Strait are equally sovereign and each has jurisdiction over their own constituencies.
May 20, 2000
Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu Hsiu-lien are officially sworn into office as the 10th president and vice-president of the Republic of China. The newly elected President then delivers his inaugural address entitled "Taiwan Stands Up: Advancing to an Uplifting Era," and advocates the "Four No's Plus One" policy on cross-Strait relations.
May 29, 2000
MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen clearly expresses during a question and answer session at the Legislative Yuan that the present status of Taiwan is clear, that "Taiwan is part of the Republic of China, and that the Republic of China is an independent and sovereign country." She also emphasizes that whether Taiwan will re-unite with the Mainland, declare independence, or maintain the status quo, the new administration will be open about it.
May 31, 2000
MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen says in a press interview that with regard to the "1992 Consensus," the understanding of the SEF and the ARATS toward this historical event is that both sides of the Strait did discuss the issue on "One China" then, but did not achieve a consensus. Therefore, each side has its own interpretation of "One China." Each side tells its own story.
July 31, 2000
President Chen Shui-bian points out in his first press conference that both sides of the Strait should put aside their differences and search for a consensus. Both sides must proceed from "agreeing to disagree" to forging "true consensus." Both sides of the Strait should eliminate mutual suspicion and re-connect where it broke off.
August 5, 2000
The 25 members of the Cross-Party Task Force are announced. The Task Force includes personalities from the political, academic, business, and social circles. Academia Sinica President Lee Yuan-tseh is appointed Chairperson.
September 2, 2000
The Cross-Party Task Force convenes its first session and invites President Chen Shui-bian to deliver an address. Chen reiterates his hope for leaders of both sides of the Strait to open up a new era together.
September 2, 2000
The first school for children of Taiwanese businessmen in aF2e(Dongguan City, Guangdong Province)the Mainland opens.
September 15, 2000
Premier Tang Fei says in an interview with the English edition of the Asiaweek that with regard to the issue of unification, a "One China" can be considered a "future prosperous China."
October 7, 2000
MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen says that the cross-Strait policy of the administration is centered on the "Spirit of 1992," which President Chen Shui-bian mentioned in his inaugural address on May 20, hoping for both sides of the Strait to strengthen exchanges and put aside differences. Although Taiwan has not accepted the Mainland's version of "One China," it will not deliberately challenge it.
October 10, 2000
President Chen Shui-bian reiterates that the Government will show its utmost sincerity and patience in searching for the "goodwill reconciliation, active cooperation, and permanent peace" for both sides of the Strait. He calls on the leaders of both sides of the Strait to revert to the "Spirit of 1992," put aside mutual differences, and resume dialogues and exchanges as soon as possible.
November 10, 2000
The MAC and the GIO hold a joint press conference announcing related regulations concerning "Journalists from the Mainland Area Staying and Covering News Reports in Taiwan." Journalists from the Mainland area are allowed to come to Taiwan to stay and cover news reports as of Novermber 10,2000.
November 14, 2000
The Legislative Yuan passes a resolution creating its own "Task Force on Cross-Strait Relations."
November 26, 2000
The Cross-Party Task Force convenes its 7th session, and arrives at a concrete consensus: the "three acknowledgements and four suggestions."
December 5, 2000
The Legislative Yuan passes partial revisions of the "Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" after three readings.