The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that, in order to understand the present development of mainland China and the challenges mainland China poses to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, it commissioned the Prospect Foundation to hold a symposium on "Development Issues in China and Prospects for Security in the Taiwan Strait" today (November 22, 2021). Several domestic scholars and experts were invited to participate in the symposium to discuss China's economic development, foreign relations, and issues related to security across the Taiwan Strait. MAC Deputy Minister Chiu Chui-Cheng presented an opening speech explaining the recent cross-Strait situation and the government's policy position. Discussions in the symposium contributed to an accurate assessment of the impact of the current coercive actions by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on security in the Taiwan Strait.
During the meeting, Deputy Minister Chiu emphasized that the “sixth plenary session” of the party's 19th Central Committee was the vehicle for the CCP to stress adherence to a “correct view of history,” highlight the unquestionability of the legitimacy and legality of its rule, solidify the supremacy of its leader’s social and political ideology, and strengthen intervention and supervision in various fields; these could raise concerns over the shrinking of space for the people's democracy, freedom and economic development. Moreover, the "Chinese Dream" underlined by the CCP in recent years is in fact the "dream of a strong country" and "dream of a strong military." In addition to continuing to intimidate Taiwan, the CCP has been strengthening military preparations in the East China Sea and South China Sea, raising concerns among neighboring countries over China's strategic expansion. Deputy Minister Chiu underscored that President Tsai Ing-wen's "four commitments" represent the biggest consensus in Taiwan. The government resolutely defends Taiwan's democratic and free political system and way of life. Taiwan will neither yield nor act rashly, and will pragmatically deal with cross-Strait issues. The government also calls on the CCP to respect the reality and public opinion in Taiwan, and pragmatically and rationally face up to cross-Strait relations.