Date：April 2, 2018
MAC Press Release No. 25
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued a solemn statement on April 2 regarding the numerous threats and irrational remarks and claims made against Premier Lai Ching-te by the Taiwan Affairs Office and the Mainland official mouthpiece Global Times. It said that Taiwan is a democratic and pluralistic society. Premier Lai has emphasized Taiwan consciousness and consistently upheld President Tsai Ing-wen's policy position on cross-Strait relations of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has sought to intimidate and oppress the government and people of Taiwan through its unilaterally established "one China principle" and repeated manipulation of the media and supposed "internet users." It has also attempted to infringe on Taiwan's dignity and rights through military action and legal threats. These actions are not befitting a responsible party. They only serve to increase cross-Strait opposition and undermine cross-Strait relations.
The MAC stressed that the Republic of China (ROC) is a sovereign state and that Taiwan is where we have made our home to live in peace. This cannot be slandered by anyone. The government firmly handles cross-Strait affairs according to the ROC Constitution, the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and other relevant legislation. According to public opinion surveys long conducted by the MAC, more than 80% of the public have steadily supported maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and agree with the ROC government's policy to promote the peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait relations. Over the past two years, the ROC government has not shown "enmity to China" and has been supportive of joint development between the two sides. However, mainland China must face the fact that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are separately governed. It must also respect democracy and public opinion in Taiwan. The MAC reiterated that intimidation by brute force will only create a negative spiral effect. It cannot shake the firm will of the Taiwanese people. Facing mainland China's negative tactics of manipulating public opinion through propaganda, the ROC government will fully endeavor to maintain national dignity and the security and welfare of the people. It will also continue to call for self-reflection by the Mainland. Resolving differences through communication is the only approach beneficial to the healthy development of cross-Strait relations.