Hon Hai Precision Industry Co founder Terry Gou (郭台銘) yesterday discussed his proposal for a “Kinmen peace declaration” during a meeting with Liberal Democratic Party Vice President Taro Aso, who was prime minister of Japan from 2008 to 2009.
The “declaration,” Gou’s cross-strait policy to relaunch talks with China based on the so-called “1992 consensus” while upholding the interests of the Republic of China, proposes holding the talks in Kinmen County.
The “1992 consensus,” a term that former Mainland Affairs Council chairman Su Chi (蘇起) in 2006 admitted making up in 2000, refers to a tacit understanding between the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Chinese government that both sides of the Strait acknowledge there is “one China,” with each side having its own interpretation of what “China” means.
Photo: CNA
Gou unveiled his proposal on May 13.
He said that Aso had sent word through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that he would like to meet with him.
Aso has expressed great concern about the possibility of war and Taiwan’s future each time he has visited, Gou said after they spoke at the Regent Hotel in Taipei.
Aso firmly believes that “a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency,” Gou said.
The US is still trying to create channels of dialogue with Beijing and hopes that direct talks would de-escalate tensions, he said, adding that he and Aso agreed that Taiwan and Japan hope that there would not be a war.
Gou said he shared his “declaration” with Aso, as Japan hopes that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait could negotiate a peaceful solution.
The Kinmen plan would offer both sides a viable communication channel and communication is the best way to avert a war, he said.
While Taiwan must be prepared for war, it should, as much as possible, avoid being backed into a corner or into a situation where conflict is inevitable, he said, adding that he hopes to contribute to the development of a channel of communication between Taipei and Beijing.
“The basis of this system would be trust,” he added.
Gou also said that on Aug. 23, he would start advocating for his “declaration” to become a real policy.
Gou said that Vice President William Lai’s (賴清德) recent comments have made Washington anxious and failed to calm Beijing.
Lai, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate, last month said that “when Taiwan’s president can enter the White House, the political goal that we’re pursuing will have been achieved,” a comment that reportedly caused concern in Washington.
Lai on May 20 answered with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) when asked which world leader he most like to dine with.
Gou said that his response was an attempt to win Beijing’s trust.
Gou said that Aso agreed with his comments that Taiwan and Japan have collaborated on many projects and that such efforts should continue.
Gou showed reporters an anime-themed stamp collection Aso had given him, saying he hoped that young Taiwanese could enjoy anime, democracy and freedom without the threat of war.
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