MAC Press Release No. 004
The Republic of China successfully completed its eighth direct presidential election today. In this election, the Taiwanese people have not only shown the world, once again, their deep commitment to democracy but also fully demonstrated their unwavering determination to protect the values of democracy and freedom undeterred by pressure from powerful forces. The democratic accomplishments collectively achieved by the people of Taiwan have once again earned unanimous recognition from the international community.
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) expressed deep regret over mainland China's various forms of election interference ahead of the election aimed at influencing the votes of the Taiwanese people. These actions have proven to be counterproductive and contributed nothing to the positive development of cross-Strait relations. They will not change the determination of the Taiwanese people to defend their democratic and free way of life.
The MAC emphasized that President-elect Lai stated clearly in his election victory speech today that, "As President, I have an important responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. I will act in accordance with the Republic of China’s constitutional system to maintain the cross-Strait status quo in a dignified manner. Under the principles of dignity and parity, we will use exchanges to replace containment, dialogue to replace confrontation, and pursue cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation with confidence. This furthers the well-being of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and achieves our objective of peace and shared prosperity. At the same time, we are also determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China." The government will continue to defend the sovereignty of the Republic of China and Taiwan's free and democratic system firmly. It will not act provocatively or rashly, nor will it yield to pressure. The government will remain committed to the consistent position on maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, upholding the "Four Commitments," and handling cross-Strait relations prudently in the future.
The MAC called on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities to pragmatically face and fully respect the election results and public opinion in Taiwan, and to approach the post-election new era across the Taiwan Strait rationally. The CCP should abandon its rigid authoritarian political thinking, stop coercing and pressuring Taiwan, promote healthy and orderly cross-Strait exchanges with an open mind, engage in communication and dialogue with Taiwan without preconditions, so the two sides can jointly create advantageous conditions for positive cross-Strait interactions and regional peace and stability.