July 25, 2015
No. 43
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Andrew Hsia attended the 41st Annual Conference for Overseas Chinese in Europe this afternoon (July 25, 2015, Eastern European Time) to explain the ROC government's Mainland policy and cross-strait relations to overseas Chinese participants. Minister Hsia said that the government promotes the "peace across the Taiwan Strait" policy to consolidate ROC sovereignty, strengthen Taiwan, lead cross-strait relations in a positive direction, and build long-term peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This policy has been important in expanding Taiwan's international space and building national security. It is a core part of Taiwan's national security iron triangle and the government's greatest contribution to the international community.
Minister Hsia told the attending overseas Chinese participants that, according to provisions of the ROC Constitution and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area authorized under the constitution, the status of cross-strait relations is "one Republic of China, two areas." The government has positioned cross-strait relations under the ROC Constitution framework, through which reflects the fact of "mutual non-recognition of sovereignty and mutual non-denial of authority to govern." This is the best way to put aside disputes, face reality, and promote peace. It is also an important basis for promoting positive interaction between the two sides.
Minister Hsia further emphasized that the major breakthroughs achieved in cross-strait development since President Ma Ying-jeou took office have been enabled by the promotion of peaceful cross-strait interactions by both sides based on the “1992 Consensus” of “One China with respective interpretations." Minister Hsia elaborated to the overseas Chinese participants the implications and historical facts of the "1992 Consensus." He also stated that the "1992 Consensus" is a consensus currently accepted by both sides, and at its core is the insistence on ROC sovereignty. Over the past seven-plus years, the two sides have pragmatically promoted cross-strait institutionalized negotiations, exchanges, and official regular interactions on this foundation. This has driven innovative developments on various levels on both sides, accumulated favorable conditions for the sustainable development of cross-strait relations, and has also formed a virtuous cycle between cross-strait peace and Taiwan's foreign relations, while at the same time, maximized benefits for Taiwan.
On the future development of cross-strait relations, Minister Hsia said that Taiwan’s mainstream public opinion is the most important driving force for cross-strait ties. According to public opinion surveys long conducted by the MAC, more than 80% of the people support maintaining the status quo, defined in the broad sense. This also illustrates the government's position of maintaining the cross-strait status quo of "no unification, no independence, and no use of force" under the ROC Constitution framework and promoting prosperous, peaceful and stable cross-strait relations consistent with the public's expectations. Minister Hsia also emphasized that differences currently exist between the systems and values of the two sides. In order for cross-strait relations to better develop in the future, the Mainland should face up to ROC and respect Taiwan's dignity and public opinion. This could reduce the psychological distance between the people of the two sides and enable cross-strait relations to steadily advance.
About 200 members of overseas Chinese groups, representatives and persons from various sectors across Europe attended the conference. Minister Hsia especially thanked the overseas Chinese community for its long-term support of the government's Mainland policy and warmly exchanged views with the overseas Chinese participants.