Cheng Li-wen: Resuming Cross-Strait Dialogue Based on 1992 Consensus Aids Peace and Stability

(CNA) American Institute in Taiwan Director Sandra Oudkirk stated that maintaining the status quo is the basis for cross-strait dialogue. Kuomintang Chairperson Cheng Li-wen said today that when exchanges and dialogue begin, it is naturally in a state of maintaining the status quo. Based on the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence, resuming cross-strait dialogue and exchanges is the only formula for rapid de-escalation and for creating peaceful and stable cross-strait relations.

American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Sandra Oudkirk stated in a media interview that Taiwan's political parties have more common ground on issues such as democracy and security than imagined, and it is not a matter of black and white or blue versus green. Taiwan has 70% public opinion supporting the maintenance of the status quo, which can serve as an excellent foundation for dialogue between Taiwan's elected leaders and Beijing. Beijing's attempts to create division in Taiwan will not yield the desired results.

Cheng Li-wen said in an interview on an online program today that cross-strait relations have been severed for 10 years, and the situation is fraught with danger, which is acknowledged worldwide. Therefore, to reduce risks and avoid war, no one has told her specific methods. The only approach is to significantly and rapidly increase Taiwan's military preparedness, but this is absolutely not a formula for peace.

Cheng Li-wen said she has not said that Taiwan's defense capabilities and resilience should be abandoned; these are, of course, important. However, relying solely on these will not lead to peaceful and stable relations, so it is impossible not to initiate dialogue and exchanges. Therefore, based on the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence, resuming cross-strait dialogue and exchanges is the only formula for rapid de-escalation and for creating peaceful and stable cross-strait relations.

Cheng Li-wen stated that when exchanges and dialogue begin, it is naturally in a state of maintaining the status quo. As for whether the status quo will change in the future, as long as it meets the needs and will of the people on both sides of the strait, why not? This includes the will of the 23 million people, which must be respected and satisfied, otherwise, how can the status quo change? Even the president elected by Taiwan cannot decide Taiwan's destiny alone, because Taiwan is already a mature democracy. This is the true maintenance of the status quo.

Cheng Li-wen believes that when the Democratic Progressive Party constantly promotes the 'new two-state theory,' it is changing the status quo, undermining the status quo, and playing with fire. Therefore, the current status quo of both sides belonging to 'one China' aligns with the 'one China' principle of the Republic of China's constitution. The 'new two-state theory' attempts to change the status quo, leading to the current dangerous situation. The pragmatic basis is, of course, to first return to maintaining the status quo, and then, on the basis of the status quo, establish institutionalized and sustainable cross-strait peace.

Regarding whether the United States can accept the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence, Cheng Li-wen said that the US naturally has concerns. The source of these concerns is related to the changes in US policy toward China over the past decade, which is due to China's rapid rise, exceeding everyone's expectations, leading the US to become apprehensive. Everyone's anxiety stems from the fear that the mainland might unilaterally change the status quo through coercive means, rather than through peaceful methods.

Cheng Li-wen pointed out that she does not believe this is the path China wants to take. China still prioritizes peaceful methods. However, due to the long-term divergence across the strait, they cannot abandon the option of using force if the two sides move towards permanent separation. Because of the long-term division and the prolonged intervention of foreign forces, China has a high degree of vigilance. Coupled with the long-term rule of the DPP, which aims to move towards permanent separation every day, China is naturally highly defensive. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen, Lin Shu-yuan) 1150623

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