Release Date: May 20, 2020
MAC Press Release No. 29
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chen Ming-tong held a press conference this afternoon following President Tsai Ing-wen's inauguration address today (May 20, 2020), during which he stated the government's position and policies regarding cross-Strait relations.
1. The government's cross-Strait policy has been acknowledged both domestically and externally. In the future, we will continue to maintain cross-Strait peace and stability bearing in mind the nation's strategic objectives. The MAC stressed that over the past four years, the government has been dedicated to promoting peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations and insisted on protecting national sovereignty, freedom, and democracy. This policy has gained the support from the majority of Taiwanese people and acknowledgment of the international community. In the face of international developments, the President has strived to take early action on national development strategy and worked to maintain the status quo of cross-Strait peace and stability.
2. The President reiterated the words “peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue” and stressed that Taiwan will not accept the “one country, two systems” model that aims to downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-Strait status quo. These four words are the key to reopening benign cross-Strait interactions and long term development. They are also the strategic guiding principles to maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait. The MAC stressed that the government will continue to handle cross-Strait affairs in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of China (ROC) and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. We refuse to accept the use of “one country, two systems” by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-Strait status quo. The government stands fast by this principle.
3. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait are responsible for cross-Strait relations. We call upon the leader on the other side of the Strait to equally shoulder responsibility. President Tsai emphasized that cross-Strait relations have reached a historical turning point. It is incumbent on both sides to find a way to coexist over the long term and prevent the intensification of antagonism and differences. The President stated that she will hold firm to her principles, adopt an open attitude to resolve issues, and shoulder her responsibilities as President. We call upon the Mainland leader to take on the same responsibility and work with us to jointly stabilize the long-term development of cross-Strait relations. The MAC stated that the Beijing authorities should read into President Tsai's statements pragmatically, rationally and positively, adjust their confrontational mindset accordingly, and respect the will of the Taiwanese people. Only through negotiations without set preconditions can we settle differences across the Strait and enhance the well-being of the people on both sides.
4. Through unity and cooperation, we will firmly defend national sovereignty and our democratic system. The President pointed out in her speech that the ROC can be united and Taiwan can be safe. Facing future challenges, the government will continue to deepen democracy, consolidate Taiwan, and adhere to the people's opinions. We have refrained from provocations and rash behavior and stood unwaveringly in defense of our national sovereignty. Taiwan will also continue to play an active role in the Indo-Pacific region to promote peace, stability and prosperity, proactively participate in regional cooperation, and connect with the international society. The government will work to consolidate domestic consensus on jointly building a better constitutional democracy, while at the same time promote peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.