Taiwan is committed to maintaining the “status quo” in the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, and free and democratic way of life, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said today in response to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) remarks earlier this week.
Xi on Tuesday urged China to firmly oppose "Taiwanese independence separatist activities" and external interference, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Xi made the remarks at a reception in Beijing celebrating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Photo: Taipei Times file photo
Xi’s comments on Taiwan this year only accounted for 44 words of his speech, down from 197 last year, the fewest in the past five years, Chiu said, adding that Xi usually devoted about 100 words to Taiwan in the annual speeches.
The reduction could be a part of a Chinese strategy or an implication that the issue is not among its top priorities, he said.
The council is evaluating and observing the situation ahead of upcoming negotiations between the US and China, he said.
Despite briefly mentioning deepening cross-strait cooperation, Xi touched on “two determinations,” which were to oppose "Taiwanese independence separatist activities" and external interference, and defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Chiu said.
Beijing’s policy on Taiwan is to continue to combine the “two determinations” with the promotion of unification and integration, he said.
He urged the Chinese government to abandon its “rigid mindset” to foster better cross-strait communication.
He also said that China should face reality and engage in a healthy and orderly dialogue based on the principles of equality and respect.
Addressing the trend of Taiwanese entertainers posting celebratory messages on China’s National Day, Chiu said the entertainers should cherish Taiwan’s free and democratic way of life and avoid becoming tools for China’s “united front” activities.
Several Taiwanese entertainers yesterday posted messages such as “happy birthday, new China” and “long live the motherland.”
A free and democratic way of life respects everyone’s cultural and national identity, Chiu said.
While their actions are regrettable, MAC would not seek to punish them for their words, as they are entitled to freedom of speech, he said.
It is a social consensus that Taiwan safeguards the nation’s sovereignty, freedom, democracy and core interests, he said.
There are two red lines that should not be crossed: belittling Taiwan and the sovereignty of the Republic of China, and promoting or celebrating China’s military exercises that aim to invade Taiwan by force, he said.
Additional reporting by Reuters
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