Beijing must shoulder its share of responsibility for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait by promoting positive, mutually beneficial interactions, the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council said March 20.
People on both sides anticipate the benign development of cross-strait relations, the MAC said, adding that the government is committed to safeguarding national dignity as well as the rights and welfare of the people of Taiwan.
The remarks came in response to comments by mainland Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the conclusion of the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress the same day in Beijing.
Noting changes in the structure of mainland China’s government revealed at the congress, the MAC said that Beijing’s moves should be based on the principles of listening to the people, embracing democratic participation and protecting human rights and freedom.
Unilateral cross-strait measures by Beijing and a refusal to engage in dialogue have negatively impacted the development of ties, the MAC said. These actions demonstrate a lack of respect for Taiwan’s dignity and the will of the people, the council added.
Recent measures by Beijing aimed at luring capital, expertise and talent from Taiwan undermine past progress in promoting mutual benefits and positive interactions, the MAC said, adding that they also impede the healthy development of cross-strait relations.
The council urged Xi to adopt a new way of thinking, divert from the old path of threats and confrontation, safeguard peace and stability, and face the reality that the two sides are under separate rule. (KWS-E)
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