Date: February 23, 2019
MAC Press Release No. 026
In response to the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT)'s indication that former President Chen Shui-bian had proposed similar framework agreement and criticism of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)'s inconsistent past and present remarks, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued the following solemn statement today (February 23, 2019).
1. "Xi's five points" proposed the "one country, two systems Taiwan formula" and required all political parties and representatives from all sectors of society to carry out so-called "democratic consultations." This is actually a unification consultation that aims to divide Taiwanese society and eliminate the sovereignty of the Republic of China (ROC).
2. The backdrop against which this latest situation takes place is unlike previous ones. The KMT’s unwillingness to face the major changes of the present day, instead fixated on historical narratives of the past, is not only meaningless, but also reflects its inability to face the current urgent crisis in Taiwan. Beijing authorities have launched the unification process and offensive, and we are under siege. All sectors of society should unite and seek internal consensus. We should not maliciously attack the government for its defensive measures.
3. China's strategy has undergone major changes in recent years. Externally, it has abandoned its “bide and hide” (taoguangyanghui韜光養晦) approach, where its aggressive expansion and hegemony have caused tensions in neighboring countries. Internally, it has tightened domestic surveillance, and leaves no room or direction for democratic governance. "Xi’s five-point" speech confirmed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will actively increase its offensive policy toward Taiwan. It will unreservedly threaten, suppress and divide Taiwan in an attempt to force unification through its united front efforts. This intimidating and divisive behavior has trampled on the feelings and dignity of the people of Taiwan and is a serious challenge Taiwan now faces.
4. In the face of the Beijing authorities' insistence on solidifying the reunification process, the ROC government will not give up any possibility of pursuing peace. We are willing to communicate without preconditions, but resolutely oppose conducting political consultation with the regime which insisted on unification by force and "one country, two systems," for such action would be tantamount to surrendering [our political rights and democratic system].
5. In response to these new cross-Strait developments, the MAC has begun to strengthen the democracy monitoring mechanisms for cross-Strait consultations involving political issues based on President Tsai Ing-wen's "four musts" and "three-part security network" principles. The ruling and opposition parties should support the "Legislative Yuan's double review" and the "people's double referendum." The high standards and high thresholds set for public supervision are responsible approaches to building a comprehensive mechanism to defend democracy.