March 15, 2015
MAC News Release No. 016
In response to remarks made at the press conference after the mainland's National People's Congress session concerning cross-strait relations, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated today (March 15, 2015) that "the 1992 Consensus of one China with respective interpretations" is the basis for institutionalized cross-strait negotiations, interaction and exchanges, and also highlights the fact of the Republic of China’s existence. The government's Mainland policy, to maintain the cross-strait status quo of "no unification, no independence and no use of force" under the ROC Constitution framework, has always been the greatest consensus in Taiwan's mainstream public opinion. The MAC called out for the Mainland to squarely face cross-strait reality, fully understand public opinion in Taiwan, and pragmatically promote peaceful and stable development of cross-strait relations.
On the matter of promoting cross-strait economic and trade cooperation and exchanges, the MAC reiterated that the government will continue to actively promote Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) follow-up issues such as trade in goods and dispute settlement mechanisms, and has also listed the Cross-Strait Agreement Supervisory Act as a priority bill in the current legislative session so as to strengthen congressional oversight and enhance openness and transparency of negotiations. It is also hoped that the Mainland will pragmatically communicate with Taiwan on related issues so as to reach an early consensus. The MAC also noted that the two sides have already signed 21 agreements; in order to protect the rights and interests of the people across the Strait, the two sides should pro-actively discuss the agreements’ implementation achievements. The MAC stressed that Taiwanese businesspeople have contributed significantly to the Mainland's economic development, and in future negotiations, the MAC will urge the Mainland to provide specific protections for Taiwanese people’s investment interests and personal safety in the Mainland.
The MAC pointed out that, in view of mainland China’s recent proposal for government, economic, and social development reform. the ROC government expects the Mainland to demonstrate its commitment to systematic reforms and strengthen citizen participation. At the same time, the two sides should continue to mutually learn and advance through exchanges and interaction, as well as work to enhance the well-being of the people on both sides.