Premier Tang Fei (
"Based on the goodwill gesture offered on May 20 and June 20, as well as the goodwill shown by mainland China over the past days, there is a possibility for dialogue and negotiations to resume," Tang told lawmakers during the general interpellation session of the legislature.
Tang was referring to recent remarks on "one China" made by high-ranking Beijing officials, which have been interpreted as a softening of China's stance on the issue.
Speaking to a delegation of Taiwanese journalists on Thursday, Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen (
Qian on Wednesday said that the substance of "one China" could be put aside and that "one China" is only a principle and a foundation for discussions, which does not imply any details such as the format under which unification is to be achieved, Taiwan's international status or even its autonomy.
Qian said it is understandable that both sides have different perceptions as to whether the ROC or PRC represents "China."
Qian said since the boundaries of the "China" claimed by both sides are almost identical, the details could be worked out through negotiation.
Qian even proposed that the two sides start negotiating on launching direct transport, business and mail links across the Strait.
While China has insisted that Taiwan comply with the "one China" principle as a precondition for the restoration of dialogue, Taiwan has recently insisted that the two sides be allowed to have "different interpretations of one China," or "agreeing to disagree" on the matter.
Tang said the signals sent by Qian indicated Beijing has begun to evaluate the possibility of resuming talks with Taiwan.
"This means cross-strait relations have seen some progress," Tang said.
Over the past two weeks, Tang has proposed both sides give up their original stances on "one China" and work together to build a future "new China."
"I've been urging mainland China not to insist that `one China' is the PRC, and we won't insist that `one China' is the ROC," Tang pointed out.
Lin Chong-pin (林中斌), vice chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, agreed that Qian's recent remarks indicate a reciprocation of Taiwan's goodwill gestures.
However, Lin said since the MAC had learnt about Qian's remarks through newspaper reports, the council still needs to verify the facts with the Taiwanese delegates after their return.
Lin said the MAC will start its planning for cross-strait talks if the information is proved correct.
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