The Mainland Affairs Council says that Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu’s recent remarks on cross-strait relations are in line with the government’s cross-strait policy.
The council’s statement comes amid controversy over Chu’s remarks that Taiwan and China “belong to one China, but with each side ascribing different contents and definitions to the concept of ‘one China.’” The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says that Chu’s remarks are a departure from President Ma Ying-jeou’s support for the 1992 Consensus as a basis for cross-strait relations. The 1992 Consensus is an agreement on one China, but with the two sides having their own respective definitions.
However, Mainland Affairs Council Minister Andrew Hsia said on Wednesday that Chu’s remarks actually reaffirm the importance of the 1992 Consensus.
When a lawmaker asked for clarification, however, Hsia said that there was a slight difference in Chu’s remarks:
"'One China, respective interpretations' means both sides have a different perspective on the meaning and definition of one China, so each side can state [their perspective] orally or in writing," said Hsia. "It’s not exactly the same."
Hsia said the 1992 Consensus is a fact of history which cannot be denied. The current administration believes that the consensus is also an important foundation for peaceful, stable and prosperous cross-strait relations.