President Tsai Ing-wen said Jan. 2 that Taiwan has never accepted the “1992 Consensus” because the definition of it used by the Beijing authorities is “one country, two systems” and this is resolutely opposed by the vast majority of the people.
The nation will absolutely not accept “one country, two systems” and public opposition to it forms a Taiwan consensus, Tsai said.
Taiwan is willing to engage in negotiations with China, but all political consultations must be authorized and monitored by the people, and no individual or group has the right to represent the public in such talks, she added.
The president made the remarks in response to a speech delivered by Chinese leader Xi Jinping earlier the same day in which he proposed further exploration of a “one country, two systems” scenario for Taiwan.
According to Tsai, despite suffering many forms of suppression, Taiwan has faithfully fulfilled its responsibilities as a member of the international community and contributed to cross-strait and regional peace and stability over the past two years.
The future development of cross-strait relations requires that China face the reality of the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and not deny the democratic system established by the people, she said.
Beijing must also respect the commitment of the 23 million people of Taiwan to freedom and democracy and not foster divisions or offer inducements to interfere with the choices they make, she added.
Instead of using suppression and intimidation to get the people of Taiwan to submit, Tsai said that China must handle cross-strait differences peacefully and on the basis of equality. And finally, all negotiations must be conducted by governments or government-authorized agencies.
According to the president, these “four musts” are the most crucial foundations in determining whether cross-strait ties develop in a positive direction.
Tsai urged China to accept the responsibilities and act with the demeanor befitting a superpower, adding that the global community is waiting to see whether China can enact reforms and become a trustworthy partner.
The people of Taiwan cherish their values and way of life, Tsai said. China should bravely move toward democracy so that it can truly understand these ideals and commitments, she added. (SFC-E)
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