President Ma Ying-jeou says the 1992 Consensus is the basis of cross-strait exchanges. Ma was speaking Wednesday during an inspection tour of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).
The 1992 Consensus refers to a tacit agreement reached between the two sides across the Taiwan Strait in 1992. Under the agreement, both sides agree there is only one China though each side may have its own interpretation of what that means.
According to the constitution of the Republic of China, the president said one China refers to Republic of China, which is Taiwan’s official name.
“It does not refer to two Chinas, one China and one Taiwan, or Taiwan independence. Without the 1992 Consensus, the window of opportunity for cross-strait peaceful development would not have been opened after 2008," said Ma. "Therefore, it’s clear that the 1992 Consensus is crucial to cross-strait peace and prosperity.
The president said Taiwan initiated the idea and that the consensus is acceptable to both sides. He also said the consensus has been included in China’s official papers since November 2011.