Date: March 31, 2019
MAC Press Release No. 38
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued a statement today (March 31, 2019) addressing the crossing of the median line of the Taiwan Strait by Chinese fighter jets, protesting and severely condemning Beijing for the irrational and highly provocative move. Such incursions confirm MAC’s recent claim that, since Xi Jinping outlined his "Five Points," the Beijing authorities have intensified their military aggression against Taiwan and attempts to force unification. These actions also gravely undermine cross-Strait relations, seriously impact regional stability, and trigger unrest in international society..
Beijing has continued to use carrot-and-stick tactics to promote the "one country, two systems model for Taiwan." In his January 2 speech this year, Xi Jinping emphasized that the Mainland would never renounce the use of force against Taiwan. Military intimidation such as crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait is an example of the "stick" side of Beijing's two-faced strategy to advance ultimate unification. The people of Taiwan should recognize the severity of the current situation in the Taiwan Strait and remain well prepared for any eventualities. The public should not harbor unrealistic expectations and fantasies about Beijing based on the small favors the Mainland grants to a segment of Taiwan's population.
The Republic of China is a sovereign and independent country. Taiwan's future development must be based on the free will and choice of Taiwan's 23 million people. The government remains determined to maintain regional and cross-Strait peace and stability. In the face of rising military intimidation from the Mainland, Taiwan is firmly determined and able to defend itself. The relevant government agencies have been closely tracking the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s movements and have prepared responses. We also warn Beijing not to misjudge the situation or miscalculate the will of the people of Taiwan to defend Taiwan's freedom and democracy, nor the solidarity and determination of the free and democratic world to confront the expansion and threat of authoritarianism.