The great majority of people in Taiwan support benign exchanges between Taipei and Beijing and urge the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to reinstate dialogue and reciprocal official visits, according to the results of a poll released Jan. 19 by the Mainland Affairs Council.
A total of 86.2 percent of respondents said the rights and well-being of the people of Taiwan and mainland China should take priority when it comes to cross-strait engagement, while 83.1 percent believe political considerations should have no role in any such dealings.
Around 80 percent said the two sides share a responsibility to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, with upgraded oversight of arrangements governing people-to-people exchanges seen as helping maintain order in cross-strait interactions.
Concerning Taiwan’s international participation and cross-strait security, 83.4 percent said mainland China should not interfere in this regard. A total of 73.6 percent perceive tension and pressure caused by Beijing as not auguring well for the positive long-term development of cross-strait relations.
Nearly 73 percent support the Republic of China (Taiwan) government’s stance that promoting external ties is as equally important as developing relations with mainland China, as both approaches help ensure cross-strait and regional peace and stability.
Close to 85 percent said Taipei and Beijing should set aside their prejudices and seek a new model of interaction, with 83.8 percent in favor of maintaining the cross-strait status quo.
Regarding the current pace of cross-strait exchanges, 37.6 percent said it is progressing adequately, while 34.7 percent and 12.8 percent believe it is too slow and too fast, respectively.
The MAC said since President Tsai Ing-wen took office May 20, 2016, the government has shown the highest level of goodwill and flexibility in its cross-strait policy and related measures, and remains committed to maintaining peace and stability between the two sides.
Going forward, the MAC said it will continue promoting collaboration and exchanges across the Taiwan Strait in a pragmatic fashion. It also urges Beijing to squarely face new developments in cross-strait relations and engage in dialogue to resolve differences between the two sides as per the expectations of the people and all relevant parties in the region.
Conducted earlier this month by the Election Study Center at National Chengchi University in Taipei City, the telephone poll involved 1,073 adults nationwide with a 95 percent confidence level. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw