Taiwanese Snub One-China, Ma’s 1992 Consensus Comments
What you need to know
After Taiwan’s presidential election, China has been making moves to challenge Taiwan’s sovereignty and strengthen the “One-China Policy.” However, a recent poll shows that most Taiwanese oppose this strategy, and netizens have responded negatively to President Ma’s view of the “1992 Consensus.”
Translated and compiled by Yuan-ling Liang
Nearly 60% of Taiwanese think President-elect Tsai Ing-wen should avoid mentioning the “One-China Policy” in her inauguration speech, according to a recent poll conducted by the Taiwan Cross-Strait Policy Association (TWCSPA).
Tsai is set to take office on May 20. People expect her inauguration speech may be used to explain the new government’s policy towards China.
Liberty Times reports, the TWCSPA survey was conducted from April 11 to 13, interviewing more than 1,000 people.
The survey shows 59.7% of the participants think Tsai should not mention the “One-China Policy” while 22% disagreed. Additionally, 63.7% of those surveyed think Tsai should focus more on domestic issues in her speech, while only 19.6% think she should talk about cross-strait relations.
More than 60% still don’t think Tsai should mention the “One-China Policy” when asked if China threatens Taiwan by reducing their visitors, narrowing Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and decreasing cross-strait interaction.
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The 1992 consensus debate
The “One-China Policy,” also known as the foundation of “the 1992 consensus,” holds the concept that explains cross-strait relationships as “one China, respective interpretations."
President Ma Ying-jeou has mentioned the 1992 consensus several times in his speeches, saying it brings peace to cross-strait relations. In his recent interview with CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour, posted on March 26, Ma reaffirmed that the 1992 consensus does Taiwan more good than harm.
However, not all Taiwanese people agree with this idea.
In January, after the presidential election, a poll conducted by the Taiwan Thinktank revealed that 54% of the Taiwanese are against the “One-China Policy.”
A recent article on PTT, a Taiwanese online discussion platform, mentioned the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council’s attitude towards the 1992 consensus.
Netizens’ responses included: “One-China simply just means ‘one PRC,’” “there is no room for ‘respective interpretations,” “thanks to Ma Ying-jeou, for letting Taiwanese know that the 1992 consensus is how China can rule Taiwan legally.”
Edited by Edward White
Sources:
Liberty Times
SET News
Zipo: Kenya
Talk Liberty Times
Udn