MAC Press Release No. 027
On June 3, 2023, the eve of the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Incident, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued the following press release to indicate that until today, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has failed to face up to the historical facts after its violent crackdown on June 4, 1989, on the students and protesters demanding political reforms. While the Beijing authorities have been touting their so-called “modern governance,” the MAC urged them to have the courage to face up to and reflect on the historical mistakes made in the Tiananmen Square Incident. They should unveil the truths; embark on speedy political reforms; ensure basic human rights such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly and association, etc., to further resolve the conflicts and insecurity deeply rooted in their domestic society.
The MAC emphasized that democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law are not only the ways of life cherished by Taiwan and the world but the basic values upon which cross-Strait relations should unfold. In the press conference marking the 7th anniversary of her administration, President Tsai reiterated that “peace” is the only option across the Taiwan Strait. “Maintenance of the status quo” is both the largest common denominator among all parties and the shared responsibility of both sides. The Beijing authorities should learn from the Tiananmen Square Incident and realize that using force would only bring unbearable and severe consequences. They should respect Taiwanese people’s firm stance on our sovereignty and dignity and renounce all forceful or coercive means in their handling of cross-Strait relations. This is the only way to gradually close the gap between the authoritarian and democratic systems and enhance mutual trust and mutual understanding between the two sides across the Taiwan Strait.