Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Chiang Pin-kung (江丙坤) yesterday said that cross-strait relations had entered a stage where peace and economic prosperity were priorities.
Chiang said it was a pity that Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) Chairman Chen Yunlin (陳雲林) did not see the “rainbow at the Grand Hotel” where he stayed during his visit last week but demonstrations and clashes between protesters and police.
Chiang made the remarks when addressing a business summit at the Grand Hotel yesterday.
He said both sides of the Taiwan Strait had experienced military confrontation and stalemate, but now, both sides have entered a key stage.
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and ARATS resumed talks in June, aimed at building mutual trust and confidence.
Chiang said cross-strait relations have a profound impact on Taiwan’s economy. When tensions were high, investment and consumption suffered.
Peace is significant in pursuing economic prosperity, he said.
After the SEF and ARATS were established in 1991, Chiang said the two agencies reached a consensus in 1992 to put aside differences over sovereignty.
The so-called “1992 consensus” paved the way for a 1993 meeting when both sides signed four agreements, he said.
After a 10-year hiatus, Chiang said the SEF and ARATS resumed negotiations on the basis of the “1992 consensus” in June
The second round of high-level talks was held last week in Taipei when four more accords were signed.
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