News Reference Material
Date: October 10, 2020
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (October 10, 2020) stated that, President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated in her National Day Address that her determination to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait, safeguard national security, and adhere to principles in handling cross-Strait relations has not changed. This is the shared interests and responsibility of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and cannot be shouldered by Taiwan alone. The President also stated that, as long as the Beijing authorities are willing to resolve antagonisms and improve cross-Strait relations, while parity and dignity are maintained, Taiwan is willing to facilitate meaningful dialogue and discuss ways to peaceful coexistence. The MAC noted that the statement conveyed not only the unanimous position and consensus of the people of Taiwan and all political parties, but a responsible approach to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) should pragmatically understand this stance.
The MAC expressed strong dissatisfaction and regret over the Taiwan Affairs Office’s consistent responsibility-shirking and criticism, refusal to join Taiwan in promoting cross-Strait peace, and coercion of Taiwan into accepting the premise of the "one China principle" that leaves no space for the survival of the Republic of China. Such actions reflect a complete lack of courage to bear responsibility. The MAC stressed that, the people of Taiwan are determined to defend national sovereignty, safeguard democracy and freedom in Taiwan, and reject the unilateral political positions of the other side of the Taiwan Strait. In the face of Beijing authorities' deliberate intensification of threats against Taiwan and escalation of regional tension, Taiwan has become even more unified against all challenges. We call on the other side to not repeatedly misjudge the situation or provoke conflict. Instead, the Mainland should face up to cross-Strait realities; bear an attitude of mutual respect, goodwill, and understanding; and stop intimidating and oppressing Taiwan. This is the only right path for the positive development of cross-Strait relations.