March 19, 2018
MAC Press Release No. 22
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that Minister Chen Ming-Tong specially indicated during today's handover ceremony that two sides of the Taiwan Strait should put themselves in the other's shoes, show empathy, and set aside differences to seek common ground. This is the only way to build harmonious cross-Strait relations, promote cross-Strait peace, and pursue coexistence and co-prosperity. Today also marks a full year since mainland China restricted the personal freedom of Mr. Li Ming-che. Upon taking office, Minister Chen expressed deep concern over Li's case. He instructed colleagues at the MAC to continue dedicating their full efforts to secure the release of Li Ming-che and help the family to visit mainland China as soon as possible.
The MAC stated that Li Ming-che shared experience with friends in mainland China on democratic development in Taiwan based on his belief in the universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights and concern for the future development of mainland China. For this he was sentenced by the Mainland authorities to imprisonment for "the crime of subversion of state power." The shackles of prison can never stop the people's heartfelt yearning for freedom, democracy, and justice. Inclusive accommodation of different views is the sustenance necessary for the road to reform in mainland China. Moreover, the prompt release of Li Ming-che could be an important step forward for the Mainland on this road to reform.
The MAC emphasized that freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law are universal values and form a cherished way of life for people around the world. The two sides have chosen different political systems and development models. However, Taiwan hopes that mainland China can heed the people's appeals and continue to systemically establish a more open, fair, just, and harmonious society. This is the only way to usher in new opportunities for the two sides to advance in the same direction, coexist, and prosper together.