Date: September 21, 2016
MAC Press Release No. 67
Regarding statements made by officials in charge at the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) during a press interview, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (September 21, 2016) stated that cross-Strait interaction and exchanges and Taiwan's international participation concern the interests and well-being of the people and are positively viewed by the international community. Taiwan calls on mainland China to pragmatically show goodwill and not to set any political preconditions for interaction, as well as to think seriously that only through communication, dialogue, and strengthening cooperation and exchange can the differences be resolved, the mutual trust be built, and the steady development of cross-Strait relations be facilitated.
The MAC stated that dignified participation in international organizations and activities is Taiwan's right and obligation, as well as an expectation of the people of Taiwan. The international community has long welcomed and supported Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations and activities, as well as welcomed friendly cross-Strait interaction in the international field. There is now an opportunity for pragmatic development of cross-Strait relations. Normal cross-strait exchanges and interaction are conducive to improving the feelings and well-being of the people on both sides, as well as to the soundness of cooperation on global functional issues. The government has expressed an intention to seek participation in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly. It has also expressed its readiness to communicate with and seek support from the other side. Taiwan hopes that the two sides can trust and support each other to jointly usher in a new cross-Strait era.
The MAC stressed that maintaining hard-won existing achievements and protecting the interests and well-being of the people are responsibilities jointly borne by the two sides. Communication and dialogue are the keys to dealing with issues. Since May 20, the government has repeatedly expressed a position of respect for the history of the consultations and communication between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and the ARATS in 1992. In its cross-Strait policy position, laws and regulations, and related actions and measures, the government has continued to show the utmost goodwill and flexibility in maintaining the peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait relations. Mainland China should seriously understand and respond to this. Taiwan does not wish to see any measures detrimental to the well-being of the people on both sides and peace in the Taiwan Strait and region.