The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated today (13th) that remarks by President Chen Shui-bian on cross-Strait relations during the National Day celebrations fully demonstrated our initiative, goodwill, and sincerity, and put forward positive proposals, which have won the confirmation from every sector at home and abroad. The MAC hoped that the China authorities would properly interpret and pragmatically consider the constructive remarks made by President Chen Shui-bian at such an important national celebration and respond with a similarly open and positive attitude. Only in this way would there be a positive effect on our promotion of cross-Strait relations.
Regarding the statement of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office in its press briefing today, the MAC emphasized that in his May 20 inaugural address, President Chen had expressed his understanding of the “one China” upheld by the China authorities. However, he also urged the other side of the Strait to respect the deep conviction held by Taiwanese to strive for democracy, peace loving, survival, and development. It is hoped that the China authorities would face up to the proposals made by President Chen Shui-bian in his National Day address with empathy. We are willing to wait for a more positive response from China with patience and goodwill.
As for the plan to facilitate cross-Strait chartered flights for passengers and cargo, the MAC reiterated that under the circumstance that both sides will not set any political preconditions, the Taiwan Government made a decision on October 11 to implement “two-way flights without stopping over a third area” idea. It also expected China to authorize any appropriate person to engage in negotiations with us on this matter. We would jointly facilitate communication with China with utmost flexibility and sincerity. The MAC pointed out that the chartered flights for passengers and cargos would involve many technicalities and the execution of government authority. To preserve the interests and security of both sides of the Strait, both sides should negotiate on the related measures and jointly make the required preparations as soon as possible, to achieve a mutually beneficial and win-win situation for both sides of the Strait.
The MAC stated that the recommendation for both sides of the Strait to resolve disputes peacefully is an issue that cannot be evaded in cross-Strait exchanges and interactions. Both sides of the Strait should jointly assume the responsibility to reach a consensus and formulate concrete programs in a dialogue in their pursuit to maintain the status quo of cross-Strait peace and stability in the long term. It is hoped that the China authorities would view our olive branches, which we have extended in a positive manner and with goodwill, with creative thinking and perception, and create eased relations together with Taiwan to jointly establish peace and development across the Strait.