Chen Ming-Chi: Results of the elections demonstrate Taiwan’s democratic maturity and public support for protecting sovereignty. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait should jointly face the reality to resume positive interaction and stable development.
Date: January 20, 2020
MAC Press Release No. 6
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister Chen Ming-chi was invited to attend and address the seminar on "Taiwan's Presidential and Legislative Election and the Prospects of Cross-Strait Relations and Asia-Pacific Security” co-hosted by the Taipei Cultural and Economic Delegation in Switzerland and Swiss Democracy Foundation on January 16.
Deputy Minister Chen stated that, Taiwan recently concluded its 15th presidential and vice-presidential and 10th legislative election. The results have shown not only Taiwan's democratic maturity but the will of the public to uphold sovereignty and oppose "one country, two systems." In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been threatening and intimidating Taiwan militarily, suppressing Taiwan’s international space, and dividing the Taiwanese society with disinformation. In the face of such challenges, deputy Minister Chen reiterated that the Republic of China (ROC) is a sovereign state. The CCP must face the reality of the existence of the ROC. In the meantime, this government will work to resume positive interaction and stable development with mainland China based on the principles of "peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue."
The results of the elections represent Taiwanese people’s opposition of "one country, two systems" and show that if democracy and sovereignty are at risk, Taiwanese people will rise to defend these values. In this vein, deputy Minister Chen called on the CCP authorities to face the reality of the ROC’s existence, respect the will of Taiwanese people, and handle cross-Strait differences with peace and parity in mind. In the future, the government will maintain its consistent policy towards Beijing; one that is based on peace and stability while at the same time in accordance with the key principles of "peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue" proposed by President Tsai. We will also engage in meaningful communication and exchanges with mainland China to resume positive interaction and stable development across the Taiwan Strait.
The government will continue to deal with cross-Strait affairs pragmatically and maintain a “non-provocative, non-adventurist” attitude. We will uphold Taiwan's sovereignty, actively safeguards our democratic way of life, and strives to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. As deputy Minister Chen stressed, all these moves are of utmost importance to the security of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The government will show the world that Taiwan is able to make its own contribution to international affairs, while we continue strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries to jointly defend universal values such as freedom, democracy, and human rights.