April 29, 2015
No. 22
President Ma Ying-jeou made an inspection visit to the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (April 29, 2015) accompanied by Premier Mao Chi-kuo and others. To encourage the MAC and SEF staff in their endeavors, the President elaborated the key importance of the "1992 Consensus," spoke of the government's Mainland policy achievements over the past seven years, and also pointed out the future course for developing cross-strait relations.
The MAC stated that President Ma's visit today coincided with the 22nd anniversary of the "Koo-Wang Talks." In an address presented during the inspection, the President first reviewed the temporal context and evolution of the "1992 Consensus," as well as responded to the views advocated by some related parties on cross-strait affairs. In reply to certain parties who hope to establish new cross-strait treatise in place of the "1992 Consensus," the President said that cross-strait ties affect more than just the wellbeing of the 23 million people of Taiwan, but also have a bearing on stability in the Taiwan Strait and the security of the entire region. The other positions currently being discussed lack concrete details and any means of implementation, and are unlikely to gain support and trust in Taiwan, in the Mainland, and in the United States. Hence, they can not replace the "1992 Consensus."
The President stressed that the "1992 Consensus of one China, with respective interpretations" is rooted in the ROC Constitution. Abiding by the 1992 Consensus is conducive to defending the ROC's sovereignty and the dignity of Taiwan. The ability of the two sides to find common ground with respect to the "one China" issue is a hard-won accomplishment and that the two sides should hold it in high regard, and never stray from it. The President also pointed out that the "1992 Consensus" can yield numerous peace dividends for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. The achievements made on cross-strait, international, economic and trade and security levels have been affirmed by the international community and domestic public opinion. The development of cross-strait relations is closely related to the "1992 Consensus." Practice has proven that the "1992 Consensus" can resolve issues, maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and bring peace and prosperity to the Taiwan Strait. On the future development of cross-strait relations, the President stressed that peace and prosperity is the common future for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. It is not only in the best interest of Taiwan, but also meets the expectations of the majority of the public and the international community. The government will adhere to existing policies and pursue positive interaction in this regard," in hope to create a new chapter in relations between the two sides. The President also encouraged the colleagues at the MAC and the SEF to continue their efforts
MAC Minister Andrew Hsia stated in his welcoming remarks that, since 2008, the MAC has been devoted to developing peaceful and stable cross-strait relations. In policy implementation, the MAC has firmly upheld national dignity, security and the well-being of the people, created a history of cross-strait peace, and started official normal interactions. Moreover, the results of institutionalized negotiations have been aimed at seeking the well-being of the people of Taiwan. In response to President Ma's guidance and prompting today, MAC colleagues will fully endeavor to live up to the expectations of the people of Taiwan.
The press also asked questions concerning how to deepen and consolidate the "1992 Consensus," demand for the Mainland to pragmatically respect Taiwan, and to implement following cross-strait tasks. The President stated that the "1992 Consensus of one China, with respective interpretations" gives the two sides space to make respective interpretations, shelve disputes and pragmatically resolve problems and that the government has also repeatedly called on the Mainland to respect and face up to the fact of the ROC existence; all of which contribute to consolidating sovereignty. The President stressed that the competent authorities are now actively striving to promote cross-strait follow-up negotiations on issues such as trade in goods and establishment of reciprocal institutions; so long as both sides are determined and have the people’s best interests in mind, negotiations on the above issues may be concluded. Moreover, as Taiwan’s participation in regional economic integration is a matter concerning Taiwan's survival and development, the government will continue to dedicate endeavors on the issue, and will insist on participation only under the principle of "dignity and equality."