MAC poll: Nearly 80% of Taiwanese oppose China's 'One Country, Two Systems'

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) released the results of its latest poll on cross-strait issues today. The survey, conducted between May 22-23 and 25-26, shows that 79.7% of respondents oppose Beijing's 'One Country, Two Systems' proposal. Additionally, 87.1% disagree with the notion that "accepting 'One Country, Two Systems' and 'peaceful unification' is acceptable even if it means losing freedom and democracy under Communist Party rule." About 82.2% of respondents disapprove of China's obstruction of President Lai Ching-te's diplomatic visits. Nearly 47.4% believe China is undermining peace in the Taiwan Strait. Conversely, 85.6% support "maintaining the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," while 72.6% agree that "the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other." Furthermore, 71.9% support increasing the defense budget and strengthening self-defense capabilities. The MAC stated that the poll reflects mainstream public opinion in Taiwan supporting the stance that the two sides are not subordinate to each other and favoring the maintenance of the status quo. The MAC urged Beijing to face the objective reality of the Republic of China's existence and engage in dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected government.