While conducting cross-strait negotiations at this juncture would be difficult, dialogue remains Taiwan's ultimate long-term goal, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Joseph Wu (
Wu indicated while delivering a speech at Waseda University yesterday that given the recent passage of Beijing's "Anti-Secession" Law, it would be difficult for negotiations to take place at this point in time, but assured that it would be the goal of the council's efforts in the future.
If both sides actively cooperate, the probability of success in discussing the politics of lasting peace increases, Wu said.
The Central News Agency reported from Tokyo yesterday that a crowd of roughly one hundred students was present at Wu's lecture, titled "Cross-strait relations and Taiwan's China Policy After the Anti-Secession Law."
Wu said that the goal of Taiwan's efforts was to secure goodwill, a peaceful resolution, active cooperation and lasting peace. Wu added, however, that while Beijing's Anti-Secession Law, which authorizes the use of force against Taiwan to check what it determines to be secessionist activity, had already gravely damaged cross-strait ties and Taiwan would continue to closely monitor China's moves. He reiterated that Taiwan would not give up on its goals of peaceful dialogue and peace across the Taiwan Strait.
Wu said that Beijing's military build-up was a threat to not only Taiwan but the entire East Asian region. He also noted that the crux of cross-strait conflict was in the diplomatic arena, with China using various measures to ensure Taiwan's diplomatic isolation.
Wu told his Japanese audience that various issues needed to be negotiated between Taiwan and China, naming cargo flights, monetary exchange, an agreement for the protection of the investment rights of Taiwanese businesspeople in China, financial management agencies, the avoidance of double taxation, cooperation on fighting crime and illegal immigration.
Wu left for Japan on Tuesday and is slated to return on Sunday.
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