President Ma Ying-jeou says the 1992 Consensus is the principle that steers Taiwan's relations with China.
Ma made the comments on Friday during an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. The 1992 Consensus refers to a tacit understanding between Taiwan and China. Both sides agree that there is only "one China," and both Mainland China and Taiwan are a part of it, but the two sides differ on what the "one China" means.
Also during the interview, Ma said when negotiating with China, Taiwan is taking an "economy first, politics later" approach. He also said Taiwan and China have signed 21 agreements, and that cross-strait relations are at their peak in 65 years.
When asked whether Ma will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Beijing in November, Ma said public support and legislative oversight are needed before such a meeting could happen.
Taiwan's president is barred from attending the APEC summit because of opposition from China. China sees Taiwan as part of its territory, even though the two sides have been ruled separately for more than 60 years.