Symposium on the 30th Anniversary of Cross-Strait Exchanges
Key Points of Opening Remarks
by
Deputy Minister Lin Cheng-yi
National Chengchi University (NCCU) President Edward Chow, Director Ding Shuh-fan of the NCCU Institute of International Relations, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning!
It is a great honor to be invited to attend the "Symposium on the 30th Anniversary of Cross-Strait Exchanges" held by the Institute of International Relations at National Chengchi University. This symposium has particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the opening of cross-Strait exchanges in 1987. That year, the government lifted restrictions on family-related visits to mainland China. Then with Taiwanese business investment and emissaries, through the Hong Kong meeting, Koo-Wang Talks, Qiandao Lake Incident (1994), Taiwan Strait missile crisis, Koo-Wang Meetings, special state-to-state relationship, the first change of governing political party in Taiwan, the Mini-Three-Links, Integration Theory, one country on each side, defensive referendum, Macao model, Three Links, signing of 23 agreements, summit meeting between Ma Ying-jeou and Xi Jinping, and the Mainland tour group bus fire incident. From closed door meetings at the highest level to private sector contact and exchanges at the grassroots level, ties between the two sides have been characterized by both structural cooperation and strained relations. In recent years, more than eight million visits have made across the Taiwan Strait, though the direction of these visits has been lopsided. In the process of interaction between the two sides, Taiwan entrepreneurs’ participation have witnessed the economic boom of the southeast coast of mainland China. Next, I will provide some background on the government's cross-Strait policy in the current stage.
1. The achievements and process of the past 30 years of cross-Strait exchanges have been invaluable. They are also the greatest assets in the development of relations between the two sides. Cross-Strait relations have advanced at different paces under Kuomintang (KMT) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administrations. Yet the respective national interests as perceived by each party cannot be ignored in the pace of relations, nor can we overlook normative review in the course of expansionary reach. Mainland China has unilaterally suspended institutionalized cross-Strait negotiations. Yet we remain committed to promoting the orderly development of cross-Strait relations and maintaining the mechanisms for cross-Strait exchanges and communication.
2. The government has shown its determination and taken action to fulfill the responsibility to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait. In her inaugural address on May 20 last year, President Tsai stated that the government would handle cross-Strait affairs in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of China (ROC), the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and other relevant legislation. She also has repeatedly emphasized that the peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait relations will be firmly maintained on the basis of respect for the historical facts of the 1992 talks in Hong Kong and the existing political foundation. Over the past year, we have kept our commitment to maintain the status quo and avoid provocation. The government will liaise more proactively with the Mainland on important and urgent matters pertaining to the rights and interests of the people, international participation, and other regards, as well as promote the continued operation of cross-Strait agreements.
3. Both sides should engage in communication and dialogue to avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment as they face the recent new developments in the region and across the Taiwan Strait. Dialogue and communication are crucial to maintain peace and stability and to build mutual trust in cross-Strait relations. Over the past year, mainland China has not responded to our goodwill. Rather it has repeatedly insisted on the "1992 Consensus" that "both sides are part of one China" as the political foundation for cross-Strait interaction and curtailed the operation of mechanisms for cross-Strait interaction and consultations. Internationally, it has stepped up proclamations on the "one China principle" and obstructed Taiwan's international participation. Facing recent changes in the region and across the Taiwan Strait, we believe that mutual understanding and respect and communication and dialogue without preconditions are the keys to solving problems and building mutual trust.
4. Normal cross-Strait exchanges should not be obstructed by political preconditions. The rights and well-being of the people are the core to exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. The development of cross-Strait relations has revealed both similarities between the two sides, as well as differences in ways of life, systems, and values that need to be jointly faced. This is why "setting aside differences to seek common ground" has become a catchphrase of the ROC government. The government has a positive view of cross-Strait exchanges and interaction in various fields. It welcomes Mainland tourists to visit Taiwan, cares for study and life of Mainland students and spouses in Taiwan, and is building a friendly and safe environment for cross-Strait exchanges. Moreover, we hope that mainland China will promptly make public the facts and details in the high-profile case of Li Ming-che, announce the place where Li Ming-che is detained, and consent to family visits to prevent this matter from becoming an obstacle to the development of cross-Strait relations. We are not afraid of thorny issues between the two sides. We only fear losing the space to pragmatically and duly resolve issues due to barriers from preconceptions.
5. Taiwan's international participation is conducive to the progress of cross-Strait relations. The government will continue to seek to participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA) and international medical activities. The government places great importance on the upcoming WHA. Over the past eight years, Taiwan has earned the support and affirmation of the vast majority of countries for its professional participation and contribution to the WHA. A key index in the next stage of cross-Strait relations will be whether Taiwan is able to participate in the WHA. We believe that medical care has no boundaries. Participation in the WHA concerns the health rights and interests of the people of Taiwan and should not be withheld for any reason. The other side needs to carefully handle this case to avoid harming cross-Strait relations.
The 30th anniversary of cross-Strait exchanges is a worthy time to look back and consider the road ahead. President Tsai recently stated in a recent interview that both sides should jointly face a "new situation" in the Asia Pacific and a "new answer sheet" as well as a "new model" in cross-Strait relations. The cross-Strait relationship is an interactive process: it cannot be dominated by one side alone. We hope that, in the handling of cross-Strait relations, mainland China can think outside the box; that more positive development can be possible; and that both sides can jointly consider a structural cooperative relationship. We also hope that the two sides can replace malicious language and crude fist-shaking with courage, wisdom, and innovative thinking and embark on a positive interaction in cross-Strait relations with sustained patience for the next 30 years.