December 21, 2014
MAC News Release No. 109
In response to the views of former Secretary General Su Chi of the National Security Council concerning the government's Mainland policy, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated today (December 21, 2014) that the objective of the government’s Mainland policy since 2008 has been to establish sustainable peace and prosperity across the Strait in order to safeguard national security, promote economic prosperity and protect the people’s well-being. The policy does not simply focus on cross-strait economic and trade relations, nor does it advocate concession in economic and trade interests. The government's policy direction is sound and pragmatic, it has created peace dividends and resulted in spillover effects in cross-strait and international relations, and has earned the support and affirmation of domestic public opinion and the international community.
The MAC stressed that, over the past six-plus years, the dividends reaped from cross-strait peace have been apparent to all in the areas of international diplomacy and security. With respect to bilateral relations, diplomatic ties between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies have strengthened and cooperation programs have won both local and international respect and affirmation. While strengthening cross-strait economic and trade cooperation, Taiwan has also signed agreements with non-diplomatic allies such as the investment agreement with Japan and economic cooperation and economic partnership agreements with New Zealand and Singapore. Taiwan has also signed a fishery cooperation agreement with Japan and reached a bilateral consensus on maritime law enforcement with the Philippines, resolving Taiwan's long-term fishery disputes with the Philippines and Japan. United States has also resumed a high level of trust in Taiwan, and has significantly reinforced cooperation with Taiwan in terms of bilateral security and economic and trade relations. Furthermore, the number of countries and areas that grant ROC nationals visa-free treatment has increased from 54 before President Ma took office to the current 140. As for multilateral relations, improvement in cross-strait relations has expanded Taiwan's international participation; for example, Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) annual assembly after an absence of 38 years and 42 years, respectively.
Taiwan’s active participation in the international community has increased its international visibility, turning the past mutually vicious cycle between cross-strait ties and international relations into a mutually virtuous cycle today. Important world leaders and US presidents such as George W. Bush and Barack Obama have all affirmed Taiwan's Mainland policy and have regarded cross-strait peace as the key to stability in the region. Over the past six-plus years and on various occasions, the MAC and related ministries and departments have continuously explained and communicated to all sides about these diplomatic, economic, trade and security dividends, thereby winning a high level of public support. Former Secretary General Su has also contributed to and participated in such promotional work.
The MAC pointed out that, the government has always adhered to the principle of openness and transparency when explaining cross-strait achievements to the public. The MAC respects all the suggestions from various sectors; the government’s public communication may be further improved. Therefore, the MAC shall enhance communication work to win public support, and thus consolidate a firm foundation of public opinion for future cross-strait relations.