Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) yesterday said she would prioritize negotiations with representatives of the nation’s alternative political forces on how they can work together in preparation for the January elections when she returns to Taiwan.
“The DPP will look at the issue with the utmost goodwill, and I hope to talk to our friends who represent the third political force to bridge our differences,” Tsai, on the last leg of her 12-day trip to the US, said at a press conference held before her departure from San Francisco to Taiwan.
“I will make it a priority after my return [to Taiwan],” she added.
The DPP presidential candidate said she hoped that nominations for lawmakers could be settled soon, especially as many potential third-force candidates would be running for the first time and would need more time to prepare.
The DPP also needs time to persuade party supporters to vote for third-force candidates, she said.
Speaking on Taiwan and China relations, Tsai said that the biggest difference between the DPP and the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) is that he DPP would not handle cross-strait issues in an opaque manner.
“The DPP will insist on following the public’s will, pursuing democracy and [promoting] public participation, as well as transparency, and would invite true monitoring by the public,” Tsai said.
“These are values that are commonly accepted by all Taiwanese and which they hope can be implemented in a free and democratic society,” she said.
As for the so-called “1992 consensus,” the DPP chairperson said that at the core of the issue is the idea of mutual understanding, respect and tolerance for continuing exchanges, since Taiwan and China have different ideas on many things.
“My idea is to [continue cross-strait exchanges] based on this spirit,” she said. “As to how facts are interpreted or what terms should be used to describe these facts, let us leave our differences aside.”
Asked about the controversy surrounding the KMT’s presidential nomination process, Tsai said that she fully respects the party’s nomination procedure.
“Whoever wins in the end, I will face this rival with respect,” she said.
Tsai added that her visit to the US has been fruitful, as she was able to engage in constructive dialogue with many people.
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