August 21, 2015
No. 46
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Andrew Hsia today (August 20, 2015, US Eastern Standard Time) attended the 28th Annual Meeting of the Federation of Chinese Organizations of America and the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Associations of America. In a keynote speech on "Mainland Policy and Cross-Strait Relations," Minister Hsia said that the government has positioned cross-strait relations under the ROC Constitution framework and promoted institutionalized cross-strait negotiations, exchanges and interactions on the "1992 Consensus” basis of “One China, with respective interpretations." This has created the most peaceful, stable and prosperous period across the Taiwan Strait in 66 years.
Minister Hsia explained to the overseas Chinese participants that, over the past seven years, the SEF and ARATS have held 10 rounds of talks and signed 21 agreements that cover issues such as transportation, economic and trade relations, food safety, medicine and health, mutual judicial assistance, meteorological and seismological cooperation. All of the agreements signed are closely related to the people’s livelihood, rights and interests, and have thus opened a window for cross-strait peace and prosperity. Since last year, the heads of the MAC and TAO have made three exchange visits and held three Meetings between Heads of Cross-Strait Competent Authorities. Through the normal operation of regular exchange visits and communication and liaison mechanisms, the two sides have pragmatically resolved cross-strait exchange issues and increased mutual understanding and trust. In addition, Taiwan has participated in the World Health Assembly and annual meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization after absences of 38 years and 42 years, respectively. Taiwan has also signed economic cooperation agreements with Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore. Moreover, the number of countries and areas granting Taiwan nationals visa-free treatment has increased by 174% to 148, proving that the spillover effects of cross-strait peace have created a mutually virtuous cycle between cross-strait relations and foreign relations.
Minister Hsia said that the government will continue, on the existing foundation, to promote stable cross-strait developments, promote institutionalized cross-strait negotiations, and sign agreements related to the people’s rights, well-being and livelihood. Furthermore, he called on the Mainland to squarely face cross-strait reality and respect the Taiwan public's demands for peace in the Taiwan Strait. He also expressed hopes for Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties to look at the current administration’s policies through rational perspectives, and that the government would make the utmost effort to maintain peace and stability in cross-strait relations and maximize interests and benefits for Taiwan and its people.
After the speech, Minister Hsia interacted warmly with the attending overseas Chinese participants. Many of the attendees affirmed the government's commitment to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and also recognized the progress of cross-strait interactions. Minister Hsia expressed hope that the overseas Chinese community would continue to support the government's Mainland policy and work together to transform the Taiwan Strait into an avenue of peace and prosperity.