2023-03-06
DPP: Li Keqiang’s Reaffirmation of One China Principle Disregards Taiwanese Opinion
In response to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reaffirming the “one China principle” and “1992 Consensus” in the government work report, the Democratic Progressive Party stated today (March 6) that the CCP continues trying to restrict Taiwan’s international space through the imposition of a coercive political framework, disregarding in toto Taiwanese opinion and our adamant championing of democratic values. Li’s unfortunate remarks will only serve the purpose of aggravating cross-strait animosity, rather than aid the cause of maintaining peace and stability in cross-strait relations. Over this the DPP expresses regret.
Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation, the DPP stressed, and its formal name is the Republic of China. Any change in the status of the country must be determined by democratic means. That the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinated to each other is a reality and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait; it is the common understanding of the people of Taiwan, too. The CCP must face up to this prevailing Taiwanese opinion, for the sake of a more positive development of cross-strait ties.
“Peace, parity, democracy and dialogue,” the DPP pointed out, are necessary components to steadying the development of cross-strait relations. Instead, in the recent past the CCP has repeatedly resorted to diplomatic coercion, economic interference and blatant military threats to browbeat Taiwan. The so-called “Comprehensive Plan for Resolving the Taiwan Problem” should be better thought of as the CCP’s comprehensive scheme for absorbing Taiwan, which won’t win the approval of Taiwanese people. Chinese acts of aggression won’t be tolerated by the international community either.
The DPP would like to reiterate our long-held position: Healthy, orderly cross-strait exchanges are always welcome. In the face of cross-strait differences, it is necessary that both sides communicate openly and with an attitude of mutual respect and understanding. The powers that be in Beijing should adopt a more open attitude to build positive cross-strait interactions and jointly shoulder the responsibility for maintaining regional stability.
