Acceptance of '92 Consensus a 'trend'

An official said on Wednesday that increasing numbers of Taiwan residents are realizing that the 1992 Consensus embodying the one-China principle is critical, especially following local elections in Taiwan last month, and the agreement is closely related to a desire to develop the economy and improve people's lives.

A recent poll by China Times in Taiwan showed that 61 percent of Taiwan residents agree with developing relations with the mainland under the consensus - an understanding reached between Beijing and Taipei in 1992 that the two sides belong to one China.

"We have noticed the trend," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, who said most Taiwan compatriots recognize its significance and that it's tied to their self-interest.

The 15 newly elected Kuomintang county and city heads all publicly declared that they will uphold the consensus, and there are efforts underway have the 15 visit Beijing to promote economic and trade development, the island's media reported.

With a correct understanding of exchanges between cities across the Taiwan Straits, more counties and cities in Taiwan are welcome to participate in such exchanges and cooperation, Ma said.

However, the island's mainland affairs council said recently that cross-Straits exchanges should be handled through official communications between the two sides, and should not be subject to political preconditions.

Ma said the 1992 Consensus clearly defines the nature of cross-Straits relations, and as it has been confirmed by both sides it is not a premise imposed by one party on another.

The consensus makes it possible to put aside differences that are difficult to resolve for the time being and opens the door for exchanges and dialogue on the basis of consultation on an equal footing, he said.

Since the Democratic Progressive Party came to power in 2016, it has refused to clearly state its acceptance of the consensus, thus closing the door to cross-Straits consultations and seriously harming the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots, Ma said.

Ma said the Taiwan people already realize that the DPP's refusal to state its support for the consensus and its creation of tensions between the two sides are entirely the result of selfish motives.

He urged the DPP to abandon its separatist stance, cease language and deeds that undermine cross-Straits relations and return to a common political stance in order to pursue a better life.